Emigration nach Zypern: Wie können Ukrainer 2025 dorthin ziehen?

Zypern ist ein attraktives Ziel für Ukrainer, die nach neuen Möglichkeiten zum Leben, Arbeiten oder Investieren suchen. Die Beliebtheit der Insel ist auf ihr angenehmes Klima, das günstige Steuersystem und die unkomplizierten Einwanderungsanforderungen zurückzuführen. Erfahren Sie mehr über die Arten von Visa, notwendige Dokumente, Legalisierungsverfahren und den Erhalt einer Aufenthaltserlaubnis in Zypern im Jahr 2025.

Rechtliche Unterstützung bei Visa-Angelegenheiten für Ukrainer in der Ukraine und im Ausland

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Cyprus is a popular destination among Ukrainians not only for holidays but also for long-term residence. The sunny climate, favourable tax environment, English-speaking community and large Ukrainian diaspora all attract those planning a new life in the EU. However, to move to Cyprus legally, you must comply with specific requirements.

In this article, we will tell you about the types of visas available, what you need to apply for them, and how to legalise your stay in Cyprus in 2025.

For information about the cost of living in Cyprus, follow the link.

Detailed information that will be useful when planning a trip to Cyprus can be found here:

– Entry rules for Ukrainians to Cyprus.

– Work in Cyprus for Ukrainians.

– Education in Cyprus for Ukrainians.

– Immigration to Cyprus for Ukrainians.

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Entry rules for Cyprus: do Ukrainians need a visa to visit Cyprus?

Ukrainian citizens can enter Cyprus without a visa for tourist purposes only — for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This rule is in effect thanks to Cyprus' unilateral visa regime, which applies to Ukrainians with biometric passports.

But it is important to remember that visa-free travel is not the same as emigration. To live, work, study or do business in Cyprus, you must have a long-term visa or residence permit.

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Visas to Cyprus for Ukrainians: what types are there?

For Ukrainians who want to emigrate to Cyprus in 2025, the following main types of visas are available:

– Category D (long-term visa). This is the main type of visa for emigration. It allows you to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days.

– Employment visa. Requires an invitation from a Cypriot employer who submits documents to the Cyprus Department of Immigration. Issued only for a confirmed vacancy and if there is a shortage of local specialists.

– Student visa. Issued to those who have enrolled in accredited universities in Cyprus. Such visas often also allow limited work during studies.

– Investor or self-employed visa. Available to those who invest in the country's economy, in particular, start a business or purchase real estate. These individuals are eligible for a simplified residence permit application process.

About insurance for entry into Cyprus — follow the link.

What documents are required for a visa to Cyprus: entry for Ukrainians

The package of documents depends on the type of visa, but the basic list usually includes:

– A valid biometric foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure).

– A completed visa application form.

– 2 passport photos.

– Proof of financial solvency (bank statements or income statements).

– A certificate of no criminal record (translated and apostilled).

– A medical certificate (usually required when applying for a long-term visa).

– A rental agreement or a document confirming your place of residence in Cyprus.

– Other documents depending on the type of visa: contract with an employer, letter from a university, business plan, etc.

– Medical insurance.

Take care of your health while travelling abroad with medical insurance from the Visit Ukraine portal, which guarantees reliable protection. Ensure your peace of mind while travelling.

Visa to Cyprus for Ukrainians: preparation stages

1. Selecting the type of visa

First of all, you need to determine the purpose of your move: work, study, business or other circumstances. This will determine the type of visa and the further legalisation strategy.

2. Finding grounds for application.

If it is for work, find an employer. If it is for business, prepare documents on company registration or an investment project. If it is for study, enrol in an educational institution.

3. Collect and translate documents.

All documents that are not in English or Greek must be translated and certified accordingly. You need to order certificates from your place of work, bank, Ministry of Internal Affairs, etc. in advance.

4. Submit an application to the embassy or visa centre.

Once you have prepared the documents, you must submit your application. The review process usually takes 2 to 6 weeks.

5. Arrive in Cyprus and register with the immigration service.

Within 7 days of entering Cyprus, you must contact the Department of Immigration to register.

6. Obtaining a work permit (if required).

The work permit is issued by the employer through the local authorities. The employee cannot work until the official permit is issued. Self-employed persons and freelancers need a separate permit for entrepreneurial activity.

For successful processing of documents, it is recommended to contact qualified visa lawyers. Specialists will advise you on the necessary documents, help with the preparation of the application and provide full legal support throughout the process, from start to finish.

Cyprus for Ukrainians 2025: how to move to Cyprus from Ukraine?

After obtaining a visa, it is important to legalise your stay in Cyprus. There are several types of residence permits for this purpose: temporary, permanent and investment.

Read also: Medicine in Cyprus: features of private and public health insurance.

Temporary residence permit in Cyprus

A temporary residence permit in Cyprus (Temporary Residence Permit, or Pink Slip) is granted on several grounds: employment, study or family reunification. This permit is usually issued for one year with the right to extend. After five years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residence.

Important: if you leave Cyprus for more than 90 days, your permit will be automatically cancelled.

Documents required to obtain a temporary residence permit in Cyprus

– Completed application form.

– Proof of residence.

– Financial documents.

– Medical certificate.

– Certificate of no criminal record.

– Medical insurance.

– Copies of your passport.

– Bank guarantee.

– Additional documents (work permit, letter from a university, marriage certificate, etc.).

Permit for permanent residence in Cyprus

After 5 years of continuous residence with a temporary permit in Cyprus, a Ukrainian citizen has the right to apply for a permanent residence permit (Permanent Residency). The permit is issued for 5 years and is automatically renewed if the conditions are met.

There are also other grounds for obtaining permanent residence:

– Investment in real estate worth €300,000 or more.

– Marriage to a Cypriot citizen.

A permanent residence permit in Cyprus opens up the following opportunities for Ukrainians:

– Access to the labour market.

– Social and tax benefits.

– Freedom of movement within the EU.

– The right to conduct business.

Cyprus Golden Visa

The Cyprus Golden Visa is a programme that grants permanent residence or citizenship in exchange for investment. It is particularly relevant for Ukrainians who are planning to move to Cyprus with significant financial investments.

Permanent residence in Cyprus through investment can be obtained through the following investments:

– Minimum €300,000 in real estate

– €30,000 deposit in a bank (for 3 years)

– Minimum €30,000 annual income from abroad + €5,000/child, €8,000/parents

Cyprus citizenship through investment can be obtained through the following investments:

– €2,000,000 in real estate + €200,000 in charitable contributions.

About the EU Blue Card in Cyprus — read here.

Cyprus citizenship for Ukrainians

Citizenship can also be obtained through naturalisation if you have lived legally in Cyprus for a sufficient period of time.

Naturalisation requirements:

– 7 years of legal residence (or 5 years for relatives of Cyprus citizens).

– Permanent residence for one year prior to application.

– No criminal record or sanctions.

– Stable income (min. €2,500/month).

– Knowledge of Greek (B1 or A2 — for highly skilled workers).

– Understanding of the Cypriot system.

– Registration of all entries and exits.

Working in Cyprus for Ukrainians

To work in Cyprus, Ukrainian citizens must obtain a work permit and then a work visa. These documents give the right not only to officially find employment but also to reside in the country legally.

Under what conditions can Ukrainians obtain a work permit in Cyprus?

According to Cypriot law, Cypriot and EU citizens have priority in employment. Therefore, work permits are only granted to Ukrainians if the employer can prove that no suitable candidate from the EU could be found for the position.

In practice, this means that specialists sought by international companies or foreign-owned enterprises operating in Cyprus have the best chances of success.

Which categories of workers can obtain a work permit in Cyprus?

– Executive directors (minimum annual salary: €41,000; up to 5 foreigners in this category per company).

– Middle management and technical staff (salary: €21,000 to €40,000 per year).

– Directors, managers, office workers, etc.

– Support staff (may only be hired if there are no suitable candidates from the EU; the employer must prove the need for such hiring).

What is a start-up visa in Cyprus? Find out more at the link.

Procedure for obtaining a work permit in Cyprus for Ukrainians

1. Obtain approval from the Cyprus Department of Labour.

The employer submits an application stating the reasons why the position cannot be filled by an EU citizen.

2. Submit an application to the immigration service.

After approval, submit a package of documents to the Cyprus Department of Civil Status and Migration.

After submitting the documents, the review takes 4–6 weeks, but sometimes it can take up to 6 months. Only after the permit is approved can you proceed with applying for a work visa.

Cyprus immigration law has many nuances and is constantly changing, which can complicate the process of preparing documents on your own and increase the risk of rejection.

The qualified lawyers at Visit Ukraine specialise in visa and migration issues and will help you choose the best way to move, avoid mistakes in your documents and save time. Our experts will provide professional support at all stages — from choosing a visa category to successfully obtaining a residence permit.

Get advice right now and take the first step towards moving to Cyprus!

Reminder! Next year, Cyprus plans to join the Schengen area. What does this mean for Ukrainian travellers, what advantages will the island's new status bring, and what challenges does Cyprus face on its way to Schengen? Read here.

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