On 7 July 2025, Cyprus officially opened applications for the EU Blue Card, implementing the recast Directive (EU) 2021/1883 on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of highly qualified employment. This development aligns national law with broader European efforts to attract international talent in key sectors facing skills shortages.
A New Legal Framework for Skilled Migration
The introduction of the EU Blue Card regime in Cyprus marks a significant policy shift in the country’s approach to economic migration. The relevant legislative amendments, enacted in August 2024, provide a harmonized legal framework that facilitates the entry and residence of highly qualified third-country nationals in the Republic, under conditions that ensure legal certainty and procedural transparency for both applicants and employers.
At this initial stage, the Blue Card scheme is limited to three priority sectors:
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Pharmaceutical research and development
- Maritime professions, excluding seafarers and captains
It is anticipated that additional sectors may be added by ministerial decree as the system matures and the national labor market evolves.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a Blue Card in Cyprus, applicants must satisfy the following core requirements:
- Higher education qualification (university degree) or, in the case of ICT professionals, at least three years of relevant professional experience acquired within the past seven years;
- A valid employment contract or binding job offer in one of the designated sectors for a minimum duration of six months;
- A gross annual salary of at least €43,632;
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage;
- A clean criminal record and a valid travel document with a minimum validity of 12 months.
- Applicants may submit their application either prior to or shortly after their entry into Cyprus. In practice, it is advisable to obtain a national entry visa and then proceed with the application promptly upon arrival.
Rights and Benefits of Blue Card Holders
Successful applicants will be issued a residence and work permit valid for up to three years, renewable subject to continued compliance. The Blue Card grants its holders and their families a range of important rights, including:
- Labour mobility within Cyprus, and after 12 months of legal residence, mobility to other EU Member States participating in the Blue Card scheme;
- Family reunification with simplified procedures. Spouses are also granted unrestricted access to the Cypriot labour market;
- Access to equal treatment with Cypriot nationals in relation to working conditions, education, vocational training, and recognition of qualifications;
- A grace period of up to 3 months (or up to 6 months in certain cases) to seek new employment in the event of job loss;
- A pathway to long-term residence status and eventual naturalisation, subject to fulfilment of general integration and residence requirements.
Procedural Overview
The application is submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department along with the required supporting documents, including:
- Employment contract;
- Proof of qualifications or professional experience;
- Salary evidence meeting the threshold;
- Criminal record certificate and medical insurance.
- The competent authorities are required to issue a decision within 90 days of submission. In practice, applicants should allow additional time for document collection and translation where necessary.
- Family members may submit their own applications for residence permits either concurrently with or subsequent to the principal applicant’s approval.
Employer Obligations and Strategic Considerations
Employers intending to hire third-country nationals under the Blue Card framework must ensure that the offered position:
- Falls within a designated eligible sector;
- Meets the required salary threshold;
- Complies with the standard terms and conditions of employment under Cypriot labour law.
- It is recommended that employers seek legal guidance early in the recruitment process to confirm eligibility and avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
- The Blue Card provides a lawful and efficient solution for employers seeking to address skills shortages by recruiting highly qualified talent from abroad, without recourse to more restrictive or ad hoc employment permit categories.
How We Can Help
Our firm is available to assist both employers and applicants in navigating the Blue Card process, from eligibility assessments and application preparation to post-arrival compliance and family reunification.
For further advice or to arrange a consultation, please contact our immigration law team.