Overview
Introduced by a Council of Ministers decision in October 2021 and expanded to 500 permits in March 2022, the scheme lets non-EU/EEA nationals live in Cyprus while working for an employer registered abroad or for foreign clients. Applications are filed in person at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia within three months of arrival.
Cyprus is EU but not Schengen, so the permit gives residence on the island rather than free movement across the Schengen area.
Editor's note — The Migration Department announced on 31 December 2025 that it is “once again accepting applications” and that “the maximum number of permits… remains at 500”. Third-party sites claiming a 1,000-permit cap are ahead of the official position.
Who is eligible
- Non-EU/EEA national able to work remotely through telecommunications technology.
- Employed by a company registered abroad, or self-employed serving clients located abroad.
- Stable net monthly income of at least €3,500 after tax and contributions; the scheme adds 20% for a spouse/partner and 15% per child.
- Health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of accommodation in Cyprus.
- Must apply within three months of arrival (or from another legal status in Cyprus).
Income & financial requirements
Net, after taxes and contributions.
Added for an accompanying spouse or partner.
Added for each dependent child.
Permits available under the scheme.
The Department looks for “stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3,500 (after the deduction of contributions and taxes)”, proven with employment contracts or client agreements and bank statements. Family members raise the bar by 20% (spouse) and 15% (each child).
Because the number of permits is capped, a complete file matters: applications missing any required document “will not be accepted for consideration”.
Costs & fees
- €70 for issuance or renewal of the temporary residence permit and €70 for registration in the Aliens' Registry (first application only).
- Certified translations and ratification of all foreign documents.
- Private health insurance and any agent fees if you apply through an authorised representative.
Taxes
Staying more than 183 days in a tax year makes you a Cyprus tax resident (unless resident elsewhere). Cyprus taxes employment income progressively up to 35%, but the non-domiciled regime can exempt dividends and interest from the Special Defence Contribution for up to 17 years — a major draw for founders.
Family members get residence for the same period but no right to work or run a business in Cyprus.
How to apply
Enter Cyprus
Arrive as a visitor (or hold another legal status) and gather translated, certified documents.
File at the CRMD in Nicosia
Submit in person or through an authorised representative within three months of arrival and pay the fees.
Biometrics
Give photo, fingerprints and signature at the Department or at the district Aliens and Immigration Police unit.
Receive the permit
Examination takes five to seven weeks; you are notified by letter how to collect the card.
Duration & renewal
The first temporary residence permit is issued for one year. It can be renewed for a maximum of two further years, and renewal applications must be filed at least one month before expiry — so the scheme offers three years in total, not a permanent route.
Bringing family
The spouse or civil partner and minor children can obtain permits for the same period as the digital nomad. They may live in Cyprus but may not be employed or carry out economic activity there.
Pros & cons
Advantages
- EU residence with English widely spoken
- Non-dom regime shelters dividends and interest
- Predictable €70 + €70 government fees
- Mediterranean climate and strong expat networks
Considerations
- Only 500 permits; the scheme can pause when the cap is hit
- Three-year ceiling with no permanent-residence pathway
- In-person filing in Nicosia with certified translations
- Not Schengen — no free movement to the mainland EU