The EU Blue Card in Cyprus and its Benefits
The “EU Blue Card” refers to a newly introduced residence permit allowing highly skilled, non-EU nationals to work and live in Cyprus, especially in sectors facing shortage of highly qualified personnel. The Blue Card scheme simplifies the process for qualified individuals to work and reside in the European Union and is valid in all European countries excluding Denmark and Ireland. The EU Blue Card gives as well access to EEA Member states (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
The EU Blue Card scheme will enhance the framework for attracting highly qualified professionals, thus enabling Cyprus to further establish itself as a hub for innovation and technology. Unlimited Blue Card positions are available in the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) sector, pharmaceutical research and maritime industry (excluding ship captains and crew).
The Cyprus Migration Department has announced that as of 7 July 2025, applications for an EU Blue Card can be submitted for examination.
Who Qualifies for an EU Blue Card?
In order for a non-EU national to apply for a Blue Card, the below must be met:
- a valid employment contract or binding job offer of at least six (6) months in the Republic of Cyprus for a highly skilled employment in the ICT sector, pharmaceutical sector (for research purposes) or the maritime sector.
- higher education qualifications following studies of at least three (3) years, while professionals in the ICT sector must have a minimum of three (3) years’ professional experience within seven (7) years preceding the EU Blue Card application
- the Cyprus authorities have set a minimum annual gross salary of €43,632. In practice, the law provides that the gross annual salary should not be lower than the set national minimum wage and should be at least equal to the average gross annual salary of Cyprus
- Valid health insurance coverage
Application Procedure & period of validity
The application procedure is quite simple.
The Department of Labour must verify the employment contract and qualifications and then the Blue Card application and required documents must be submitted to the Civil Migration Department
If approved by the authorities, the Blue Card is issued with a minimum validity of 24 months, with the possibility to apply for a renewal within three (3) months before its expiry. as long as conditions are met.
EU Blue Card: Key Benefits
- Blue Card holders are granted the right to work in high-demand professions with competitive salaries comparable to those of EU nationals.
- Right of residence in Cyprus for up to 3 years, renewable upon expiry
- Family members of non-EU nationals have the right to apply for residence in the Republic of Cyprus through the family reunification process and are guaranteed access to any kind of employment, including self-employment, in accordance with Cypriot legislation.
- Blue Card holders enjoy the same working conditions, educational opportunities, social security benefits, and access to services as the host country’s citizens.
- Cardholders can travel visa-free across EU member states and relocate to another EU country for work (for a period of up to 90 days within a period of 180 days, without requiring a visa) after 12 months of residence in the issuing country.
- Blue Card holders can apply for long-term residence after 33 months and for citizenship after five years, provided they meet certain conditions such as language proficiency and pension contributions.
- The EU Blue card is not cancelled even if the holder spends more than 90 consecutive days outside Cyprus, which is the applicable threshold for other types of temporary residence permits in Cyprus.
How can Dixcart help you?
Dixcart has been assisting its clients with international structing and company incorporation and management for over 50 years. We offer a wealth of in-depth local knowledge and our team at Dixcart Management (Cyprus) Limited have become experts in our field.
We will help you gather and collate all the required documents and assist in ensuring that all required criteria are met dealing with the governing bodies on your behalf to ensure that everything is fully compliant with local and international requirements and regulations.
If you would like to know more about the benefits of applying for an EU Blue Card or if you have any questions about how we can help you please contact us at the Dixcart office in Cyprus for further information: advice.cyprus@dixcart.com
