Non-EU nationals can make an application to get an Immigration Permit in Cyprus based on one of the categories in Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations of 1972.
The Immigration Permit will only be granted if the Immigration Control Board of Cyprus recommends to the Minister of Interior that the applicant belongs to one of the categories below:
Category A:
Any person who intends to work as self-employed in cattle breeding, agriculture, bird breeding or fish culture in Cyprus. Such a person should possess adequate land or a permit to acquire the same, and must have at their disposal minimum capital of CY£250,000. The employment of such a person should not negatively affect the general economy of Cyprus.
Category B:
Any person who intends to work as self-employed in the mining enterprises in Cyprus. Such a person must possess a relative permit, and should have at their disposal minimum capital of CY£200,000. The employment of such a person should not negatively affect the general economy of Cyprus.
Category C:
Any person who intends to work as self-employed in a profession or trade in Cyprus. Such a person must possess a relative permit and should have at their disposal minimum capital of CY£150,000. The employment of such a person should not negatively affect the general economy of Cyprus.
Category D:
Any person who intends to work as self-employed in the scientific field in Cyprus. Such a person should have adequate academic or professional qualifications and must also possess adequate funds.
Category E:
Any person who has been offered permanent employment in Cyprus, provided it would not create undue local competition.
Category F:
Any person who has at their disposal a secured annual income (which is high enough to ensure a good living standard in Cyprus) without having to engage in any trade, business, or profession. The minimum annual income of such a person should be at least CY£5,600 for a single applicant and an additional CY£2,700 for every dependent person. The Immigration Control Board may ask for additional amounts if necessary. Most applicants under this Category are pensioners or retired persons.
To apply for an immigration permit, a person needs to submit an application on form M.67 to the Civil Registry and Migration Department directly or through the District Aliens and Immigration Branches of the Police. This application must be accompanied by necessary documents, depending on which category the application belongs to.
Category F is the most commonly used and applications for this must be accompanied by original documents providing proof of income of the applicants. Applicants living abroad can submit an application directly to Cyprus or through the local Consular Authorities of Cyprus.