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The Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit, commonly known as the Pink Slip, allows non-European Union passport holders to extend their stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months (90 days). It enables tourists and visitors to extend their stay regardless of the duration of their initial visa. Important: You must apply before your current visa expires.
The permit is commonly utilized by retirees, financially independent individuals, families relocating to Cyprus, and those exploring long-term residence options without local employment.
Key characteristics:
The Pink Slip differs from other residence permits such as the Yellow Slip (employment-based) and provides a structured pathway for individuals with sufficient passive income from abroad. DPCA manages the entire Pink Slip application process, from document preparation and bank account setup to immigration appointment attendance and permit collection, ensuring a smooth and compliant procedure.
Family inclusion: The Pink Slip application permits family reunification. Eligible dependents include:
Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial means from foreign sources.
Bank statement requirement:
Bank deposit in Cyprus: Funds must be transferred from abroad into a Cyprus bank account. Cash deposits are not acceptable—all transfers must be documented via international bank transfer with SWIFT confirmation showing the foreign source of funds.
Why foreign source income matters: Cyprus immigration authorities require evidence that applicants will not burden the local economy or seek employment. Acceptable income sources include foreign pensions, investment returns, rental income from properties abroad, dividends, and remote employment with non-Cypriot companies.
Our Tax Advisory Services team can help structure your income optimally for both immigration and tax efficiency.
Proof of secure accommodation is mandatory:
Option 1 – Rental property:
Option 2 – Property purchase:
Both options require official certification. DPCA assists clients in ensuring documentation meets immigration standards.
A bank guarantee must be established with a Cyprus bank for each applicant. This guarantee serves as security for potential repatriation costs.
Bank guarantee amounts by nationality:
Exemptions from bank guarantee: Nationals of the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Norway, Switzerland, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Monaco, Thailand, and Andorra are exempt from providing bank guarantees.
Bank guarantees are processed within 1-2 business days once a Cyprus bank account is opened. Our administrative services team coordinates the entire banking setup process.
Health insurance requirement: All Pink Slip applicants must maintain valid health insurance coverage throughout their residence. Insurance can be:
Medical examinations (first-time applicants only): Medical tests are required only for initial applications, not renewals. Required examinations include:
DPCA coordinates medical examination appointments with certified clinics to ensure compliance with immigration standards.
Document preparation timeline: The procedure typically takes 10 working days to gather all required documents before submitting the application.
Step 1 – Open Cyprus bank account:
Select reputable bank; typical processing 1-2 weeks. Our administrative services team coordinates banking setup.
Step 2 – Transfer funds from abroad
Transfer adequate funds (minimum €5,000 for individuals, €15,000 for families) via international wire transfer. Obtain SWIFT confirmation showing foreign source.
Step 3 – Establish bank guarantee
Request from Cyprus bank (€350-€850 depending on nationality). Processing: 1-2 business days. One per family member unless exempt.
Step 4 – Secure accommodation
Rent (1-year minimum) or purchase property. Obtain Muhtar certification and tax office stamp.
Step 5 – Obtain health insurance
Purchase international or local coverage meeting immigration requirements (approximately €200 per person).
Step 6 – Complete medical examinations (first-time only)
Book certified Cyprus providers for blood tests and chest X-ray. Results valid 3 months.
7 – Gather supporting documentation
Criminal record certificate (≤6 months old; UK: ACRO not DBS), marriage certificate (duly certified and translated – required to prove parents are married for family applications), children’s birth certificates (duly certified and translated), school enrollment confirmation, proof of foreign income, passport copy.
Document legalization: Apostille (Hague Convention countries) or certification by Ministry of Foreign Affairs + Cyprus Embassy. Russian documents don’t require apostille.
Step 8 – Complete MVIS8 application forms
One form per family member. Each family member files a separate application form and receives their own temporary residence permit. Ensure complete accuracy.
Step 9 – Book immigration appointment
After gathering all documents, book an appointment with the Immigration Unit in your district. This is when you will submit your application and provide biometric data.
Immigration Unit locations:
Step 10 – Attend appointment
Submit forms and all required documents. Provide biometric data (photograph, signature, and fingerprints). Pay fees (€70 application + €70 registration per first-time applicant).
Step 11 – Processing period
Typical timeframe: 6 months (range 4-8 months). You may remain legally in Cyprus during processing if applied before visa expiry.
Step 12 – Receive notification
CRMD notifies via email with collection instructions.
Step 13 – Collect permits
Visit designated office. Each family member receives individual card valid one year from approval.
Method 1: Direct Contact
Contact Immigration Unit where you applied with reference number and passport details.
Method 2: Email CRMD
Email Civil Registry and Migration Department (Nicosia) with full name, passport number, application date, reference number. Response time: 5-10 business days.
Method 3: Legal Representative
Your DPCA representative directly liaises with authorities, providing regular updates.
Processing expectations: Review typically takes 4-8 months. Additional documentation requests are common and should be addressed promptly.
The Pink Slip must be renewed annually. Submit renewal 2-3 months before expiry to ensure continuity of legal residence.
Required documentation:
Not required: Medical examinations, criminal records, new marriage/birth certificates.
Renewal fee: €70 per person
Critical compliance: No absences exceeding 90 consecutive days during previous permit period, or permit is automatically cancelled. Demonstrate continued financial stability with evidence of ongoing foreign income transfers.
Pink Slip holders cannot engage in employment in Cyprus, including salaried work, self-employment, or active business operations.
Permitted activities: Unpaid directorships, shareholding (passive investment), dividend receipts, and remote employment with non-Cypriot companies.
For establishing Cyprus business structures, our accounting services and business valuation teams provide comprehensive support.
Absences exceeding 90 consecutive days result in automatic permit cancellation with no appeal. Track departures meticulously and re-enter Cyprus at least every 89 days.
| Feature | Pink Slip (Temporary Residence) | Yellow Slip (Work Permit) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Visitor residence without employment | Employment-based residence |
| Work Rights | No employment permitted | Full employment rights |
| Eligibility | Financially independent non-EU nationals | Non-EU nationals with job offer |
| Income Source | Foreign passive income required | Cyprus employment income |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable annually | Tied to employment contract duration |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and children under 18 | Spouse and children as dependents |
| Application Basis | Financial independence | Employment contract |
| Pathway to Residency | Long-term resident after 5 years | Long-term resident after 5 years |
Holding a Pink Slip doesn’t automatically confer tax residency. Tax status is determined by physical presence.
Consult our tax advisory team for optimal structuring. For corporate structures, specialized regimes like Notional Interest Deduction (NID) provide significant benefits.
DPCA Law Firm has over 30 years of experience in Cyprus immigration, corporate, and tax law. Our partner-led approach ensures direct senior professional involvement throughout your Pink Slip process.
Approximately 6 months (range 4-8 months). You may remain legally in Cyprus during processing if applied before visa expiry.
Yes, provided income is foreign-sourced and no Cyprus employment relationship exists.
Your Pink Slip is automatically cancelled with no appeal.
No. For employment, they need a separate Yellow Slip based on a Cyprus job offer.
Not for initial application, but needed if you become a tax resident based on days present.
After five years continuous residence, you may apply for long-term resident status. After eight years, citizenship application possible subject to naturalization criteria.
Yes. Property ownership satisfies accommodation requirements. Non-EU purchases may require Council of Ministers approval.
Approximately €1,500-€2,000 per person including government fees (€140), bank guarantee (€350-€850 depending on nationality), health insurance (€200), medical exams (€100-€150), plus legal and translation fees.
Pink Slip allows Cyprus residence only. For Schengen travel, comply with separate visa requirements.
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