Information

The Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus has officially commenced the acceptance of applications for the issuance of the European Union (EU) Blue Card.

The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed for highly qualified third-country nationals, allowing them to live and work in the Republic of Cyprus, as well as in most EU Member States—excluding Denmark and Ireland, which do not participate in the scheme.  The Blue Card is valid for up to three years and can be renewed, providing stability and long-term opportunities for its holders.

In Cyprus, the EU Blue Card facilitates highly qualified employment in designated sectors, offering enhanced opportunities for skilled professionals. The following sectors are eligible for highly qualified employment:

(a) Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
(b) Pharmaceutical sector, specifically for research purposes
(c) Maritime sector (excluding captains and ship crew)

The minimum gross annual salary for employment in these sectors is set at €43,632.

Benefits of Holders of the EU Blue Card issued by the Republic of Cyprus enjoy the following rights:

• Entry, re-entry, and residence in the Republic of Cyprus. 
• It facilitates the relocation of the cardholder's immediate family, ensuring families can stay together.
• Access to highly qualified employment.
• Equal treatment with Cypriot citizens in terms of working conditions, education and training, social security etc.
• Accumulation of periods of residence in different member states for the purpose of eligibility of acquiring EU long-term resident status.
• Cardholders can travel visa-free across EU member states and relocate to another EU country for work after 12 months of residence in the issuing country.
• Blue Card holders enjoy the same working conditions, educational opportunities, social security benefits, and access to services as the host country’s citizens.
• Blue Card holders can apply for long-term residence after 33 months and for citizenship after five years, provided they meet certain conditions such as language proficiency and pension contributions.

Eligibility

To obtain a Blue Card in Cyprus, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A valid job offer or employment contract for at least six months in a highly skilled position.
• A salary meeting the national threshold.
• A higher education degree obtained after at least three years of study or three years of relevant professional experience in the past seven years, especially in the ICT sector.
• Valid health insurance coverage.

Application Procedure

• The applicant must gather all necessary documents including a passport, employment contract, proof of qualifications, and health insurance.
• Submit the employment contract and qualifications to the Department of Labour for verification.
• After the verification, submit the complete Blue Card application and required documents to the Civil Migration Department.
• Authorities will review the application to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and standards.
• If approved, the Blue Card is issued for up to three years, renewable as long as conditions are met.

Further information, as well as the relevant application form (FORM MBCEU1) and the checklists of required accompanying documents, is available on the official website of the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.

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