After these several years of working in law firms. This decision was driven by a the ability to shape my own practice, and the opportunity to provide personalized services to my clients.
Cyprus Immigration & Residence Law
Navigate Cyprus’s evolving immigration landscape with confidence. From tourist visas to permanent residency and the new EU Blue Card, I provide strategic guidance for individuals, families, and businesses seeking to establish their future in Cyprus.
Core Immigration Services
With Cyprus preparing for Schengen Zone accession in 2026, immigration law is rapidly evolving. I provide expert guidance through current regulations while preparing clients for upcoming changes.
Entry & Short-Stay Visas
Navigate visa requirements for business trips, tourism, and short-term stays. Expert assistance with Category C visas, Schengen visa recognition, and visa-free entry eligibility for 90-day visits.
Digital Nomad Visa
Specialized support for remote workers seeking Cyprus residency. Navigate the €3.500 monthly income requirements and secure permits for up to 3 years under the expanded 1,000-permit quota.
EU Blue Card
Fast-track residence for highly-skilled professionals in ICT, pharmaceutical research, and shipping. Strategic guidance through the €43.632 salary threshold and 90-day accelerated processing.
Visitor Permits (Pink Slip)
Long-term residence without employment rights. Perfect for retirees and financially independent individuals. Navigate income requirements, bank guarantees, and annual renewals.
Work & Employment Permits
Comprehensive support for standard employment, seasonal work, domestic workers, and specialized professions. Expert handling of Labour Department approvals and contract negotiations.
Permanent Residency
Strategic pathways to permanent settlement through Category F passive income route or fast-track investor programs. Navigate €300.000 investment options or income-based qualification.
Specialized Immigration Programs
Each immigration route has unique requirements and benefits. I help you identify and pursue the optimal pathway based on your personal circumstances, professional goals, and investment capacity.
Investor Permanent Residency
Accelerated permanent residency through Regulation 6(2) with processing in just 2-3 months:
- €300.000 qualifying investment (property, business, or funds)
- €50.000 annual income requirement
- Include adult children up to age 25
- Serve as company director in invested businesses
- No requirement to live in Cyprus continuously
- Path to EU Long-Term Resident status after 5 years
Ideal for investors seeking quick approval and family inclusion with minimal residence requirements.
Digital Nomad Programme
Live in Cyprus while working remotely for non-Cyprus employers:
- €3.500 monthly income threshold
- Initial 1-year permit, renewable up to 3 years
- Family members included as dependents
- No local employment permitted
- Tax residency after 183 days
- Apply after arrival on tourist entry
Perfect for location-independent professionals seeking Mediterranean lifestyle with EU proximity.
EU Blue Card Excellence
Premium work-residence permit for qualified professionals:
- Sectors: ICT, pharmaceutical research, shipping
- €43.632 minimum annual salary
- University degree or 5 years equivalent experience
- Spouse gains automatic work rights
- EU mobility after 18 months
- Fast-track to permanent residence
The gold standard for skilled professionals seeking career opportunities with family benefits.
Your Immigration Journey
From initial consultation to residence card in hand, I guide you through each step with clarity and precision.
Initial Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of your eligibility across all available pathways. Strategic recommendations based on your goals, timeline, and resources.
Document Preparation
Meticulous compilation of required documentation. Translation, apostille coordination, and verification to meet Cyprus Migration Department standards.
Application Submission
Strategic filing with appropriate authorities. Personal representation at Migration Department, managing biometrics, and ensuring complete submission.
Active Case Management
Continuous monitoring and response to official queries. Proactive communication with authorities to expedite processing where possible.
Approval & Settlement
Residence card collection, registration procedures, and ongoing compliance guidance. Support with renewals, family reunification, and pathway to permanent status.
Long-Term Planning
Strategic advice on progression to EU Long-Term Resident status, citizenship eligibility after 7 years, and Schengen access implications.
Immigration Questions Answered
Clear guidance on Cyprus immigration procedures, requirements, and strategic considerations
How will Schengen membership affect Cyprus immigration?
Cyprus aims to join Schengen by 2026, which will eliminate border checks with other Schengen countries and allow Cyprus residence permits to enable free movement across the Schengen zone. Until then, Cyprus maintains its own visa regime while recognizing Schengen visas for short stays. I help clients navigate current rules while positioning for future Schengen benefits.
What’s the fastest route to permanent residency?
The investor route under Regulation 6(2) offers approval within 2-3 months with a €300,000 investment and €50,000 annual income. For those with lower capital, Category F provides permanent residency based on passive income alone, though processing currently takes 1-2 years due to backlogs.
Can family members join me in Cyprus?
Yes, most residence permits include provisions for spouses and minor children. The EU Blue Card uniquely grants spouses automatic work rights. Digital Nomad and investor routes allow adult children up to 25 as dependents with additional requirements. I ensure proper family reunification procedures from the outset.
Do I need to speak Greek for residence permits?
No Greek language requirement exists for temporary or permanent residence permits. However, basic Greek proficiency is required for citizenship after 7 years of residence. Some employment categories like domestic workers need basic English or Greek for safety reasons.
What are the tax implications of Cyprus residency?
Cyprus tax residency applies after 183 days in country per year, offering favorable rates including no wealth tax, low corporate tax (12.5%), and extensive double taxation treaties. New residents may qualify for special tax regimes. I coordinate with tax advisors to optimize your position.
Can I work while holding a visitor permit?
No, visitor permits (Pink Slips) strictly prohibit employment or business activities in Cyprus. For work authorization, you need either a work permit, EU Blue Card, or investor residence with director privileges. Violations can result in permit cancellation and deportation.
Start Your Immigration Journey
Book a consultation to discuss your specific immigration needs and develop a personalized strategy for Cyprus residence.
Comprehensive Immigration Guide
Explore my detailed 2025 guide covering all visa categories, residence permits, and the latest legislative changes affecting Cyprus immigration.
Read Full Article →In the guide you’ll discover:
- Complete visa requirements for 68+ countries
- Step-by-step application procedures
- Processing times and government fees
- Schengen integration timeline and impacts
- Recent legislative amendments analysis
Questions?
Law Office of Panayotis Yannakas
37 Annis Komninis, 6th Office (2nd Floor), Nicosia, PC 1061, Cyprus
Phone: +357.22035352 Email: panayotis@yannakas.me