Cyprus Reopens Digital Nomad Visa Program: Conditions, Benefits, and Limitations

Cyprus has resumed accepting applications for its Digital Nomad Visa program. The initiative is targeted at remote professionals from non-EU and non-EEA countries, including employees of foreign companies and self-employed individuals working with international clients, according to Cyprus Mail.

The visa allows third-country nationals to reside in Cyprus for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years. One of the key requirements is to demonstrate a stable post-tax monthly income of at least €3,500. If the applicant is relocating with family, this threshold increases by 20% for a spouse/partner and by 15% for each minor child.

To be eligible, applicants must be employed by a company registered outside of Cyprus or be self-employed with clients abroad. All required documents must be submitted to the Migration Department in Nicosia within three months of arrival. Applicants already residing in Cyprus under a different status may apply through the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Biometric registration is also mandatory.

Required Documents Include:
- Valid passport copy
- Proof of remote employment or self-employment
- Income verification for the past six months (bank statements, tax returns)
- Valid health insurance covering the stay in Cyprus
- Criminal record certificate from the country of residence
- Rental agreement or proof of property ownership in Cyprus
- Completed application forms and passport-sized photos.

The average processing time ranges from 5 to 7 weeks. Applicants must pay €70 for issuance or renewal of a temporary residence permit, and a €70 registration fee for first-time foreign residents.

Holders of the Digital Nomad Residence Permit may benefit from Cyprus's financial incentives for tax residency if they live on the island for more than 183 days per year and are not considered tax residents of another country. This status offers tax advantages such as exemption from double taxation and favorable rates on dividends and foreign income. High-income earners may be eligible for reduced fixed tax rates.

The relaunched 2025 program follows the pilot version introduced in 2021. Initially, the government planned to issue only 100 visas, later increasing the cap to 500 in 2022. By mid-2023, the quota was fully met, leading to a temporary suspension of applications. Speculation arose about potential program termination due to criticism and structural issues. The 2025 relaunch introduces clearer selection criteria and an improved application system.

Analysts point out the high income requirement. The €3,500 monthly minimum exceeds that of similar programs in other European countries. Portugal, for example, requires €3,280. Spain's 2025 update raised the threshold to €2,762, while Italy expects around €2,700. Montenegro offers more lenient criteria—between €1,350 and €1,500.

Thus, Cyprus is positioned in the upper tier of digital nomad programs, targeting professionals with relatively high earnings. However, it’s important to note that the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa only grants residence on the island and does not allow automatic access to the Schengen Area or free movement within the EU. Against this backdrop, the program’s benefits may appear limited in appeal to a broader international audience.