ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES:
Cyprus of foreign interests' companies.
For a company to employ non E.U. nationals it must be a Cyprus company of foreign interests. A company is considered to be of foreign interests when the majority of the company’s shareholders are non-E.U. nationals. In the case of shareholders whose beneficial owners are foreign companies evidence of identity of ultimate beneficial owner/s should be submitted with the Authorities.
Public companies registered on any recognised stock exchange.
Companies of international activities (formerly off-shore), which operated before the change of regime, whose data are held by the Central Bank of Cyprus.
Cypriot shipping companies.
Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies. An enterprise qualifies as ‘High Technology Company’ if:
- it is already established and has alpresence in the market, and
- it has a high level or experimental R&D intensity, and
- it developed product/s that fall into one of the following categories: products related to aviatio and space industry, computers, electronic and telecommunication products, pharmaceuticals, biomedical, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery.
Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics a biotechnology.
Companies of whom the majority of the total share capital is owned by persons who have acquired Cypriot citizenship by naturalization based on economic criteria, provided that they prove that the conditions under which they were naturalized continue to be met.
Shareholding & Capital Requirements
Companies where third-country nationals hold the majority (over 50%) of shares qualify directly. Companies with third-country nationals holding 50% or less of shares may also qualify if the value of their shareholding is at least €200,000. Relevant documentation (e.g. HE12/HE14, proof of cash deposit) must be submitted to demonstrate this.
Conditions:
The company should operate from their self-contained offices in Cyprus, which should be located in suitable distinct premises, not part of a private residence or another office, except from cases of companies that share lodging.
The company will have to apply for an approval and provide, between others, the following:
- Constitutional documents
- Profile describing the nature of the company’s business and activities
- Documents evidencing the chain of ownership
- Title deed or rental agreement of their office premises
The shareholder of the Company should inject the amount of €200.000 to the Company’s Cyprus bank account. The amount should come from abroad. Swift for the bank transfer should be submitted.
The necessary registrations for the establichment of the company will be completer within seven (7) working days from the date of submissuon of all the necessary documents.
Acceptable Investment Proof & Timing
The required investment of €200,000 can be evidenced either by a bank deposit or appropriate receipts of business-related expenses (e.g. purchase of office space, equipment), dated within six (6) months of the application.
Employees:
A non E.U. national, subject to the relevant qualifications and experience, can be employed based on the following criteria:
The minimum acceptable
monthy gloss salary is
€2500.
Applicant must be at least 24 years old with suitable qualifications evidenced by relevant documentation or with minimum professional experience of two years to similar to the position offered.
Minimum
Employment duration
is two years.
- The registration of the first employee can take place only following the approval and registration of the company at the Migration Authorities.
- The employment permit for non-E.U. nationals is issued for a maximum of two years and may be renewed at such intervals indefinitely.
- The company, subject to its annual turnover and business activities, should comply with the following split: 30% Europeans and 70% third country nationals as from the beginning of 2026. List ofdocuments for company and personnel may be provided upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are eligible to employ non-E.U. nationals in Cyprus?
Employment permits for non-E.U. nationals are available only to Cyprus companies of foreign interests. A company qualifies when the majority of its shareholders are non-E.U. nationals or when foreign shareholding of 50% or less has a minimum value of €200,000. Certain public, shipping, high-tech, pharmaceutical, and international companies may also qualify.
What is considered a “company of foreign interests” in Cyprus?
A company is considered to be of foreign interests when more than 50% of its shares are held by non-E.U. nationals. Companies with lower foreign shareholding may still qualify if the value of such shareholding is at least €200,000, supported by official corporate and banking documentation.
Is an investment required to employ non-E.U. nationals?
Yes. The company must demonstrate an investment of at least €200,000, transferred from abroad to a Cyprus bank account or evidenced through eligible business expenses incurred within six months prior to the application.
What conditions must the company meet before applying?
The company must operate from self-contained office premises in Cyprus, submit its constitutional documents, ownership structure, business profile, and provide proof of office title or lease agreement. Approval by the Migration Authorities is required before employing non-E.U. nationals.
What are the requirements for non-E.U. employees?
Non-E.U. employees must be at least 24 years old, possess suitable qualifications or a minimum of two years of relevant professional experience, and be employed under a contract with a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,500 and a minimum duration of two years.
How long is the employment permit valid?
An employment permit for non-E.U. nationals is issued for a maximum period of two years and may be renewed indefinitely, subject to continued compliance with immigration and employment conditions.
When can a company register its first non-E.U. employee?
The registration of the first non-E.U. employee can take place only after the company has been approved and registered with the Migration Authorities as eligible to employ third-country nationals.
Are there any workforce ratio requirements?
Yes. From the beginning of 2026, companies must comply with a workforce ratio of 30% E.U. nationals and 70% third-country nationals, depending on their annual turnover and business activities.
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