A Visitor Visa—often referred to as the “Pink Slip”—is a temporary residence permit that enables non-EU citizens to stay in Cyprus for longer than 90 days. This permit is ideal for those who wish to extend their stay in Cyprus for personal or family reasons—in effect, to live in Cyprus on a long-term basis.
Key Rules and Limitations
- Validity and Renewal:
The Pink Slip is issued for one year and can be renewed annually without any limits. However, if you leave Cyprus for more than three consecutive months, the permit will be automatically canceled. - Employment Restrictions:
Holders are not allowed to work in Cyprus except when performing remote work for companies based outside Cyprus. - Family Inclusion:
Your spouse and children under 18 can be included as dependents under the same visa.
How to Apply for a Pink Slip
Required Documents
- Passport Copy:
A copy of your valid passport is needed, which must have at least one year and three months left from the date of application. - Entry Stamp:
Provide a copy of the passport page showing your most recent entry stamp into Cyprus. - Criminal Record Certificate:
This certificate should confirm that you have no criminal history in your country of origin or residence. It must be officially certified, translated into English or Greek, and issued no more than three months before your application. (This is required only for first-time applicants.) - Medical Examinations:
You will need health reports, including tests for hepatitis B and C, HIV, syphilis, and a chest X-ray to rule out tuberculosis. These tests are necessary only for the initial permit. - Bank Guarantee:
A letter from a Cypriot bank, valid for 10 years, is required to cover potential deportation expenses. The required amount varies by region:- €350 for applicants from the Middle East
- €550 for those from Europe and Eastern Europe
- €850 for applicants from Africa, the Americas, and Asia
Although the guarantee is set up once, a copy must be provided annually to the immigration office.
- Medical Insurance (Plan A):
An annual medical insurance policy is required, covering outpatient and inpatient treatment as well as repatriation in case of death. This typically costs between €150 and €200 per person per year. - Proof of Accommodation:
You must present a rental contract for at least one year, certified by an authorized officer with the necessary stamps (approximately €20 for certification). Alternatively, certified documents proving property ownership in Cyprus will suffice.
Additional Documents
- Proof of Financial Means:
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to live in Cyprus. The minimum requirement is €24,000 per year for a single applicant. This amount increases by 20% (€4,800) for a spouse and by 15% (€3,600) for each child. A detailed bank statement from a Cypriot bank covering the last 12 months is also required. Your main income should come from abroad, though dividends from a Cyprus company are acceptable if you do not receive a regular salary (this requires an auditor’s letter). At the time of application, your bank balance should be at least €6,000. - Family Documents:
- Birth certificates for any children (translated and notarized)
- A translated and notarized marriage certificate for your spouse
- If your children are attending school, an enrollment certificate from the school is needed.
- Notarized Powers of Attorney:
In cases where one parent has authorized residency for the children, original documents with official translations and copies must be submitted every year. - MVIS6 Form:
Complete this form for each family member included in the application.
Tip: Always prepare copies of every document you submit to the immigration office to avoid losing the originals, as retrieving them later can be challenging.
Booking an Appointment
Appointments are scheduled by email and must be booked no later than three months before your intended application date. Once you have booked an appointment, you will receive a confirmation with the date and time.
Submitting Your Application
When you submit your application along with all the required documents to your local immigration office, you must also pay the following fees:
- Application Fee:
€70 per family member. - Foreigner’s Registry Fee (first-time applicants only):
An additional fee of €70 per family member is charged upon your first application. After registration, you will receive a yellow sheet with your foreigner identification number.
During the application process, you will have your photo taken and your fingerprints recorded. A receipt will then be issued, which allows you to legally reside in Cyprus while you wait for your plastic residence card.
Waiting for the Decision
Processing of the application typically takes:
- 4 to 6 months for a first-time permit,
- Up to one year for renewals.
During this period, your receipt serves as proof of your legal stay. You can check your application status by sending an SMS to 1199 with the text “ STATUS ******/202* ” followed by your receipt number.
Receiving Your Plastic Residence Card
Once your application is approved, you will be issued a plastic temporary residence card. The issuance time may take several months depending on the workload of the immigration offices.
Immigration Office Addresses in Cyprus
- Nicosia:
Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia - Limassol:
Franglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, Building “D. Nikolaou”, 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol - Larnaka:
Piale Piasha 75, 6027 Larnaka - Pafos:
Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021 Pafos - Famagusta:
Eleftherias 83, Tatolos Bld, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380 Derynia
Final Thoughts
Securing a Pink Slip in Cyprus demands careful preparation and strict adherence to the requirements and procedures. With all necessary documents correctly prepared and submitted on time, you can successfully extend your stay in Cyprus and enjoy residency on this beautiful island.
Disclaimer:
This guide is intended for general informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult an expert to address your specific circumstances. The authors and publishers are not responsible for any losses arising from actions taken based on this information.