Visitor Visa in Cyprus (Pink Slip) 2026

Program Overview

The Visitor Visa, commonly known as the “Pink Slip”, is a residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to legally reside in the Republic of Cyprus. Based on this status, the applicant receives a Cyprus Residence Card, confirming their right to live in the country without the right to work.

This residence permit is issued for one year and can be renewed annually if all conditions are met. After five years of residence, the applicant may apply for long-term residency (PR), and later — for Cyprus citizenship.

The term “Pink Slip” was historically used in Cyprus to refer to the temporary residence permit issued on the basis of a Visitor Visa. In the past, immigration authorities provided applicants with a paper document printed on pink paper — hence the informal name “Pink Slip.”

This program is also known as residence for financially independent individuals or residence without the right to work, as its main requirement is to demonstrate a stable income from abroad (at least €24,000 per year) to cover living expenses in Cyprus.

Today, the Visitor Visa remains the most accessible and popular way to obtain a residence permit in Cyprus without investment, property purchase, or business activity.

Who Qualifies for the Pink Slip

The Pink Slip is intended for third-country nationals who wish to live in Cyprus while maintaining their income abroad.

It is most commonly obtained by:

• Entrepreneurs who own businesses in another country;
• Investors and individuals with passive income;
• Freelancers and remote professionals working online;
• Families wishing to educate their children in Cyprus and reside there permanently.

For many foreigners, the Pink Slip becomes the first step toward relocation, followed by long-term residency or citizenship in Cyprus.

Pink Slip Benefits and Restrictions

A Visitor Visa in Cyprus offers foreign citizens numerous benefits, from family residency to the possibility of applying for a permanent residence permit in the future. However, it is important to understand that this visa also has a number of restrictions, which may be significant depending on the applicant’s goals.

Advantages:

✔️ Year-round residence in Cyprus;
✔️ Permission to apply for status for the entire family—spouse(s) and minor children;
✔️ Possibility of applying for long-term residency (permanent residence after 5 years) and Cypriot citizenship (after 8 years);
✔️ A country with low taxes, a mild climate, and a safe environment.

Pink Slip Restrictions in Cyprus:

• Employment is prohibited in Cyprus;
• Leaving Cyprus for more than 3 consecutive months may result in the cancellation of the visa;
• Annual renewal and proof of official income are required.

Conditions and Requirements

To obtain a Pink Sleep in Cyprus, you must meet several key criteria:

1. Financial solvency:
   • Proven minimum income from abroad: from €24,000 per year for a single applicant;
   • Additional +20% for a spouse and +15% for each child;
   • Income must not originate in Cyprus.
2. Bank transfer and guarantee: A bank transfer to a Cypriot account must be confirmed, along with a bank guarantee.
   The required guarantee amount varies depending on citizenship and is listed on the
   official website.
   The standard bank guarantee is €550.
3. Housing in Cyprus: a lease agreement for at least 12 months or a property purchase. The lease agreement must be certified by a Mukhtar (an authorized official of the local government) and stamped by the tax office. Only a certified and stamped tax agreement is considered valid and accepted by immigration authorities when applying for a Pink Slip.
4. Medical examination (for first-time applicants): Includes tests for HIV, hepatitis, and a chest X-ray (fluorography).
5. Medical insurance: A valid health insurance policy covering essential medical services in the Republic of Cyprus is required.

Application Procedure for the Pink Slip (Residence Permit in Cyprus)

The process of obtaining a Visitor Visa (Pink Slip) in Cyprus involves several stages — from document preparation and bank transfers to application submission and receiving the residence card.

1. Collecting All Required Documents

At the preparation stage, the applicant selects and rents accommodation for a minimum of 12 months, opens a personal bank account in one of the Cypriot banks, and prepares the complete set of documents for the main applicant and family members (spouse and children). If the client chooses to purchase a property instead of renting, Feod Group specialists conduct a full legal due diligence of the property and provide comprehensive support throughout the purchase transaction.

Our licensed immigration lawyers in Cyprus also offer:

• Completing the MVIS7 application form;
• Preparing translations and apostilles for marriage, birth, and police clearance certificates;
• Arranging medical tests, insurance, and property lease certification.

All documents must be submitted in originals and copies. Copies must be translated into English and notarized (depending on the country of issue).

2. Transferring funds from abroad and obtaining a bank guarantee

The applicant opens a personal bank account in one of the Cypriot banks (for example, Eurobank or Bank of Cyprus).

• The account must be funded with an amount sufficient for one year of living expenses (usually from €24,000 and above, depending on family size).
• The funds must be transferred from abroad — local transfers are not accepted.

3. Submitting the application to the Immigration Department

After preparing the documents, the applicant schedules an appointment at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in their district (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos). An application fee of €70 per person applies. After submission, the department issues a receipt, confirming the application. Based on this receipt, the applicant may legally remain in Cyprus until the decision is made.

4. Application review

The file is forwarded to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus for examination. As of 2025, the average processing time were around 6 months, though in practice it may take 4 to 8 months.

5. Biometric data and residence card issuance

Once the application is approved, the applicant receives a notification to appear for biometric data collection (fingerprints, photographs, and signature samples). Within 2–5 weeks after biometrics submission, the applicant receives the plastic residence card (Pink Slip), valid for one year and renewable annually if the conditions are maintained.

Planning to apply for a residence permit (Pink Slip) in Cyprus? The Feod Group legal team provides comprehensive support at every stage from consultation and document preparation to application submission and residence card collection.

Legal Services for Obtaining Residence Permit in Cyprus

Feod Group is an international law firm provides full legal support for clients. Our team of licensed immigration lawyers and consultants in Larnaca offers comprehensive assistance at every stage — from the initial consultation to receiving your residence card.

Our services include:

• Individual consultation and selection of the optimal immigration route (Pink Slip, Permanent Residency, or other categories);
• Prepare the complete set of required documents;
• Opening a personal bank account in Cyprus and preparing proof of financial means;
• Handle the submission to the Migration Department;
• Track the application status and obtain the residence card;
• Organize annual renewals and transition to Permanent Residency or Cyprus Citizenship.

With Feod Group, you receive turnkey legal support and a guarantee that your application will fully comply with the requirements of the Cyprus Migration Department.

Book a free consultation at our office in Larnaca or online!