For a Cyprus company, whose shareholders are European citizens, to employ non-European nationals, the procedure requires the involvement of the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in cooperation with the District Labour Office. Applications of this nature are not straight forward and vary from case to case. The major consideration for the District Labour Office to approve such an application, at first instance, is to determine whether the prospective employee is the only possible candidate for the company and no other European citizen may be employed in that position. For this reason, part of the procedure is for the company to submit a vacancy form and go through the European Job Mobility portal. Most applications may take up to 6 months to be finalised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “general employment” mean in Cyprus immigration law?
General employment refers to the procedure under which a Cyprus company owned by European shareholders seeks approval to employ a non-European national. This process involves both the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) and the District Labour Office.
Which authorities are involved in the general employment procedure?
Applications are examined by the District Labour Office, in cooperation with the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Both authorities must be satisfied before an employment permit can be granted.
Why are general employment applications not straightforward?
Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The authorities must evaluate the company’s needs, the position offered, and whether the employment of a non-E.U. national is justified under the applicable labour and immigration rules.
What is the main criterion for approval by the District Labour Office?
The key consideration is whether the non-E.U. applicant is the only suitable candidate for the position and whether no European citizen is available or suitable to fill the role.
Is advertising the vacancy required?
Yes. As part of the procedure, the company must submit a vacancy form and advertise the position through the European Job Mobility portal (EURES) to demonstrate the unavailability of suitable E.U. candidates.
How long does the general employment process usually take?
Most general employment applications may take up to six months to be examined and finalised, depending on the complexity of the case and the authorities’ workload.
Are approvals guaranteed under the general employment route?
No. Approval is not automatic. Even when all procedural steps are followed, the authorities retain discretion to approve or reject the application based on the merits of each case.
Can the outcome differ from one case to another?
Yes. Because general employment applications vary significantly, outcomes may differ depending on the company profile, job role, labour market conditions, and the supporting evidence submitted.
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