Pink Slip in Cyprus: Meaning, Benefits, Requirements, and How to Apply (2026 Guide)

What Is a Pink Slip in Cyprus?

A Pink Slip is Cyprus’s temporary residence permit for non-EU nationals who want to stay in the country longer than the standard 90-day period. It is typically issued for one year and can be renewed annually. Pink Slip holders may live in Cyprus as visitors, but employment is not permitted under this permit.

A key condition is travel continuity: if you remain outside Cyprus for more than three consecutive months, your permit may be automatically cancelled.

Temporary Residence Permit Categories in Cyprus

Cyprus offers several temporary residence routes depending on your purpose of stay:

1) Visitor Residence Permit (Pink Slip)

Commonly used by:

• Family members of Cypriot citizens (e.g., spouses, parents-in-law, underage children)

• Third-country nationals and dependents who can demonstrate sufficient funds

• Applicants who entered Cyprus with temporary entry permits issued through consulates abroad.

  
  

2) Student Residence Permit

Designed for:

• Non-EU students enrolled in long-term academic programs in Cyprus. Typically issued via:

• Cypriot embassies abroad or the Migration Department in Cyprus.

  
  

3) Employment Residence Permit

For:

• Third-country nationals employed by Cypriot companies.

• Applications are submitted by the employer and require Department of Labor certification

• Usually valid up to four years, subject to conditions and exemptions.

  
  

Benefits of the Cyprus Pink Slip

A Pink Slip can be an effective solution for individuals who want legal residency without entering the labor market.

Main advantages include:

• Legal stay beyond 90 days: A practical option for long-term visitors, typically valid for 12 months and renewable (often up to four years, depending on circumstances).

• Family residency options: The main applicant’s spouse and children under 18 may also qualify for residence permits.

• Extended time in Cyprus: Allows visitors to remain in Cyprus regardless of the initial visa duration.

• Lawful stay during pending decisions: You may remain in Cyprus while your application or another residency pathway is under review.

• Potential pathway to citizenship: After 8 years of legal residence, a temporary permit holder may be eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship (subject to the applicable rules and eligibility criteria at the time).

  
  

Limitations of the Pink Slip in Cyprus

Before applying, it’s important to understand the restrictions:

• No employment rights: You cannot work in Cyprus under a Pink Slip (unpaid directorships may be possible in limited cases).

• Three-month absence rule: Staying outside Cyprus for more than three consecutive months may result in cancellation.

• Non-EU nationals only: This permit is intended for third-country nationals seeking an extended stay.

  
  

Financial Criteria for a Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit (Pink Slip)

Applicants must demonstrate stable financial capacity to support themselves without working in Cyprus.

Income and Bank Requirements

In most cases, you will need:

• Minimum income of €2,000/month (€24,000/year) originating from abroad, transferred annually into a Cyprus bank account(Income can include salary, pension, dividends, deposits, etc.)

• €10,000 available in a Cyprus bank account at the time of application

• Additional amounts for dependents:

  • +20% (€4,800) for a spouse

  • +15% (€3,600) per dependent minor child

    
    

Additional Requirements

You may also need to provide:

• Proof of adequate overseas income

• A 12-month rental agreement or property purchase in Cyprus(The agreement must be certified and properly stamped to be accepted.)

• A bank guarantee issued by a Cypriot bank (one per family member)(Typically ranges from €350 to €850, depending on nationality.)

• Other supporting documentation depending on your profile and Immigration Unit requirements.

  
  

How to Apply for a Cyprus Pink Slip (Step-by-Step)

To improve approval chances, it helps to follow a structured process:

1. Book an immigration appointment: Schedule with the relevant Immigration City Unit before your visa expires.

2. Secure housing in Cyprus: Choose a qualifying rental or purchase property and ensure all certifications/stamps are in place.

3. Open a Cyprus bank account: Transfer the required funds from abroad and prepare bank confirmations.

4. Prepare and certify your documents: Documents should be in English or Greek, properly certified/legalised (via Apostille or Cyprus Embassy, depending on the issuing country).

5. Attend your appointment and submit the application: Submit the application package to the Immigration Unit.

6. Pay the applicable fees

7. Provide biometric data: Photographs and fingerprints are taken as part of the process.

8. Processing and decision: The Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia reviews your file. Processing commonly takes around six months, and you may remain in Cyprus during this period if you applied correctly and on time. Once approved, a temporary residence permit card is issued.

   
   

Required Documents for First-Time Applications and Renewals

Most applicants (and each family member) must provide:

• MVIS6 application form (separate form for each family member)

• Rental or sale agreement (certified and stamped)

• Cyprus bank statement + proof of transfers(e.g., €24,000/year + required increases for spouse/children)

• Bank guarantee

• Health insurance (local or international, as accepted)

• Proof of income from abroad

• Passport copy

• Marriage certificate and birth certificates (where applicable)

• School enrolment confirmation for children (if applicable)

  
  

Additional Documents for First-Time Applicants

• Criminal record certificate: Must be original, Apostilled/legalised, translated into English, and generally issued within the last six months.

• Medical examinations in Cyprus: Typically include blood tests and a chest X-ray completed in Cyprus before submission.

  
  

How Fidustria Can Help With Your Cyprus Pink Slip Application

Relocating to Cyprus and securing a Pink Slip (Temporary Residence Permit) requires careful planning, strict compliance with immigration rules, and accurate document preparation. From opening a local bank account to meeting financial thresholds and booking immigration appointments, even small errors can lead to delays or rejection.

Fidustria provides structured, end-to-end support to ensure your Cyprus Pink Slip application is prepared correctly and submitted efficiently.

Fidustria’s Immigration Support Services

• Assistance with immigration appointment scheduling

• Review and preparation of all residency application documents

• Support with Cyprus bank account setup and financial compliance

• Guidance on housing requirements (rental or property purchase)

• Accompaniment and representation at the Immigration Department, where applicable

• Ongoing support during application processing and renewals

  
  

Fidustria operates on a fixed-fee basis, offering full cost transparency, clear timelines, and step-by-step guidance throughout the entire Cyprus temporary residence permit process.