General Employment in Cyprus is the procedure for a Cyprus company to employ a non-EU national under the remunerated employment (single permit – GEN) route.
The process involves the Department of Labour and the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Before a work and residence permit can be issued, the employer generally needs to obtain approval for the employment of a third-country national.
General Employment Work Permit in Cyprus
The Department of Labour assesses whether the position can be filled by a Cypriot or EU national before approving the employment of a third-country national. The employer may therefore need to demonstrate that there is no suitable local or EU candidate available for the specific position.
As part of the procedure, the employer may be required to register the vacancy and follow the relevant recruitment and labour-market assessment process.
Once the required labour approval is obtained, the application for the employee’s entry, residence and work permit can proceed with the Migration Department.
Who Can Apply for General Employment in Cyprus?
The procedure is relevant to Cyprus companies that wish to employ qualified non-EU nationals for positions where the relevant employment and immigration requirements are satisfied.
Each application is assessed on its individual circumstances. The required documents, procedure and outcome may vary depending on the employer, position and prospective employee.
How Long Does General Employment Take?
General Employment applications can take several months to complete. The official Migration Department states that examination of an application for an entry, residence and work permit is completed within four months, provided that the application is complete and all required documents have been submitted.
The overall process may take longer where labour-market approval, additional documentation or other preliminary steps are required.
General Employment and Work & Residence Permit
A third-country national employed under the General Employment route must obtain the relevant temporary residence and work permit in Cyprus.
The permit may be issued for a period of up to three years, subject to the applicable requirements and the validity of the employment arrangement.
Our team can assist employers and employees with the Cyprus General Employment procedure, preparation of supporting documents and coordination of the relevant immigration and employment requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is General Employment in Cyprus?
General Employment is a procedure allowing a Cyprus employer to employ a non-EU national, subject to the required labour and immigration approvals.
Who approves the employment of a non-EU national?
The procedure involves the Department of Labour and the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Labour-market approval is generally required before the immigration permit can be issued.
Is advertising the vacancy required?
The employer may need to submit the vacancy and follow the applicable recruitment procedure so that the availability of Cypriot or EU candidates can be assessed.
How long does General Employment take in Cyprus?
The immigration authority states that examination of a complete application for an entry, residence and work permit is completed within four months. The overall process may take longer depending on the circumstances of the application.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. Each application is assessed according to the applicable labour and immigration requirements, and approval cannot be guaranteed.
Can a General Employment application be different from one case to another?
Yes. The procedure and supporting documents may vary depending on the employer, position, employee and applicable requirements.
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