If you are not a citizen of the EU and want to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, then you need to apply for the Pink Slip. It allows you to stay longer without having to leave the country after your 90 days visa expires. In this guide we will cover the main requirements, key benefits and the application process for the Pink Slip in Cyprus.
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What is the Pink Slip? The Pink Slip is a temporary residence permit. It allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days. Additionally, it also allows a person to live in Cyprus as a visitor with his/her spouse and children under the age of 18.
Key Features: Lets you keep residing in Cyprus beyond the 90 days visitor visa. It lasts for one year and you can extend it yearly for four years. Can include family members (spouse, dependent children, and parents). Does not allow you to work in Cyprus. However, you can work remotely or own a business. Applied for through the Immigration Unit of the Civil Registry and Migration Department. How Long is a Pink Slip Valid For? Once approved, the Pink Slip is valid for 12 months. You can renew it every year as long as you meet the requirements. However, there’s one strict rule: you must not stay outside Cyprus for over three months straight. If you do, the government will automatically cancel your permit, and you will need to restart the application process.
Pink Slip Requirements in Cyprus To apply for a the permit, you must meet the following requirements:
1. Proof of Financial Means You must show you have a stable income from outside Cyprus. Minimum €24,000 net per year for a single applicant. Additional 20% (€4,800) for a spouse and 15% (€3,600) for each dependent child. Funds need to come from outside Cyprus. This can be remote work salaries, pensions, dividends, rental income, or personal savings. You may need to provide bank statements, tax returns, and employment contracts as proof.
2. Housing Renters: A one-year lease agreement that has proper tax stamps and certification. Property owners: Title deed to prove ownership. The authorities in Cyprus require proof that applicants have a stable and adequate living situation. If you rent, you must officially stamp the lease agreement at the tax office for it to be valid.
3. Health Insurance An active health insurance policy covering medical expenses in Cyprus is mandatory. You can choose between local private health insurance plans or international coverage. The policy must provide both inpatient and outpatient treatment to meet residency requirements.
4. Local Bank Account You must open a bank account in Cyprus as part of the application process. A sufficient balance in the local account demonstrates financial stability. Many applicants maintain €10,000–€20,000 to increase approval chances. However, proof of stable monthly payments will also suffice.
5. Bank Guarantee Certain third-country nationals applicants must also submit a bank guarantee, depending on their citizenship:
Middle Eastern countries: €350 per person Eastern European countries and Russia: €550 per person Asian and American countries: €850 per person The guarantee must be set up in a Cyprus bank, with processing usually requiring 1-2 days.
Applicants from the following countries do not need to meet this requirement:
Andorra Bahrain Kuwait Lebanon Monaco New Zealand Norway Qatar Singapore Switzerland Thailand United Arab Emirates United Kingdom 6. Clean Criminal Record (First-Time Applicants Only) Must be apostilled and translated by a certified translator (English or Greek), and it can't be older than six months. 7. Medical Tests (First-Time Applicants Only) Required tests: Hepatitis B & C, HIV, syphilis, and tuberculosis (chest X-ray). A local authorized clinic conducts the tests. Additionally, a specialist doctor must stamp the results.
The Application Process: Step-by-Step Step 1: Gather All Required Pink Slip in Cyprus Documents Ensure you have:
Filled out residency application forms. Families apply together, but each member must file a separate application form. Valid passport for each applicant (original + copy). Stamped and certified rental agreement or property title deed. Proof of income from abroad (bank statement, pension/salary slips, etc.). Valid health insurance certificate for each applicant. Medical test results (for first-time applicants). Bank guarantee (if applicable). Criminal record certificate (for first-time applicants). Marriage certificate duly certified and translated (if applicable). Children's birth certificates duly certified and translated (if applicable). Step 2: Submit Your Application Submit your applications to the Immigration Unit at your local Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus.
Application Processing: 6-8 months.
Remember to apply for your permit before your visa expires in Cyprus.
After submission, you may want to follow up on its progress. Here’s how to track your pink slip application and stay informed
Applicants can legally stay in the country while waiting for approval, even if their visa has expired.
How to Renew Your Pink Slip The renewal process follows similar steps to the initial application. You must apply at least one month before your permit expires. Required documents include:
Updated proof of income. Renewed 12-months rental agreement. Valid health insurance for each applicant. Bank statement from local bank account. Cyprus Pink Slip Benefits Holding this permit offers several key advantages:
Legal stay extension: Live in Cyprus legally beyond the 90-day visa limit.Family inclusion: Spouses and dependent children can join you.Pathway to permanent residency: If you stay legally for five years, you can qualify for permanent residency.No need for frequent exits: Lets you live in Cyprus without leaving, unlike a tourist visa.Stay while you wait: Even if your application is pending approval, you can stay legally in Cyprus.Limitations of the Cyprus Pink Slip Despite its benefits, there are certain restrictions:
No right to work: Holders can't work in Cyprus, but they can run their own companies and earn dividends.Stay requirement: If you leave Cyprus for over three months in a row, the authorities will cancel your permit.Annual renewal needed: Every year, you need to show proof of financial means, housing, and insurance.No travel benefits: Does not grant visa-free entry to the European Union or the Schengen Zone.Conclusion The Pink Slip is a great choice for non-EU nationals, offering many benefits. It allows long-term stays in Cyprus for family, lifestyle, or future residency plans. It requires yearly renewal and doesn’t grant working rights. However, it remains one of the simplest paths to residency in the Republic of Cyprus.
Looking to secure your residency permit? Get professional help with your application via our Temporary Residency Service for Cyprus
