Cyprus to Simplify Work Visa Procedures for Third-Country Specialists

The government of the Republic of Cyprus has approved a bill related to the entry and employment of highly skilled professionals from third countries. The aim is to streamline the hiring process for employees who do not hold European Union citizenship.

According to local media reports, this involves issuing a Cypriot version of the EU Blue Card – the European equivalent of the U.S. Green Card, a residence permit allowing work in the European Union for highly skilled professionals from third countries.

The Ministry of Interior, overseeing Cyprus' migration policy, is the developer of the bill.

According to the Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, Konstantinos Ioannou, the proposed changes aim to establish more flexible requirements for the entry and residence of highly skilled workers from non-EU countries.

The definition of a "highly skilled professional" includes individuals with higher education degrees (of at least three years' duration), managers, or professionals in the information and communication technology sector with three years of relevant work experience.

Cumulative work experience can be accrued over seven years before submitting an application for the issuance of the EU Blue Card.

The EU Blue Card program operates in 25 out of the 27 EU countries, with Denmark and Ireland opting out.