Cyprus: Getting a Temporary Residence Permit

If you are interested in moving abroad to Cyprus and plan on staying for a period greater than 90 days you will need to have a temporary residence permit. Before you start planning your big move overseas to Cyprus you may want to make sure you will even be allowed entry into the country as some national of certain countries are not granted entry to Cyprus under any condition.

As a result of the Turkish invasion into Cyprus in 1974, there are some entry restrictions that you should know about before planning a trip to Cyprus regardless of whether it will be a short or long term stay. There are certain categories that if you fall under you will not be granted entry to the country. If you have a passport that was issued by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus you will be refused entry. If you are entering Cyprus at any port or airport in the northern part of the country you will be refused entry. If you have a passport that is from the former Republic of Yugoslavia that has the renewal stamp of Macedonia you will be refused entry. Note that these passports without the Macedonia stamp will be granted entry.

You can also have problems entering Cyprus if you have a northern Cyprus stamp on your passport regardless of your nationality. If you must go to northern Cyprus then you should get the immigration officials to stamp a separate piece of paper as opposed to your passport upon entry. This is not an unusual request and they will be accustomed to the request when you ask them.

If you can enter Cyprus and plan on staying in the country for more than 90 days you will need to get a temporary residence permit , called a Temporary Residence Employment (TRE) permit, from your closest immigration office. You should note that if you wish to gain permanent residence in Cyprus you can do so after 5 years as a TRE permit holder. There are several different TRE permits depending upon your circumstances for being in the country.

A category A permit is for if you are self-employed in agriculture. A category B permit is for is your are self-employed in mining. A category C/D permit is for if you are self-employed in a trade or profession. A category E permit is for if you are offered permanent employment. A category F permit is for if you are not working, for example if you are retired.

For the category F permit you will be required to demonstrate that you have adequate financial resources to support your self. This is important to remember because you cannot legally take up employment if you have a category F permit. If you do not currently have a job offer and will not be self employed but do plan on looking for work once you arrive then you will need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself until such time that you do find employment.

You will need to apply for your TRE permit within your first 60 days in Cyprus, however the sooner the better. You will want to check with the immigration office on the required documents that you will need as the requirements can change, but there are some things you may want to go ahead and prepare. You will need a passport that is valid for at least a year and four passport sized photographs. You will need your birth certificate and marriage certificate if applicable. You will need proof of your financial situation and of medical insurance. You will need either a rental contract or proof of purchase of a home. And you may need some other documents.

You can expect to get your TRE within six months of applying. It will be valid for five years and can be renewed. However, you can apply for permanent residence after five years of residence if you prefer.