The Indian diaspora in Cyprus has been steadily expanding, especially with the robust growth of the IT sector on the island, which now employs many Indian professionals. The ties between the countries are also being strengthened in many directions, from investment and trade to migration to culture. Indians in Cyprus love its being a mix of West and East and appreciate the many similarities between the two countries’ mentalities. Compared to other European countries, it is also easier to get a Cyprus visa for Indians as the country is not (yet) part of the Schengen area. Here, we talk about living and working on the island, including the peculiarities of getting entry visas and Cyprus work permits for Indians.
The first thing for any Indian in Cyprus to know is that it is a divided country, which defines many aspects of the local life. Strategically located between three continents, in the past, Cyprus had been an asset for many foreign rulers. It gained independence from Britain in 1960 to be later invaded by Turkey in 1974, and today, roughly one-third of its territory remains occupied.
Any traveller must be aware that entry into the Republic through the occupied territories, even with a valid Cyprus visa for Indians or nationals of any other state, is illegal. The recognised ports of entry are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the ports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi, and Paphos. Similarly, the information presented in this article is related to the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus only.
Life
The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia (or Lefkosia, as it is spelt in Greek). Other major cities are Limassol (or Lemesos), Pafos, and Larnaca. The first two are the largest, and many highly skilled professionals from India are employed with the multinational companies headquartered in either city. The latter two are smaller, season-dependent towns. Their economies are mostly centred on tourism and agriculture, and many Indians working in these sectors reside there. These specifics should be kept in mind while hunting for Cyprus jobs for Indians.
Naturally, the cost of living (especially rent) is higher in Nicosia and Limassol, where a 1-bedroom apartment would be let for €1,000 on average, twice as much as in Larnaca or Pafos. Public transport is scarce, so a vehicle is a necessity. During the first six months of their stay, Indians in Cyprus can use their national driving licences, but later, a proper Cypriot licence must be obtained.
With about 15,000 people, the Indian community today is rather large, considering that the country’s population is just over 1 million. Led by the High Commission of India in Nicosia, there are multiple formal and informal organisations actively participating in the local cultural and economic life, as well as several Hindu temples. Important festivals such as Navratri and Diwali, Indian national days, and International Day of Yoga are celebrated by Indians in Cyprus.
The locals appreciate Indian cuisine, and many Indian restaurants operate across the island (although Cyprus is the country of meat-eaters, and vegetarian options might not always be available elsewhere). One can even have a traditional Indian wedding in Cyprus, especially since it is easy to help the family cover the costs of travel from India with an online money transfer, best with Profee. Just make sure they make visa arrangements in advance because there is no Cyprus visa for Indians on arrival (more on this later).
Work
Until recently, the island had been welcoming a few well-off Indians who benefitted from a special investment scheme of Cyprus citizenship for Indian and other foreign investors and now reside here. However, the majority of Indians living on the island have come here for work. Currently, the most common Cyprus jobs for Indians are in industries such as shipping, IT, and fintech, as well as farming and domestic help.
Beginning a search for Cyprus jobs for Indians, there are several paths to explore. To hire third-country nationals, a company in Cyprus must meet certain criteria and have special permission. Therefore, in most cases, it is larger multinational corporations that would engage in the process of getting Cyprus work visas for Indians. Highly skilled professionals, such as IT specialists, may try approaching prospective employers directly. Alternatively, browsing offers on the European Employment Services (EURES) platform or inquiring with the Cyprus-India Business Association is a good start.
For those looking for jobs in Cyprus for Indians as farmhands or domestic workers, it might be a good idea to check with specialised recruitment agencies in India. Not only do they offer a selection of employment opportunities but also assist with the necessary paperwork and arrange for Cyprus work permits for Indians. At the same time, before engaging with any such provider, it is recommended to clarify its fees and charges and the nature of the employment contracts. Also, an applicant should remember that a Cyprus visa for Indians on arrival does not exist and ensure that they have the right to entry before travelling to avoid disappointment at a later stage.
With certain qualifications, the profession is regulated. Jobs in Cyprus for Indians that include lawyers, accountants, engineers, doctors, and some others, must be recognised by the Council of Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications (KYSATS) and, in some cases, licensed. Without meeting these requirements, a Cyprus work permit for Indian professionals cannot be issued.
Studies
Despite the challenges of getting a Cyprus study visa for Indians, the Indian student population on the island has been steadily growing. Currently, around 500 students are enrolled with local private institutions. The most popular degrees among Indians in Cyprus are those in hotel management, tourism, IT, and business administration.
To apply for a Cyprus study visa for Indians, the student must provide certified copies of their academic credentials, a certificate of English language proficiency, health certificates for certain conditions, and a clear criminal record. They must also prove that they have sufficient funds for their living and studying in Cyprus (currently, the minimum amount is €7,000). Once the visa is granted, Indian students must apply for a residence permit and open an account with a local bank.
One of the benefits of studying in Cyprus is that full-time international students here are allowed to work (limitations apply). Therefore, even though a student visa does not equal a Cyprus work permit, for Indians, this might be a practical advantage. With some additional pocket money and a local bank account, it is also easier to maintain contact with the loved ones back in India; for example, the student could occasionally send them little money gifts via an online money transfer. Plus, with some prior work experience, it is easier for Indians who decide to stay on the island after graduation to apply for a Cyprus work visa.
Visas
To enter Cyprus, visas for Indians are a must. There are various types of visas depending on the purposes and format of the visit, duration of stay, etc.
Main types of Cyprus visas for Indians
| Visa Type | Parameters | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist | For 90 days in any 180 days, single and multiple entry | Holidays, meeting friends/family |
| Business | For 90 days in any 180 days, single and multiple entry | Business meetings, professional training |
| Multiple-entry | For one year, multiple entry | Frequent travel to/via Cyprus |
| Entry permits | For stays of over 90 days, duration varies, extendable | Residence, work, studies, dependent family |
As mentioned before, there is no Cyprus visa for Indians on arrival, which means that the visa application must be submitted in advance at the Cyprus embassy/consulate in New Delhi or at authorised visa centres such as BTW Visa Services or VFS Global. The processing time for short-term visas is usually between 10 and 15 days; long-term ones may take up to 30 days.
A visa application must come with supporting documents that prove the purpose of the visit, travel and accommodation arrangements, sufficient financial means, etc. The following are the basic requirements for a Cyprus visa for Indians:
- A passport valid for at least another six months (up to 2 years in some cases)
- A completed application form
- Two photographs of a specific standard
- Proof of purpose of visit (e.g. an employment contract, an invitation from a host in Cyprus)
- Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. a bank statement or payslips)
- Proof of travel arrangements (e.g. flight tickets, a hotel booking)
- Travel insurance providing coverage for expenses up to €30,000
- Depending on the purpose of the visit, the list might be extended to include other documents. For example, those intending to stay in Cyprus as self-employed must provide proof of business (registration licence, memorandum of association, etc.), corporate bank statements, tax returns, and such. In turn, applicants for digital nomad visas must prove a minimum monthly income of €3,500.
An application fee for a Cyprus visa for Indians is €80 in most cases. The Cyprus consulate in New Delhi only accepts cash for payments, and intermediaries add their own processing fee on top of the standard amount.
Note that an entry visa does not grant a right for residence. Having entered the country, one must apply for a respective residence permit as well as a work or study permit, if applicable.
Consequently, those Indian nationals who have continuously resided in Cyprus for five years (4 years in some cases) are eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit. In turn, seven years of continuous residence unlock the option to apply for Cyprus citizenship for Indians. While this prospect might seem remote in the beginning, Cyprus is a lovely country, and many of those who arrived here to work later decide to make it their second home. Profee is always there to keep the connection with the motherland, support the loved ones back in India, and save you money and time.
