EU Blue Card Now Available in Cyprus: Official Guide for 2025
The Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection has formally announced that as of Monday, 07 July 2025, applications are open for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus. This important development offers highly qualified third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) the right to live and work in Cyprus under a dedicated residence and employment permit scheme harmonised across the EU.
The EU Blue Card provides a gateway for global talent in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), pharmaceutical research, and the shipping sector (excluding ship captains and crew) to legally migrate to Cyprus and contribute to its knowledge-based economy.
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What Is the EU Blue Card?
The EU Blue Card is a standardised residence and work permit designed for highly skilled non-EU nationals. Adopted by most EU Member States (excluding Denmark and Ireland), the Blue Card is intended to fill gaps in specialised labour markets and foster innovation and economic development.
Cyprus now fully implements this scheme under the Aliens and Immigration Law, Cap. 105, offering access to attractive employment, legal residence, and long-term integration rights.
Who Can Apply for the Cyprus EU Blue Card?
You may be eligible if you:
- Are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- Have a valid job offer or contract in Cyprus for at least 6 months
- Are offered a gross annual salary of at least €43,632 (as per the 2025 Ministerial Decree)
- Hold a university degree of at least three years, or equivalent work experience in your field
- Are employed in one of the eligible high-demand sectors
Eligible Sectors in Cyprus
According to the official announcement published on 4 July 2025, Blue Cards will be granted for highly qualified employment in the following areas:
💻 Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
🔬 Pharmaceuticals (research roles only)
⚓ Shipping (excluding captains and crew)
Minimum Salary Requirement (2025)
To qualify, your gross annual salary must be €43,632 or more. This threshold is reviewed annually by the Ministry of Labour and reflects the level of professional expertise expected from Blue Card holders.
Application Process & Documents
Applications must be submitted to the Migration Department in Nicosia using Form MBCEU1, accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation.
Required Documents Include:
- Valid passport
- Employment contract or binding offer
- Declaration of return cost coverage (signed by employer)
- Medical tests (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, TB, etc.)
- Criminal record certificate (apostilled or diplomatically ratified)
- Proof of qualifications or professional experience
- Accommodation proof (rental agreement or title deed)
- Health and employer liability insurance
- Employer compliance documentation (social insurance, tax, labour record)
All documents must be in Greek or English, or accompanied by a certified translation, and must be ratified (Apostille or diplomatic/legal certification as applicable).
Timelines & Validity
- Initial Card Validity: Up to 2 years
- Renewable for additional periods
- Decision issued within 90 days of submission
- Renewal applications must be submitted 30 days before expiry
- Biometric data (photo, fingerprints) required within 7 days of arrival
Rights of EU Blue Card Holders in Cyprus
The Migration Department confirms that EU Blue Card holders issued by the Republic of Cyprus are entitled to:
Entry, re-entry, and legal residence in Cyprus
Employment rights in highly qualified positions
Equal treatment with Cypriot citizens in:
- Working conditions
- Education and training
- Social security and welfare
Family reunification, with permits equal in duration to the Blue Card
Accumulation of residence periods across different EU Member States for EU long-term resident status eligibility
Employer’s Legal Obligations
Employers must demonstrate compliance through:
- A signed Declaration to Cover Return Costs
- Proof of payment of social insurance contributions
- Recent tax clearance certificates (corporate and VAT)
- No history of undeclared or illegal employment
- Active business status confirmed by the Registrar of Companies
EU Long-Term Mobility
If you already hold a Blue Card from another EU country, you may apply in Cyprus through the long-term mobility route. This allows the continuation of highly skilled employment across borders without starting the process from scratch.
How Connor Legal Can Help
At Connor Legal, we provide full-spectrum legal support for:
- First-time EU Blue Card applications
- Employer declarations and due diligence
- Apostille and translation of foreign documents
- Application for entry permits and biometric registration
- Renewals, changes of employer, and long-term mobility
- Family member applications under reunification
