The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa allows remote workers to live and work in Cyprus while employed by foreign companies or serving clients outside the country. This visa is ideal for digital nomads looking for a change of scenery, as it offers the chance to enjoy the island’s year-round sunshine, great tax benefits, and high safety standards.
This guide will cover everything you need about the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, from the eligibility requirements and application process to the benefits of living in Cyprus as a digital nomad.
This is more of what we will cover
- What is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
- The Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Cyprus
- Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
- Documents Required for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
- A Step-By-Step Guide to the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Application
- How long is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa application process?
- How much does the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa cost?
- Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Taxes
What is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa is a residence permit that allows remote workers to live and work in Cyprus for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it for two more years. To qualify, applicants must be employed by a company based outside of Cyprus or have clients outside of Cyprus if they are freelancers or self-employed. They must also meet a minimum monthly income requirement of €3,500.
The visa does not allow local jobs, so applicants can only work remotely. Cyprus offers a great quality of life with a warm climate, beautiful beaches, and low crime. Digital nomads also get tax benefits and access to EU healthcare and services, making it a great choice for remote workers in Europe.
If you’re looking for a longer-term option, Cyprus also offers the Cyprus Golden Visa. This visa lets people gain residency by investing in real estate or other assets. It allows investors and their families to live in Cyprus and enjoy the benefits of EU residency.
The Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Cyprus
- Access to Cyprus’ High Quality of Life: Enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and an affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries, all within a safe environment with low crime rates.
- Residence in the European Union: Living in an EU member state grants access to EU benefits and regulations, with the added freedom to travel within the Schengen Area after residing in Cyprus for 90 days.
- Tax Benefits: Benefit from Cyprus’ favorable tax rates, including possible special tax exemptions depending on income, and an exemption from Cypriot income tax on foreign-sourced income.
- Easy Renewal: The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for up to two additional years with a straightforward process.
- Family-Friendly: Your spouse and dependent children can join you, making it easier for families to relocate together.
- Business-Friendly Environment: Cyprus offers a supportive environment for remote work and small businesses, with access to low business taxes and excellent internet infrastructure.
Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To be eligible for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Non-EU/EEA nationality: Only citizens of non-EU/EEA countries are eligible.
- Remote work: You must work remotely for a company outside of Cyprus or be self-employed with clients based outside Cyprus.
- Income: You must prove a minimum income of €3,500 per month (after tax). Additional income is required for family members: +20% for spouse/partner and +15% for dependent child.
- Health insurance: You must have valid health insurance that covers you in Cyprus.
- Clean criminal record: You must provide a certificate of no criminal record from your home country.
- Proof of accommodation: You must show proof of residence in Cyprus, such as a rental agreement.
Family members can reside in Cyprus for as long as the main applicant’s visa is valid. Do note that each family member must submit a distinctive temporary residency application, and pay the respective fees.
Documents Required for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
Before submitting your application for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must gather a few accompanying documents to present to the relevant authorities. These necessary documents are as follows:
- A filled-out application form
- A copy of your valid passport or other recognized travel documents
- A copy of your passport or other valid travel documents demonstrating your last Republic entry.
- Two passport photos
- A copy of your updated CV
- Proof of earning a sufficient monthly net income. This can be demonstrated through bank statements showcasing the last six months of financial or economic activity.
- An original police certificate demonstrating your clean criminal record
- Proof of your accommodation in the Republic, which a rental agreement, hotel booking, or a lease can present.
- Provide proof of your valid accident and health insurance covering inpatient and outpatient care, as well as other medical expenses.
- Certified copies of your original blood analysis test results show that you have no serious illnesses that could harm the Cypriot population.
- Letter of intent stating the reason for your travel to the Republic and the activities you intend on performing there
Employed applicants
If you are employed by a company registered abroad, i.e., outside Cyprus, then you must present the following:
- Your employment contract
- A confirmation from your employer that you can perform your duties and services remotely while in Cyprus
- A copy of the company’s registration certificate
- Information regarding your employment at the company registered abroad.
Self-employed
If you are self-employed, then you must present:
- Contracts of your current ongoing projects or services provided.
- Confirmation that you can perform your duties remotely while in Cyprus and that they are in no way connected to any business in the Republic.
A Step-By-Step Guide to the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Application
The application process for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa involves the following steps:
1. Prepare Required Documents: Gather all the necessary documents, including your valid passport, proof of remote work, bank statements, health insurance, clean criminal record certificate, and proof of accommodation.
2. Submit Application: Submit your completed application along with the required documents to the Cypriot Civil Registry and Migration Department.
3. Pay Application Fee: There is an application fee, typically ranging between €70 and €140, depending on the type of application.
4. Wait for Processing: During this time, the authorities will review your documents and assess your eligibility.
5. Arrive in the Republic of Cyprus: Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Cyprus and begin living and working remotely.
6. Receive Visa: After your arrival, you will receive your Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, which is initially valid for one year.
7. Visa Renewal: After one year, the visa can be renewed for up to two more years.
How is long is Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa application process?
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa application process typically takes five to seven weeks from submission to approval. This timeframe includes the review of your documents and eligibility by the authorities.
How much does the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa cost?
The cost of the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa varies depending on the applicant’s situation. Generally, the application fee is around €70 for the visa itself. However, additional costs may apply for things like residence permits, legal services, or translations of documents. Always check with the official authorities for the most up-to-date fees and any other potential costs involved in the application process.
Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Taxes
If you stay in Cyprus as a digital nomad, you may or may not have to pay taxes on your personal income, depending on how long you reside there. Cyprus considers you a tax resident if you stay for 183 days or more in a tax year, as long as you are not a tax resident in another country.
However, Cyprus also has a 60-day rule, which allows individuals to become tax residents with just 60 days of stay in a tax year if they:
- Do not spend more than 183 days in any other country.
- Are not tax residents in another country?
- Stay in Cyprus for at least 60 days in the tax year.
- Have strong ties to Cyprus, such as business activity, employment, or owning property
Personal income tax in Cyprus is measured at the following rates:
- Up to €19,500 – zero taxation
- From €19,501 up to €28,000 – 20% taxation
- From €28,001 to €36,300 – 25% taxation
- From €36,301 to €60,000 – 30% taxation
- From €60,001 and over – 35% taxation
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
Can I work remotely from Cyprus?
Yes, you can. Provided that you are employed by a company registered outside of Cyprus and can perform your tasks using a laptop and a stable internet connection, you may apply for the Cypriot Digital Nomad Visa and work remotely from the Republic.
What other countries offer Digital Nomad Visas?
Other countries offering Digital Nomad Visas include the following:
- Spain Digital Nomad Visa,
- Greece Digital Nomad Visa
- Portugal Digital Nomad Visa
- Malta Digital Nomad Visa
Each visa allows remote workers to live and work while enjoying benefits like access to EU services and tax advantages, but the income requirements vary.
How much does the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa cost?
The application fee for Cyprus’ Digital Nomad Visa is €70. It is one of the cheapest among all Nomad Visas. The cost to renew the Visa is the same.
How long can I work in Cyprus as a Digital Nomad?
Digital Nomads are granted residency rights in the Republic for up to one year, with the possibility of those rights being extended for a further two years. Included family members benefit from the same residency rights as the primary applicant for the same period.
Do I have to pay taxes in Cyprus as a digital nomad?
Not necessarily. Digital nomads who stay in Cyprus for a period exceeding 183 days in one tax year are considered tax residents, provided they are not tax residents in any other nation.
What is the processing time for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
Provided you submit all the relevant documents, you may acquire your new residence permit in Cyprus within seven weeks of lodging in your application.
Who is eligible for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme?
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme is open to non-EU citizens and citizens of non EEA countries who are employed by a company registered outside of Cyprus. Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €3,500 after deductions for contributions and taxes. Digital nomads may bring their families with them to Cyprus, but family members are not permitted to work in the country.
Do I need health insurance for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes, applicants for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa must have comprehensive health insurance that covers inpatient and outpatient care, as well as repatriation of remains. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of €30,000.
What are the best cities in Cyprus for digital nomads?
The major cities in Cyprus include Nicosia (the capital city), Limassol, and Larnaca. With fast internet speeds common in each of them, particularly in city center-based coworking spaces and coffee shops, you would be well set up to perform work remotely in these three cities.
Why does Cyprus offer a digital nomad residence permit?
The Cypriot government believes that the program will boost the nation’s business ecosystem and help stimulate economic development in the country.
What is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme allows non-EU and non-EEA nationals who can work remotely using telecommunications technology to live temporarily in Cyprus while working for a foreign employer based abroad or providing remote services to foreign businesses or clients.