Cyprus Revitalizes Digital Nomad Visa Program: Legal Framework and Implications Angelina Alyabyeva

On 26th of March 2025, the Republic of Cyprus officially announced the resumption of applications for residence permits under the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme.

The revitalized program maintains its original focus on "nationals from non-European Union (EU) and non-European Economic Area (EEA) countries," permitting them to establish temporary residence in Cyprus while conducting their professional activities remotely for employers or clients based outside the country's borders.

Notably, the current announcement does not specify a numerical cap on available permits, leaving open the question of how many applications might be approved in this new phase. This marks a potential departure from previous iterations of the program, which operated under defined numerical limitations.

The Digital Nomad Visa scheme was initially established through a Council of Ministers decision dated the 15th of October 2021. In its original form, the program authorized the issuance of 100 residence permits administered on a first-come, first-served basis. Responding to considerable interest, the Council expanded this allocation to 500 permits through a subsequent decision on the 3rd of March 2022.

The 2025 relaunch suggests continued governmental commitment to this immigration pathway, reflecting recognition of both global workplace transformations and potential domestic economic benefits.

The regulatory framework establishes specific criteria that applicants must satisfy to qualify for consideration. The program specifically targets non-EU and non-EEA nationals whose professional responsibilities can be executed remotely through information technology platforms.

To establish eligibility, applicants must demonstrate that they fall within one of these legally defined categories:

1. Employees working for companies registered outside the Republic of Cyprus

2. Self-employed professionals providing services exclusively to clients based outside Cyprus

3. Proprietors of businesses registered in foreign jurisdictions

A key financial requirement stipulates that applicants must provide documented evidence of a stable and adequate monthly living resources of at least €3,500 after deductions for taxes and contributions. This financial threshold serves as a regulatory safeguard, ensuring that permit holders possess sufficient financial means to support themselves without placing demands on public resources.

Successful applicants receive legal authorization to reside in Cyprus through a temporary residence permit valid for one year. The regulatory framework provides for potential extension for up to two additional years, allowing for a maximum authorized residence period of three years.

The legal provisions include family reunification rights, permitting spouses, registered partners, and minor children to accompany the primary permit holder for the same duration. This aspect enhances the program's appeal by accommodating family considerations within the legal framework.

Additionally, the program's maximum duration of three years, without provision for transition to permanent residence or citizenship, creates a defined temporal boundary for participants.