Blue Card Applications
With effect as of the 7th of Julyt 2025 the Cyprus authorities will be accepting applications for the EU Blue Cards.
The EU Blue Card is applicable to non EU nationals who possess high skills and qualifications.
Eligibility Criteria For The EU Blue Card In Cyprus
To qualify for an EU Blue Card, applicants must meet several stringent criteria thereby proving their high skill level, employment offer, and ability to finally support themselves. The key eligibility requirements include:
I. Valid Job Offer or Employment Contract: The applicant must have a firm job offer or an employment contract from a Cypriot employer for a highly skilled position, the duration of which is at least 6 months.
II. Stipulated Salary: the minumum gross annual salary offered to a candidate for an EU Blue Card must not be below €43,632.
III. Qualifications or Professional Experience: The applicant should be a “highly qualified” professional. The applicant must therefore prove the following:
- Education: A university degree (bachelor’s or higher) obtained after at least three years of study in a relevant field.
- Experience: at least three years of relevant professional experience (within the last seven years). The experience or degree should be aligned with the sector of the job offer made to the applicant.
- Health Insurance Coverage: Applicants must have valid health insurance for themselves and their dependents in Cyprus. This can be private medical insurance or coverage under the Cyprus national healthcare system if applicable.
- No criminal Background: The applicant should not pose a security or public health risk. Additionally, certain categories of persons such as asylum seekers, seasonal workers, diplomats, or those under temporary protection are generally not eligible for Blue Card applications.
Benefits Of The EU Blue Card
I. Legal Employment in High-Demand Sectors: Blue Card holders can work legally in sectros like tech, research.
II. Fast Track Family Reunification: Dependents, such as spouce and minor children receive residence permits linked to the Blue Card holder’s status, granting them the right to live (and often work or study) in Cyprus.
III. Path to Permanent Residency: Blue Card holders become eligible to apply for Permanent Residency (long-term resident status) after 33 months of continuous residence in Cyprus (under the Blue Card), provided they have acquired basic Greek language skills and made required social insurance contributions.
IV. Parth to Citizenship: Eligible Blue Card holders can apply for Cypriot citizenship after 5 years of residency in the Republic of Cyprus.
V. Equal Rights and Work Conditions: Blue Card holders enjoy the same work conditions, salary rights, and workplace protections as Cypriot employees in equivalent jobs. They also have access to social security benefits, education, and other public services at par with Cypriot residents.
VI. Visa-Free Travel in the EU: An EU Blue Card issued by Cyprus allows the holder to travel throughout the EU without the need for obtaining a visa, subject to the 90-days in 180-days rule for tourists.
VII. Mobility to Other EU Countries for Work: The Blue Card enables to holder ot seek and obtain employement in another EU country provided that he /she has completed 12 months of continuous employmetn in the Republic of Cyprus.
APPLICATION PROCEES /LIST OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
List of Documents
I. The applicant must provide the following documents in support of the the Blue Card application.
- Copies of valid passport, (for the applicant and his dependants)
- A signed contract or formal job offer letter the validity of which should be at least a 6-month. The employment contract should specify the salary.
- Diploma or degree certificates, and/or documents evidencing the required professional experience.
- If the qualification is by way of professional experience in lieu of a degree, proof of the minumum three years experience must be provided
- Health Insurance Policy valid in the Republic of Cyprus.
- Police criminal record from the country of origin
- Passport-sized photos and completed application forms
Labor Authority Verification: the employer or the applicant must submit the contract of employment and the copies of degree certficates and experience letters of the applicant for review and verification ot the labour office.
Note: Verification by the labour office constitutes a labor market compliance check to ensure the applicant meets the Blue Card criteria. Upon approval, the labour office will issue a letter of approval to the applicant
Submission of Blue Card Application: Upon obtaining the letter of approval by the labour office, the applicant shall proceed to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for the filing of the residency application for review and approval.
Note: This review period and approval of and EU Blue Card application shall be done within 90 days of submission.
Issuance of the Blue Card: Upon approval the EU Blue Card residence permit will be issued. In Cyprus, the Blue Card is typically granted for an initial period of 2 years. The Blue Card is a physical biometric residence permit indicating the holder’s status and employer.