HomeApplying for a Visa in Cyprus
Planning a trip to Cyprus but don’t want to waste time dealing with visa documents? Our lawyers will help you obtain a Cyprus visa quickly and without unnecessary complications. We guarantee full support at all stages of the application process: from preparing the necessary documents to successfully obtaining the visa.
An immigration lawyer in Cyprus will prepare all the documents for you and submit them to the necessary authorities. We reduce application processing times by strictly adhering to all requirements.
Why Apply for a Visa in Cyprus?
Cyprus is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, as well as businessmen, students, and investors. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need a visa to enter the country.
Cyprus is famous for its picturesque beaches, mild climate, rich history, and developed tourist infrastructure. If you are planning a holiday or visiting friends and relatives, a Schengen or national Cypriot visa will ensure you legal entry into the country and an unhindered stay.
Thanks to a favourable tax regime and access to the European market, Cyprus attracts entrepreneurs and investors from all over the world. Obtaining a business visa will allow participation in business negotiations and conferences, concluding deals and signing contracts, as well as exploring opportunities for investment in the Cypriot economy.
Cyprus is one of the leading jurisdictions in the field of international financial services, IT, and shipping. Obtaining a work visa is necessary for legal employment on the island. Companies hiring foreign specialists often assist their employees with visa matters, but the process requires a legally competent approach.
Types of Visas You Can Apply for in Cyprus
Cyprus attracts thousands of travellers, entrepreneurs, students, and investors from all over the world. Depending on the purpose of the trip and the planned duration of stay, it is necessary to choose the appropriate type of visa:
- Tourist visa. For short-term trips, visiting relatives and friends, participating in cultural and sports events. Issued for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Does not allow employment or entrepreneurial activity. Requires proof of financial solvency and medical insurance;
- Airport Transit Visa. Required for individuals who are making a transfer at airports in Cyprus and do not intend to leave the transit zone. To obtain an Airport Transit Visa, it is necessary to provide documents confirming the final destination and the transit nature of the trip;
- Business visa. For entrepreneurs, businessmen, and company employees who come to Cyprus for business meetings, conferences, and contract signing. Available for short-term trips of up to 90 days. Does not grant the right to work but allows negotiations and agreement signing. Requires an invitation from a Cypriot company or partner;
- Work visa. For foreign citizens who have received a job offer from a Cypriot company. Issued to employees of Cypriot companies and international firms. Requires employer sponsorship. Allows official work and residence in Cyprus.
- Student visa. For international students enrolled in accredited educational institutions in Cyprus. Valid for the duration of studies with the possibility of extension. Allows working up to 20 hours per week during studies;
- Investment visa. For foreign citizens wishing to obtain a residence permit in Cyprus through investments. Requires investments in real estate, business, or securities from €300,000. Grants the right to quickly obtain permanent residency and subsequent citizenship;
- F Visa. For affluent foreign citizens who can prove a stable income without the need to work in Cyprus. Suitable for pensioners and individuals with passive income. Requires proof of financial independence. Allows obtaining a residence permit without the right to employment;
- Visa for family reunification. For spouses, children, and close relatives of citizens of Cyprus or foreigners with a residence permit/permanent residence in Cyprus. Allows officially residing with family in Cyprus. Requires proof of family ties and financial stability of the family;
- Multiple Entry Visa. Issued for frequent trips to Cyprus and allows visiting the country multiple times within a year. The maximum period of stay in the country with a Multiple Entry Visa does not exceed 90 days within every 180 days;
- Cyprus Golden Visa. Designed for investors and their families who make significant contributions to the economy of Cyprus through property purchases or other investments. Cyprus Golden Visa provides the right to permanent residence and free movement within EU countries.
Requirements for Cyprus Visa Applications
Submitting a visa application for Cyprus requires meeting a number of conditions, including providing mandatory documents, proof of financial solvency, and a clear justification of the purpose of the trip.
To apply for a Cyprus visa, the applicant must provide a standard set of documents, which includes:
- The completed questionnaire – the official application form, signed by the applicant;
- Foreign passport – the validity period must be at least 3 months after the planned departure from Cyprus;
- Photographs – two colour photographs sized 3.5 × 4.5 cm, meeting Cyprus visa requirements;
Round-trip flight booking; - Confirmation of residence – hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation from the host;
- Financial documents – a bank statement for the last 3 months confirming the availability of sufficient funds;
- An insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire duration of stay;
- Payment of the consular fee – the amount depends on the type of visa.
Cypriot authorities require proof of the applicant’s financial solvency. This means it is necessary to confirm the availability of sufficient funds to cover expenses for accommodation, transport, and food. Minimum amounts of funds:
- For tourists – from €50–100 per day of stay;
- For students – confirmation of financial sponsorship or availability of deposits;
- For work visas – an employment contract with a Cypriot company;
- For investors – confirmation of the source of capital.
Depending on the type of visa, justification of the purpose of the visit may be required. It is recommended to submit documents at least 1 month before the planned trip.
Our immigration services
Regardless of the required type of visa, it is important to prepare all documents correctly to avoid refusals and delays. Our team of experienced lawyers is ready to assist you at every stage of the visa application process, providing legal support and an individual approach.
We provide a full range of Cyprus immigration services. During consultations on visa matters, we will analyse your situation and select the most suitable type of visa, explain the application requirements, Cyprus visa requirements, timelines, and necessary documents. Our specialists also offer consultations on visa extensions or changing residency status in Cyprus.
Also, our team provides assistance in the preparation and submission of applications for a Cyprus visa: checking the correctness of the application form, collecting all necessary documents in accordance with Cyprus visa requirements, completing applications and submitting them to diplomatic missions, accompanying clients in case of additional information requests from the consulate.
We assist in the preparation of financial and legal documents. Our specialists will handle the drafting of financial confirmations (bank statements, income certificates), prepare contracts for work or investment visas, and also provide legal support for applicants for long-term visas and residence permits.
We guarantee comprehensive support in complex visa issues: resolving problems in case of visa refusal, preparing an appeal in case of refusal, and legal protection of the client’s interests, consultations on the requirements of Cyprus migration legislation.
The Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Cyprus Visa
Obtaining a Cyprus visa requires compliance with a number of formalities and proper documentation. Regardless of the type of visa, the application procedure includes several mandatory steps.
Before submitting the application, it is necessary to determine what type of visa you need.
A short-term Schengen Type C visa is intended for short trips of up to 90 days. A national Type D visa is suitable for long-term stays, work, study, or business. A visa for obtaining a residence permit or citizenship is designed for investors, entrepreneurs, and pensioners. If you are unsure which type of visa suits you, it is recommended to consult a lawyer.
After this, it is necessary to proceed with the preparation of the required documents. Their list varies depending on the type of visa, and we reviewed the standard package earlier in this article. Errors or a lack of documents may lead to a refusal, so it is important to consult a lawyer in advance.
The next step is to schedule an appointment to submit your application at the consulate or visa centre in your country. It is necessary to book an appointment in advance, as waiting times can be long. If the submission is carried out through an authorised representative or agency, a notarised power of attorney is required.
On the day of submission, it is necessary to come to the consulate or visa centre with a complete set of documents. For a national visa (Type D), biometric registration (fingerprints) may be required. After the documents are checked, the applicant is issued a receipt for the visa fee payment and an application number.
The processing time for an application depends on the type of visa. For example, a tourist visa can be issued within 5-15 working days. Meanwhile, obtaining an investment visa or residence permit (ВНЖ) may take 2-6 months. In case of delays, you can contact a lawyer to check the status of your application.
If you have been refused a visa, it is important to immediately find out the reason (it will be indicated in the consulate’s notification). After this, it is necessary to correct the mistakes and submit a new application. If needed, you can file an appeal with legal support. Immigration lawyer Cyprus will help you understand the situation and increase your chances of obtaining a visa upon reapplication.
Contact Us Today
Our comprehensive Cyprus immigration services will help you avoid incorrect form filling or lack of documents, which could lead to a refusal. Professional support will speed up the process of obtaining a Cyprus visa.
If you need legal support with visa matters in Cyprus, our team is ready to help. Immigration lawyer Cyprus will provide full assistance throughout the application process, prepare all necessary documents, and help you successfully obtain a visa without risks or delays. Contact us today and get a consultation from our experienced immigration lawyers!
What Are the Visa Requirements for Cyprus?
To apply for a Cyprus visa, the following documents must be provided: a completed visa application form, a foreign passport (valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date), two colour passport-sized photographs, proof of financial solvency (bank statement, income certificate), medical insurance with coverage of at least €30,000, documents confirming the purpose of the trip (hotel booking, invitation, return tickets).
How Long Does it Take to Process a Cyprus Visa?
The standard processing time for a Cyprus visa application is between 5 to 15 working days. However, during peak tourist seasons, this time may increase. When submitting an application through a visa centre or consulate, it is recommended to confirm the processing times in advance. For urgent trips, express submission is possible, but it is not available for all visa categories.
Can I Extend My Visa in Cyprus?
Extension of a visa is possible only in exceptional cases, such as medical circumstances, force majeure situations, or the need for additional time to complete planned activities. To extend, it is necessary to contact the Immigration Department of Cyprus and provide the relevant supporting documents. However, in most cases, it is recommended to arrange a visa in advance, taking into account the intended length of stay.
