At a Glance

  • Official Name

    Temporary Residence Permit for Visitors

  • Also Known As

    The Pink Slip

  • Who Can Apply

    Non-EU nationals only

  • Validity

    1 year — renewable annually

  • Min. Income

    €24,000/year (single applicant)

  • Bank Deposit

    €10,000 in a Cyprus bank

  • Processing

    Approx. 4–8 months

  • Gov. Fee

    €70–€140 per person

  • Work Rights

    No local employment

  • Family

    Spouse + children under 18 included

  • Path to PR

    After 5 years of legal residence, subject to absence limits and additional criteria

  • Path to Citizenship

    Available after long-term residence, subject to eligibility and physical presence.

What Is the Pink Slip?

The Pink Slip — officially the Temporary Residence Permit for Visitors — is the most accessible and widely used route to long-term residency in Cyprus for non-EU nationals. It allows the holder to live in Cyprus for more than 90 days without the right to work locally. The permit is issued for one year and can be renewed annually with no limit on the number of renewals, provided the requirements continue to be met.

The name comes from the pink-coloured paper document traditionally issued to applicants. Today, approved applicants receive a plastic biometric residence card — but the informal name has stuck.

Legal Residency

The right to live in Cyprus year-round, legally and continuously.

Family Included

Spouse and dependent children under 18 can be included.

Renewable Annually

No cap on renewals as long as requirements continue to be met.

Pathway to PR

After 5 years, application for EU long-term resident status may become available.

Access to Tax Benefits

183+ days/year qualifies for tax residency — non-dom status, zero SDC on dividends, no inheritance tax.

Full Access to Services

Bank accounts, private healthcare, international schools, property ownership.

The Pink Slip is for non-EU nationals only.
EU citizens living in Cyprus for more than 3 months register separately using the MEU1 form.

Who Is It Best Suited For?

Retirees

Individuals receiving a pension, investment income, or savings from abroad who want to enjoy their retirement in Cyprus.

Families Relocating

Families moving to Cyprus for quality of life, safety, or schooling — where the primary income earner works remotely.

Remote Workers

Individuals employed by or working freelance for companies outside Cyprus.

Financially Independent Individuals

People with passive income — dividends, rental income, investments.

What the Permit Allows and Doesn't Allow.

Permitted

  • Live in Cyprus year-round
  • Remote work for non-Cyprus companies (commonly accepted in practice, subject to compliance)
  • Own shares in a Cyprus company and receive dividends
  • Hold an unpaid directorship in a Cyprus company (in certain cases, subject to professional advice)
  • Open a Cyprus bank account
  • Enrol children in schools in Cyprus
  • Access private healthcare in Cyprus
  • Purchase property in Cyprus
  • Renew the permit annually with no set limit

Not Permitted

  • Work for a Cyprus-based employer
  • Carry out any paid business activity in Cyprus
  • Use local Cyprus income to meet the income requirement
  • Be absent from Cyprus for more than 90 consecutive days (permit may be cancelled)
  • Automatic access to GESY public healthcare — private health insurance is required

How the Process Works.

  •  
     

    Arrival in
    Cyprus

    The applicant enters Cyprus on a valid visa or visa-free entry. The application must be submitted before the initial permitted
    stay expires.

  •  
     

    Cyprus Bank Account &
    Financial Setup

    A Cyprus bank account is required to receive income transfers from abroad and to meet the €10,000 deposit requirement. We assist with this.

  •  
     

    Document
    Preparation

    All required documents are gathered, translated where necessary, and officially legalised. We manage this entire process on your behalf.

  • Submission at the Immigration Unit

    Submitted in person at the relevant district immigration office. Government fee of approximately €70–€140 per applicant.

  •  
     

    Review by the Civil Registry &
    Migration Department

    Processing typically takes 4 to 8 months. The applicant is legally permitted to remain in Cyprus throughout this period, even if the original visa has expired.

  •  
     

    Biometrics &
    Card Issued

    Once approved, biometric data is collected. The Pink Slip residence card is typically issued within 2–5 weeks and is valid for
    one year.

Financial Requirements.

The core requirement is proof of a stable, sufficient income originating from outside Cyprus. All income must be transferred via SWIFT into a Cyprus bank account from abroad.

Single applicant
€24,000
+ Spouse
€28,800 (+20%)
+ Each child
+€3,600

per child (+15%)

Family of 3 (couple + 1 child)
~€32,400

In addition to the income requirement, a €10,000 deposit in a Cyprus bank account, transferred from abroad, is required at the time of the first application.

What the Application Requires.

Application Form (MVIS8)

All Applications — one form per applicant

Valid Passport

All Applications — original plus copies

Proof of Accommodation

All Applications — 12-month rental agreement (Mukhtar certified + Tax Office stamp) or title deed

Cyprus Bank Statements + SWIFT

All Applications — showing at least €24,000/year transferred from abroad

Proof of Income from Abroad

All Applications — salary slips, pension, dividend records

Health Insurance Certificate

All Applications — private insurance (~€200/person/year)

Bank Guarantee

First Application — refundable; some nationalities exempt

Medical Examination

First Application Only — HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis, chest X-ray

Police Clearance Certificate

First Application Only — issued within last 6 months, apostilled

Marriage Certificate

If Including Spouse — apostilled and translated

Birth Certificates for Children

If Including Children — apostilled and translated

Renewals are simpler. No repeat medical or police clearance needed. Updated bank statements, renewed rental agreement, and valid health insurance are the main requirements. Submit at least one month before expiry.

The Pink Slip Is Just the Beginning.

  • From Day One Temporary Residence

    Live in Cyprus legally. Renew annually. No limit on renewals.

  • After 5 Years Long-Term Resident Status

    EU long-term resident status may become available, subject to absence limits and eligibility.

  • After Long-Term Residence Cyprus Citizenship

    Citizenship may become available, subject to physical presence, language, and other eligibility criteria.

Tax Considerations for Pink Slip Holders.

Under
183
days

Generally not a Cyprus tax resident — unless qualifying under the 60-day rule.

183+
days
(Standard Rule)

Cyprus tax residency established. Opens non-dom status — zero SDC on dividends and interest for up to 17 years, no inheritance tax, no wealth tax.

60
Day Rule

If at least 60 days spent in Cyprus, not a tax resident of another country, and other conditions met — Cyprus tax residency may be established.

Pension
Income

Cyprus tax residents can elect to pay a flat 5% tax on pension income above €3,420/year instead of standard rates. Can switch annually.

Tax planning is personal and depends on specific income, country of origin, and circumstances. We arrange an introduction to a qualified tax advisor as part of our service.

What Counts Toward the €24,000
Income Requirement?

Employment Salary from Abroad

Salary paid by a non-Cyprus employer. Remote work for a foreign company qualifies.

Pension Payments

State, occupational, or private pension received from abroad.

Dividends

From shareholdings in companies outside Cyprus. Must be consistent and recurring.

Rental Income from Abroad

From properties owned and rented out outside Cyprus.

 

Bank Deposit Interest

Interest earned on savings or deposits held outside Cyprus.

Investment Income

Regular income from investment portfolios, funds, or bonds outside Cyprus.

Rules:

Income must originate from outside Cyprus · Must be transferred via SWIFT bank transfer (no cash deposits) · Must be stable and recurring · Combination of multiple income types is accepted.

Common Questions.

  • How long does the Pink Slip take to process?

    Typically 4 to 8 months. The applicant is permitted to remain legally in Cyprus throughout the entire processing period, even if the original visa expires.

  • Can the application be submitted from abroad?

    No. The application must be submitted in person at a Cyprus immigration office after arrival. It cannot be submitted from abroad.

  • Can I travel while the application is being processed?

    Yes, but absence from Cyprus for more than 90 consecutive days can result in automatic cancellation of the permit.

  • Is the bank guarantee returned?
    Yes. It is a refundable security deposit. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most Gulf states are currently exempt.
  • What is required at renewal?

    Updated bank statements, a renewed rental agreement, and valid health insurance. Submit at least one month before the current permit expires.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Most people come to us with one question and leave the first conversation with a clear
plan. Tell us your situation and we will tell you which permit applies, what it involves,
and what the next step looks like.

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