The Blue Card is a residence and work permit designed to attract highly qualified third-country nationals to live and work in European Union member states. In the case of Cyprus, the card is a key tool to address skills shortages in the labour market, enhance innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Benefits for applicants:

  • ✅ Residence and work permit: It allows you to settle and work in EU member states, except Denmark and Ireland. It is also valid in EEA countries (Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland).
  • ✅ Extended validity: Up to 36 months with the possibility of unlimited renewals.
  • ✅ Access to highly skilled positions.
  • ✅ Right to change employer.
  • ✅ Equal treatment: In terms of employment, education, social security, access to goods and services.
  • ✅ Extension in case of unemployment: The card is not revoked during subsidized unemployment.
  • ✅ Intra-EU/EEA mobility: Access to short-term or long-term job mobility.
  • ✅ Long-term resident status: Possibility to apply, counting the period of stay with a Blue Card in other EU member states.

Benefits for dependents (family):

  • ✅ Easier family reunification: Possibility to apply without a requirement for a prospect of permanent residence, as long as the valid permit covers at least 1 year.
  • ✅ Equal duration of leave: Family reunification permits have the same duration as that of the Card holder.
  • ✅ Right to work: Spouses can work or self-employed with a permit.
  • ✅ Fast processing: The application can be filed at the same time as the sponsor's and the decision is issued immediately or within 90 days.

The Blue Card offers substantial advantages for both the main applicant and his/her family in Cyprus, ensuring flexibility, stability and access to the European labour market.

Basic Requirements:

  • Non-EU and EEA persons, who are already legally in Cyprus or intend to move.
  • Highly qualified professionals with a university degree or equivalent. For ICT professionals, relevant professional experience can be taken into account.
  • Professionals in fields such as:
    ▪ Information Technology and Communications (ICT)
    ▪ Pharmaceutical (research)
    ▪ Shipping (excluding captains and crews)
  • A valid employment contract or a binding employment offer of at least 6 months.
  • Minimum annual income: €43,632.

As of 7 July 2025, Cyprus is accepting applications for the EU Blue Card from eligible third-country nationals. At the same time, checks have been intensified for holders of temporary residence permits such as BCS.

Who is not entitled to the issuance of the Blue Card

Third-country nationals who are: · Beneficiaries of temporary protection; Applicants for international protection status; Researchers · Long-term resident status holders; Persons who are in the Republic on secondment; Those who reside illegally in the Republic

https://www.mip.gov.cy/dmmip/md.nsf/eubluecard_en/eubluecard_en?OpenDocument