The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals. It allows them
to live and work in Cyprus or other EU countries under specific conditions. In addition to promoting
professional mobility across the EU, the Blue Card offers key benefits such as family reunification.
Eligibility:
To be eligible, a highly skilled third-country national must earn a gross annual salary of at least
€43,632. There is no limit on the number of EU Blue Cards that can be issued for jobs in Information
and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceutical research, and the shipping sector
(excluding ship captains and crew). However, for all other sectors, no new Blue Cards are currently
being issued.
Family Reunification:
Family members of Blue Card holders in Cyprus are covered by national family reunification laws. This means
they can apply at the same time, receive residence permits of equal duration, and enjoy free access to the
labour market, including self-employment.
Where family reunification requirements aren’t met, dependents can instead apply for a Temporary
Residence Permit as Visitors. This also applies to parents, partners in long-term relationships, and adult
children.
EU Mobility:
The Blue Card allows two types of movement for the main applicant:
1
Short-term mobility permits up to 90 days in another EU country without extra formalities.
2
Long-term mobility allows a Blue Card holder who has lived in another EU country for at least 12
months to move to Cyprus for high-skilled work, provided a new application is submitted within one
month of arrival.
Applications are generally examined within 90 days. However, those applying through the long-term mobility scheme can expect a decision within 30 days.
Exceptions:
Certain individuals are excluded from applying altogether, including asylum seekers, long-term
residents, posted workers, and those already residing in Cyprus illegally.