The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme was introduced in Cyprus with effect from October 15, 2021, pursuant to the decision of the Council of Ministers. Core to the Scheme’s goals is, the strengthening and promotion of Cyprus as a hub for the provision of digital and electronic services and, in achieving this, contributing to the development of the business ecosystem and economic development of the country. The “Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme” (the ‘Scheme’) is included in the Strategy for Attracting Businesses for Activities and/or Expansion of their Activities in Cyprus.
Initially, the maximum number of Digital Nomad residence permits to be given under the Scheme was set at 100. As of March 3, 2022, this number was increased to 500 residence permits.
The “Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa”, allows both non-EU and non-EEA nationals to reside temporarily in Cyprus while working for employers, or companies, registered and located abroad and, to perform work through the use of telecommunications technology (i.e., work remotely).
Applicants for Digital Nomad residence permits are required to provide proof of stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3.500 (after the deduction of contributions and taxes). They must also prove that they are employed in a company registered abroad, for which they can work location-independently, or that they are self-employed offering services remotely for clients located abroad.
Qualifying individuals will, upon the granting of the Digital Nomad residence permit, enjoy the benefits deriving from the said permit, namely, the right to reside in Cyprus for a period of one year which can then become subject to renewal for two additional years.
It is important to note that, family members (spouses/partners in a civil union and underaged children) of Digital Nomad residence permit holders can also benefit from the Scheme. They may also be given the right to reside in Cyprus for the same period as the “Digital Nomad”. Importantly however, they must refrain from engaging in any form of employment or economic activity in Cyprus.
Moreover, should Digital Nomads reside in the Republic for a period exceeding 183 days within the same tax year, they will be deemed as tax residents; with the caveat that they do not already have tax residency in any other country.
It should be noted, that within three months of arrival in the Republic, the applicant as well as their family members (where applicable), must submit the relevant application in order to be granted a temporary residence permit. In cases where individuals already legally reside in Cyprus under a different status, they will have to proceed with the submission of the relevant application in order to obtain a Digital Nomad residence permit.
The fees for the issuance or renewal of a temporary permit is €70. The fee required for registration purposes is also €70.
The time taken to examine the application ranges from 5-7 weeks, subject to the workload of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
For more information on this topic, please speak with Christos Vezouvios, Christiana Georgiou or Katerina Krassa of our dedicated Immigration Law Department, or with your usual contact at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC.
