Cyprus Pink Slip - a Temporary Residence Permit

The Cyprus Pink Slip, also known as a temporary residence permit, allows non-European Union passport holders to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days or three months. This permit can also extend the duration of a tourist or visitor's stay in Cyprus, provided that they apply before their current visa expires.

Overview of the Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit

The Pink Slip in Cyprus is valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis. It allows a person to live in Cyprus as a visitor without the right to work. Family members, including the spouse, dependent parents and children under 18 years old, can also apply for the Pink Slip as dependents. All family members should apply at the same time, with each one submitting a separate application form and receiving a temporary residence card.

Restrictions of the Pink Slip

The Pink Slip in Cyprus comes with a few restrictions. A holder cannot stay outside of Cyprus for more than three months continuously as the permit will be automatically cancelled. Additionally, this permit is only granted to non-European Union nationals who wish to extend their stay in Cyprus. Holders also do not have the right to work in Cyprus.

How to Obtain a Cyprus Pink Slip

To be eligible for this type of permit, applicants need to show that they have adequate income from abroad to cover living expenses while residing in Cyprus. Applicants must also have either rented or bought a house or apartment in Cyprus.

Processing Time for the Pink Slip Application

The Cyprus Residence Permit Card is typically obtained within about three months of application. Once applied, the holder is allowed to stay until the temporary residence permit card is issued.

Necessary Documents for the Pink Slip Application

To apply for the Pink Slip, each family member needs to submit an application form for a temporary residence permit in Cyprus as a visitor, MVIS5, duly completed. Additionally, they must provide:

Rental or sale agreement of a house or apartment. The rental agreement should be for a minimum of one year.

Bank statement and proof of transfer from abroad. A deposit or transfer of €24,000 into a bank account in Cyprus, which should be transferred from abroad. If the amount is brought in cash, it needs to be declared in the airport on arrival and a confirmation document obtained. One needs swift or confirmation from the bank in Cyprus that this amount was transferred from abroad. The amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and parent, and 15% for each child.

Bank guarantee. Set up a bank guarantee in a Cyprus bank, with the amount depending on nationality: €550 for Eastern European countries and Russians, €350 for Middle Eastern countries, and €850 for Asian or American countries. The processing time for the bank to issue the bank guarantees is 1-2 days. Applicants from the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, Andorra, Bahrain, Kuwait, Lebanon, Monaco, Qatar, Switzerland, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates do not need to provide bank guarantees.

Health insurance. This can be international health insurance if the applicant already has one, or it can be made in Cyprus, with the average cost being €200 for each person. It can be made in one day.

Medical exams. Only needed for the first permit, not for renewals. These are done in Cyprus, and blood tests showing that the applicant does not suffer from Hepatitis B and C, HIV, and syphilis. A chest X-ray report for tuberculosis. They need to be stamped by a specialist doctor.

Documents to prove income from abroad. Applicants must provide proof of adequate income from abroad to cover their living expenses while residing in Cyprus. This can be any stable income, such as employment, bank deposits, pension, etc. The estimated annual income needed for a single applicant is €24,000 (with an extra 20% for the spouse and parent and 15% for each child). Applicants must provide supporting documentation to prove their income, such as bank statements, employment contracts, or pension statements.

Passport copy. Applicants must submit a copy of their passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of their application.

Marriage Certificate and Children's Birth Certificates (if applicable). If the applicant is married, they must provide a certified and translated copy of their marriage certificate. If they have children under the age of 18, they must provide certified and translated copies of their birth certificates.

School Enrolment Confirmation for Children. If the applicant has school-aged children, they must provide confirmation of their enrolment in a school in Cyprus.

Criminal Record from the Country of Origin or Residence (if applicable). Applicants may be required to provide a criminal record certificate from their country of origin or residence. This certificate must be translated into English and bear the "APOSTILLE" stamp, or be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and by the Cyprus Embassy of that country.

Cyprus Government Fees. The application fee for the first-time or renewal of a temporary residence permit is €70 for each family member. In addition, there is a registration fee of €70 per family member, which is payable only at the time of the first application.

Application Submission Location

Applicants must apply to the Immigration Unit of the city in which they are residing. The applications will be forwarded and examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

In conclusion, obtaining a temporary residence permit in Cyprus, also known as the "Pink Slip," can be a complex and lengthy process. However, it is a great opportunity for non-European Union passport holders who wish to extend their stay in Cyprus. With the proper documentation and preparation, applicants can successfully obtain their temporary residence permit and enjoy their stay in this beautiful country.