EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is a permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals to live and work in most EU countries and EEA countries. It is valid for up to 36 months, depending on the contract and passport. The card offers benefits like access to jobs, equal treatment, and family reunification. It targets skilled workers in sectors with labour shortages, such as IT, pharmaceuticals, and maritime.

Eligibility & Minimum Salary:

There is no limit on the number of Blue Cards issued for professions in the following high-skilled sectors:
1
Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
2
Pharmaceutical sector (for research purposes only)
3
Shipping (excluding ship captains and crew)
For all other sectors or professions, the admission volumes are currently set to zero.

The minimum gross annual salary for a high-skilled third-country national to qualify for a Blue Card is €43,632.

EU Blue Card Services in Cyprus

Family Members of EU Blue Card Holders:

Family members of EU Blue Card holders in Cyprus are covered by the national family reunification laws.

Benefits include:

1
Simultaneous application for the EU Blue Card and family reunification
2
Family members receive residence permits valid for the same duration as the Blue Card (as long as their passports remain valid)
3
Free access to the labour market, including self-employment

Temporary Residence for Dependent Visitors:

If the spouse or children of a Blue Card holder do not yet meet the requirements for family reunification (e.g., passport validity, marriage duration), they may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit as Dependent Visitors.
Other individuals who may apply under this permit (if the Blue Card holder has sufficient annual income) include:

Parents or parents-in-law

Partners, if the relationship is proven to be long-term

Adult children up to 25 years old, or those within 1 year after completing their studies, provided their residence in Cyprus is justified

Entry Requirements:

Entry is allowed through legal ports of entry using a visa issued by Cyprus Consular Authorities and a valid travel document. Before the visa expires, they must apply for a Visitor’s Temporary Residence Permit at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Permit renewals must be submitted no later than one month before expiry. All supporting documents must be officially translated and certified.
EU Blue Card Program in Cyprus for Skilled Professionals

Mobility Within the EU:

The EU Blue Card allows the holder to move and work in other EU countries for high-skilled employment. This mobility comes in two forms:
1

Short-Term Mobility

  • Stay in another EU Member State (including Cyprus) for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
  • No additional formalities needed.
  • Must have a valid EU Blue Card, travel document, and proof of the business purpose.
  • This applies only for the employee not the family members.
2

Long-Term Mobility

  • After 12 months of legal residence in another EU country with a Blue Card, the holder may move to Cyprus for high-skilled employment.
  • Must apply for a Cyprus-issued EU Blue Card, following legal requirements.
  • Application must be submitted within 1 month of entering Cyprus through the employer at the Migration Department s central offices.
  • Must include all required documents and proof of eligibility, along with the applicable government fees.

Supporting Documents:

Valid passport.

Signed employment contract or job offer for a highly skilled job of at least six months with salary meeting legal requirements.

Original criminal record certificate.

Certified higher education diploma or proof of three years professional experience relevant to the job.

Skilled Worker EU Blue Card Services in Cyprus

Processing Time:

Applications are examined within ninety (90) days, provided they are duly completed. Applications under the long-term mobility scheme are examined within 30 days of submission, provided they are complete.

These deadlines are suspended if submitted documents or information are insufficient, in which case the examination period is extended.

Obligations of the EU Blue Card Holder:

1
Comply with the terms of the employment contract
2
Notify authorities in case of termination of employment
3
Apply for renewal at least three months before the expiry of the current Blue Card
4
In case of employer change within the first 12 months, new employment can only start 30 days after the application for change is submitted

Rights of Blue Card holders

Residence and Work

Right to live and work in the EU, excluding Denmark and Ireland, and in EEA countries.

Right to move freely within the EU for short-term (up to 90 days) and long-term mobility after 12 months of holding the card.

Equal Treatment

Equal rights in employment, education, training, social security, and access to goods and services.

Unemployment

Blue Card holders are allowed to stay unemployed for up to 3 months, with a possible extension of 6 months without losing their status.

50% Income Tax Exemption:

Persons whose employment in Cyprus began from July 2023 onward may be eligible for a 50% income tax exemption, even if they later change employer, provided they meet all applicable criteria.

Application Process

Application Submission:

The employer submits the application, including required documents and payment of fees.

Entry Permit

If approved, an entry permit is issued for the applicant to enter the EU country.

Registration

After arrival, the applicant must submit additional information and biometric data to register.

Blue Card Issuance

Once the application is reviewed and approved, the EU Blue Card is issued.

Renewal

Blue Card holders can apply for renewal, including updated documents and biometric data.