IMMIGRATION
Third Country Nationals
Temporary Residence
Employment in a Company of Foreign Interests (CFI)
We assist our Third Country National clients with securing their Employment in a Company of Foreign Interests, so that they will carefreely, safely and legally stay, reside and work in Cyprus.
Our Services
- Provision of a detailed and comprehensive legal advice on eligibility.
- Liaising with Cyprus Authorities and Institutions for the collection of required documentation.
- Reviewing, Preparation and Drafting of all required documentation.
- Scheduling an Appointment with the District Immigration Department.
- Accompany the Applicant, with physical presence, during the scheduled appointment with the District Immigration Department.
- Follow up of the procedure until finalization.
Benefits
• No Visa Requirements
Allows to legally stay in Cyprus for over 90 days and for a time period of at least 1 year and a maximum of 3 years. It also provides for multiple entries in Cyprus under the condition on not stay abroad for more than 90 continuous days.
• Legal Residency Status
Assists Third Country Nationals for the purposes of a future Permanent Residence Permit or even a Citizenship application.
• Access to the Public Healthcare Services (GESY)
• Career
In an EU based Global Business Environment.
• Tax Benefits
Such as lower personal income tax rates compared to many other countries, since they are able to be considered tax residents of Cyprus, provided that they have reside in Cyprus for one of more periods that in total exceed 183 days within the same tax year.
• Opens the door to future Investments
In some cases, consists the first step of starting a Business in Cyprus.
• Access to Banking facilitation
• Third Country Family Members
Are also entitled to apply, as a family member of the Third Country National.
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Criteria
- Third Country National:
Third Country National will need to be employed at the CFI either with:
-Highly paid employment: receiving a minimum gross monthly salary of €2500, possession of relevant academic qualifications or at least two years of experience to the position and an employment contract of at least two years, OR,
-Employment at the supportive level: a labour market test and stamped employment contract by the relevant Cyprus Authorities.
- Company of Foreign Interests:
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- Ownership by Third-Country Nationals (more than 50% shares).
- Minimum Investment of €200,000 in business expenses in Cyprus emerging from abroad.
- Physical Presence in Cyprus through maintaining fully operational offices.
- Registration with the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU).
- Employment Plan for Third-Country Nationals, committing to invest 30% of their total staff in Cypriots/EU citizens over a period of five (5) years.
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Documentation & Information
Before Arrival in Cyprus: Need to secure an entry permit.
- Identification Documents:Copy of Valid Passport.
- Employment Verification: Brief Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Copy of Employment Contract of at least two years of duration.
- Original Medical examination certificate by Doctor abroad: Blood tests and chest X-ray.
- Original Clear Criminal Record Certificate.
After the Arrival in Cyprus:
- Application Form.
- Identification Documents:Original Valid Passport.
- Residential Status:Rental or Sale Agreement and Utilities.
- Employment Verification:Original contract of Employment, of at least two (2) years, with minimum gross monthly salary for high paid employment set at €2500. Salary below this limit, makes employment to be considered at support level and the contract must be dully stamped by the relevant Cyprus Authority, and, Employer´s liability insurance.
- Original Medical examination certificate by Doctor in Cyprus: Blood tests and chest X-ray.
- Health Insurance.
- Family Status:Marriage or Divorce Certificate, Civil Partnership or Dissolution Certificate, Children’s Birth Certificate (if applicable).
- Biometrics Data (Photographs and Fingerprints) and Signature will be collected by the District Immigration Department.
* Supporting Documentation issued by competent authorities in countries, other than Cyprus, will need to be officially translated (if needed) and also usually duly certified, depending on which is the issuing country.
** The above consist a brief, not exhaustive, list of the main documentation requested by the Immigration Department for the obtaining of an Employment in a Company of Foreign Interests permit. The Immigration Department might request further supplementary supporting documentation, which will correspondent to each Applicant’s specific personal circumstances.
FAQ
1. Does the Applicant need to issue an entry permit before arriving in Cyprus?
Yes.
2. Which positions are considered highly paid employment?
Usually, directors and key personnel of the company.
3. What is the BFU?
BFU is the Business Facilitation Unit which is part of the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus. It aims to support foreign companies that wishes to establish their presence in Cyprus.
4. What should a health insurance cover?
The health insurance should be covering inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs.
5. How much does a health insurance cost?
It usually costs €180.
6. Which Documentation needs to be Officially Translated?
Documentation which is in any other language other than Greek or English, needs to be officially translated.
7. Which translations are concerned as Official Translations by the Immigration Department?
Translations made from Sworn Translators in Cyprus or by a Consular or Government Authority of the issuing country. Translations made from Sworn Translators in Cyprus, are usually more preferable.
8. Which Documentation need to be Duly Certified?
Public Documents issued in other countries, other than Cyprus, such as marriage certificate or children’s birth certificate, need to be duly certified.
9. Which certifications are concerned as Duly Certifications by the Immigration Department?
Certification by a Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country will suffice.
Otherwise, Apostille certification, where the issuing country has signed the Apostille Convention, will also suffice.
10. How long does the examination of the application take?
The examination of the application usually takes place 1 month.
11. While expecting for the application submitted to be examined, is it possible for the Third Country National to travel freely as if the Employment in a Company of Foreign Interests permit has already been issued?
Upon submission of the application, the Third Country National is provided by the Immigration Department with an Application Submission Receipt, which allows him to stay and re-enter Cyprus freely, until application examination is completed.
12. How long is an Employment in a Company of Foreign Interests permit valid?
Itis usually valid for 1 or more years. After the expiration, the permit can be renewed upon the submission of a relevant application and provided any further requirements are met.
13. How much are the application fees payable to the Immigration Department?
The application fees payable to the Immigration Department is usually between €70-€80.
14. Is a resident of Cyprus, able to invite a Third Country National for a visit in Cyprus?
Yes. A relevant hosting form shall be completed and submitted to the Immigration Department, together with an original letter of guarantee for a specific amount of money, depending on which country is the Third Country National from, and a copy of the third country national passport.
*The above constitute general information and does not substitute professional legal advice or consultation, which shall be sought prior of taking any action.