Cyprus Passport and Visa-Free Opportunities
Dreaming of a passport that opens doors to over 170 countries worldwide? The Cyprus passport is one of the most mobile in the world, allowing visa-free travel throughout Europe, the UK, Canada, Singapore, and dozens of other countries. It offers not only freedom of movement but also full access to life in any EU country: studying, working, starting a business — all possible without additional permits.
Our law firm supports clients at every stage: from document preparation to obtaining the passport. We ensure confidentiality, full legal support, and an individual approach — whether it’s citizenship by descent, naturalization, or confirming rights through relatives.
Visa to Cyprus: How the Visa Regime Works
Although Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, it is not a participant in the Schengen Agreement. To enter the territory of Cyprus, a separate national visa is required, even if you already have a Schengen visa. Citizens of countries outside the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA) are required to obtain a visa to enter Cyprus. Depending on the purpose of your trip, you can apply for one of the following types of visas:
Short-term tourist visa is issued for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. It can be either single-entry or multiple-entry. It is intended for tourism, business trips, or private visits.
National visa is intended for long-term stays over 90 days. The grounds may vary: study, internship, employment under contract, business activity, investment, obtaining a residence permit. The national visa requires a more complete set of documents and undergoes thorough review by Cypriot immigration authorities.
It should be noted that a Schengen visa does not grant the right to enter Cyprus. Despite being an EU member, Cyprus is not bound by obligations of mutual visa recognition. However, holders of valid multiple-entry visas from the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Romania, Croatia, and Bulgaria may enter Cyprus for up to 90 days, provided that: the visa is multiple-entry, its validity covers the entire period of stay, and the purpose of the trip does not violate immigration rules.
If you are planning a trip to Cyprus, our team of lawyers will help you choose the optimal visa route, prepare the necessary documents, and avoid mistakes. We provide full support at every stage: from submitting the application to obtaining the visa or residence permit. Contact us for a consultation and entrust the visa formalities to professionals.
Main Types of Visas to Cyprus: Short-term and Long-term
1. Short-term visa (Category C)
This is the most common type of visa, intended for stays in Cyprus of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Possible purposes of the trip:
- Tourism and leisure;
- Business trips (business meetings, conferences);
- Visiting relatives and friends;
- Short-term education (e.g., language courses).
The visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry. Validity period — from 1 to 5 years (depending on visa history and purpose). The stay must not exceed 90 days in total for each 180 days. Proof of the purpose of the visit and financial means is required.
2. Pro-visa
Pro-visa is an electronic form of pre-authorization for entry, available only to citizens of the countries listed on the Cyprus Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Features of application:
- Application submitted online through the official Cyprus website;
- Free of charge (no consular fees);
- Upon approval, the visa is stamped upon arrival at the airport;
- Valid only for direct flights to Cyprus, not applicable for entry through other countries.
It is suitable for tourism purposes only. It cannot be used for employment, study, or long-term stay. It does not serve as a basis for applying for a residence permit.
3. National visa (Category D)
This visa is intended for long-term stays in Cyprus of over 90 days. It is suitable for those who have a legitimate reason to live, work, or study in the Republic. Purposes for obtaining a Category D visa:
- Employment;
- Studying at universities or language schools;
- Running a business or investments;
- Family reunification;
- Preparing to obtain a residence permit or permanent residence.
It is issued through the Cypriot consulate in the country of residence. Requires submission of an extended set of documents. It may serve as a basis for applying for a residence permit, including under investment programs. Usually issued for 6 months or 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
4. Transit Visa
A transit visa is required when making a transfer in Cyprus if the passenger does not remain in the international transit zone or when transiting through seaports. When it is needed:
- When transferring between two international flights;
- When changing airports within Cyprus;
- When making a short stop on the island before traveling to a third country.
Valid for no more than 5 days. Confirmation of the next ticket booking and a visa to the destination country (if required) must be provided.
How to Get a Visa to Cyprus: Step-by-Step Guide
Prepare your documents
Before submitting your application, you need to determine exactly which type of visa you need. The standard package includes:
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International passport (valid for at least 3 months after the end of your trip);
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Copy of the passport’s first page;
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Completed application form (in English);
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1 color photo, 3.5 x 4.5 cm;
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Proof of return flight booking;
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Proof of accommodation in Cyprus (hotel, rental agreement, private invitation);
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Documents proving financial solvency (bank statements, employment certificate);
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Health insurance (if required).
Make an appointment
You can submit your documents in two ways:
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Through the VFS Global visa center;
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Through the Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus (when applying for a Category D visa).
If you are applying for a Pro-visa, registration is done online through the portal. After approval, the visa is stamped upon arrival at the Cyprus airport.
Pay the consular fee
The amount depends on the type of visa:
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Category C (Schengen-type) — about €80 (payable in local currency);
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Category D (national) — from €150–200, depending on the purpose;
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Pro-visa — free of charge.
Some categories of applicants (children under 12, students, persons with disabilities) may be exempt from payment.
Undergo biometrics and interview (if required)
For first-time applicants through VFS, fingerprinting is usually required. An interview may be scheduled for Category D applicants. For Pro-visa applicants, neither interview nor biometrics are required.
Wait for the decision
The processing time depends on the type of visa and the country of submission:
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Pro-visa — 1–2 business days;
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Category C — from 7 to 15 business days;
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Category D — up to 45 business days (sometimes longer if verification by the Cyprus Ministry of Interior is needed).
Collect your visa and check the details
After receiving your passport with the visa, make sure that the travel dates are correct, the visa type matches what you applied for, and that there are no errors in your name, passport number, etc. If you find an error — immediately contact the visa center or consulate.
For obtaining a Category D visa, we recommend using legal support. When applying for a visa for the whole family, it is important to consider the different document packages for adults and minors. If you plan to apply for a Cyprus residence permit in the future, applying for a Category D visa is the optimal path.
Our international law firm will help you prepare the full set of documents, communicate with the consulate, and guide your application at every stage.
Cyprus Visa vs. Other EU and Caribbean Countries
First of all, a Cyprus visa is solely an entry permit. It does not automatically grant a residence permit, the right to work, or, even less so, citizenship. Unlike Malta, which offers citizenship by investment under its individual investor scheme, Cyprus suspended its “passport for investment” program in 2020 and, as of 2025, does not offer similar solutions.
Austria, as a Schengen Agreement country, issues visas that allow travel throughout the entire zone. In this regard, the Cyprus visa falls short. Cyprus is not part of Schengen, and such a visa does not grant the right to visit other EU countries. Moreover, a Cyprus visa is still required even for those who already have a valid Schengen visa, unless it is a multiple-entry visa.
Compared to passports of Dominica, Antigua, Saint Kitts, and other Caribbean jurisdictions, the Cyprus visa is a time-limited document, not a tool for international mobility. Passports of these countries provide visa-free travel to over 140 countries, including the UK, Schengen area, Singapore, and Hong Kong, while the Cyprus visa only allows entry to Cyprus itself.
Nevertheless, Cyprus remains an attractive destination for living, leisure, and business. Firstly, the country offers a favorable tax regime, including no inheritance tax and simplified taxation for international companies. Secondly, citizens of certain countries can benefit from the Pro-visa — an electronic pre-authorization visa that can be obtained quickly and free of charge online.
Opportunities After Obtaining a Cyprus Visa
Obtaining a visa to Cyprus opens up a wide range of opportunities for both short-term stays and subsequent legalization in the country. A short-term visa allows you to stay in Cyprus for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It is ideal for tourism, leisure, medical treatment, and business visits.
If you hold a national visa, you can legally reside in the country for more than 90 days and apply for a residence permit (PR). One of the most popular options is obtaining residence based on real estate purchase worth at least €300,000 (Category F or Fast Track).
It is also possible to extend your status within the country if you have valid grounds — for example, ongoing medical treatment or continued education. Long-term residence based on a residence permit can lead to obtaining permanent residency (PR) and even citizenship. According to the naturalization law, a person may apply for Cypriot citizenship after 7 years of residence, and in some cases — after 5 years.
Cyprus offers flexible conditions for relocation and smooth integration. Thanks to its advantageous tax system and high quality of life, the country remains a popular destination for those planning to emigrate or simply wishing to maintain a backup option within the EU. In addition, residence permit holders have access to medical and educational services on par with citizens.
FAQ
Yes, most citizens of CIS countries require a visa to enter Cyprus. Exceptions are citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, and Moldova with biometric passports. They can stay in Cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Pro-visa is an electronic entry authorization obtained online that allows citizens of certain countries to get a single-entry tourist visa without visiting a consulate. After approval sent by email, the visa is issued upon arrival at the Cyprus airport. This is a simplified and free way to enter the island for short-term tourism.
Yes, if you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa (type C) issued by a Schengen country, you can enter Cyprus, provided you have already used this visa to enter the issuing Schengen state. However, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, and its national visa does not grant the right to travel within the EU.
The standard Schengen visa (type C) for entry to Cyprus costs about €80 for adults. Some categories of applicants may be exempt from the fee. National visas (type D) have different rates depending on the purpose and length of stay. Pro-visa is free of charge.
A visa is a temporary permission for entry and short-term stay. It can be single or multiple entry. A residence permit allows long-term residence, employment, study, and other activities in the country. To get a residence permit, you must first obtain a long-term visa type D and apply from within Cyprus.
Yes, for tourism, citizens of certain countries can apply for Pro-visa online. This simplified application is available via the official Cyprus consulate website. National and standard visas require applying through a visa center or consulate, but the forms and documents can be prepared electronically.
If your Cyprus visa is refused, you need to find out the reason. Common reasons include incomplete documents, incorrect information, or insufficient financial means. In such cases, you can submit a new application considering the remarks or appeal the decision by consulting immigration lawyers who will help prepare your case properly.