Quick facts about Cyprus
Cyprus is a beautiful island country in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, in the south of the Anatolian Peninsula. And it’s the third-largest and third-most populous island in the Mediterranean.
Cyprus is rich in history and culture so it’s perfect for digital nomads who are craving something beyond just the beach life. And now with the digital nomad visa for Cyprus, you can! There are many wonderful experiences for you to enjoy in Cyprus including archeological sites, churches, monasteries, museums, and many other historic touristic attractions.
Living in Cyprus as a digital nomad
Cyprus is a great choice for a digital nomad hub. It covers all of your needs as a remote worker. The climate is warm, the quality of life is fantastic, plus the majority of people talk English!
In October of 2021, the government of Cyprus approved the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme. The Scheme’s goal is to strengthen Cyprus as a center for the provision of electronic services. By attracting digital nomads, they wish to contribute to the development of the business ecosystem and the economic development of the country.
Many foreigners now work remotely and the appeal of working from new and fascinating destinations just keeps getting stronger. Cyprus has stepped up and has a lot to offer digital nomads and other remote workers.
Even before the pandemic, Cyprus was already a good place for nomads to live. It has a great quality of life and many business start-ups and taxation advantages.
Attractions and best places to visit
Cyprus has stunning landscapes and many places that are worth visiting. This island country attracts many tourists each year. It is a wonderful place to go hiking, visit historical places, and even learn about intriguing flora and fauna. The best part is that the island is so small you can easily base yourself in town and head out sightseeing on day trips.
Cyprus has many ancient sites, but one of the most remarkable is Paphos. It is known as a hub of culture and history. This city has many things to visit with modern resorts, ancient ruins, and many activities for all types of people.
You can visit the Paphos Castle, which was built as a medieval fort. It guarded Paphos Harbour while it was ruled by the Byzantine Empire. The castle has a huge tower, prison cells, and rooftop battlements. You should also visit Paphos Old Town, which is a beautiful seaside destination with beaches and a harbor. The Old Town is completely walkable and there are many shops, restaurants, and other local businesses.
Limassol is another beautiful destination where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of the Mediterranean lifestyle. It has clean sandy beaches, ancient castles, and more! If you find yourself in Limassol, you should make sure to visit Kourion, a UNESCO-protected archeology park. The grand monuments found there date back to the Greco-Roman period. The Kolossi Castle is another must-see destination when visiting Limassol. It was built in 1210 AD by the Knights of St. John. Even though it is small, it is a fascinating place to visit.
Larnaca is the wine capital of Cyprus, a seaside resort with beaches and churches, and many more things. You can visit Agios Lazaros, which is rumored to be the place where Lazarus lived after he came back from the dead. If you enjoy nature, then Hala Sultan Tekke is the perfect place for you. It is an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims. There is a stunning mosque building that dates back to 1816, built by the Ottomans. Plus, Larnaca’s Salt Lake is a nature reserve, and during Spring many flamingos and ducks can be seen in it.
And of course, the best place to visit in Cyprus is Nicosia. It is the capital city and it is fascinating. The southern half of the city belongs to the Republic of Cyprus, while North Nicosia is the capital of the UN-unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
There are many interesting things to see in Nicosia. There are museums, fortifications, churches, and beautiful mosques.
Digital Nomad Hotspots
As the capital city, Nicosia is the main hub for many digital nomads. Nicosia is the best place to settle down and get work done. Since the island country is so small, you can easily travel from Nicosia to all the other destinations on the island.
Visiting Nicosia’s Old Town is such a pleasure! Ledra Street (the main street of the town) is lined with many cafés, restaurants, and shops. Walking through the alleyways you’ll find yourself surrounded by Ottoman architecture. The town has many hidden secrets and it is exciting to walk around and discover all of them.
Limassol is a big city and a big hotspot for many digital nomads. It is safe and there are many things to do there. You can have the perfect balance between working and sightseeing.
Cost of Living
The quality of life in Cyprus is really good and the cost of living is much lower than in similar countries.
The official currency of Cyprus is the euro, however, many touristic hotspots accept foreign currency like UK pounds or US dollars. Additionally, you can find ATMs in the smallest villages and towns. As long as your card has a 4-digit PIN, you can withdraw cash with no problem.
The best places to exchange currency is at local banks. Avoid exchanging at the airport, as the rate will be higher. It is better to head over to The Bank of Cyprus.
You can rent a furnished studio apartment for $780/month. If you’re willing to live in the less popular area, you can rent a furnished studio apartment for $601/month. For bigger apartments, you can find furnished accommodations for $908/month.
A basic lunchtime menu (including a drink), costs around $16. Menus at fast-food restaurants cost around $8.
The town is small enough that you easily move around on foot or on a bike. If you wish to visit other places around the island, you can travel by bus or taxi. Cyprus does not have a train or underground metro system. You can also rent a car at the offices which are found in small towns and the airport.s
Digital Nomad Essentials
Cyprus has many benefits for digital nomads. It has a great quality of life and many business start-ups and taxation advantages. Cyprus taxation scheme allows digital nomads to become tax residences within 60 days.
In order to be eligible for the non-dom taxation policy, you must do the following:
Spend at least 60 days in Cyprus without being taxed in other countries.
Spend more than 183 days per year in Cyprus.
Have a permanent home in Cyprus
Have your own business or be an employer in Cyprus.
Read more about Cyprus Tax System here!
Cyprus has a great mobile and internet providers. The major internet providers are Cytanet, PrimeTel, and MTN. Mobile internet in Cyprus is only available in cities and suburban areas. Rural areas have limited 3G and 4G coverage.
You can get a prepaid SIM card for $16 and you can easily add credit to your balance by purchasing a voucher online or in selected kiosks.
There also many coworking spaces all over Cyprus. We recommend you visit these ones:
Cyprus also has many cafés that are perfect for working. Check out these coffee shops while you’re there:
Try our free visa wizard to figure out which visas you qualify for!
Find a visa
Visa Overview
The digital nomad visa for Cyprus is known as ‘Digital Nomad Visa Scheme’. It allows nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries to reside temporarily in Cyprus. The goal is to strengthen Cyprus as a center for the provision of electronic services. By attracting digital nomads, Cyprus wishes to contribute to the development of the economy of the country.
The digital nomad visa for Cyprus was first introduced in October 2021, with a ceiling of 100 residence permits to be issued. However, as of March 2022, the Council of Ministers has increased the ceiling to 500 residence permits.
The benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme include:
The right to reside for a year in Cyprus, with the possibility to renew for further two years.
The right to reside for family members for the same period as the digital nomad
They can be considered tax residents of Cyprus if they reside in the Republic for one of more periods that in total exceen 183 days within the same tax year.
Current travel restrictions
Cyprus is now ready to welcome visitors from many countries! The country established a color-coded system based on the ECDC maps. So based on your countries, the requirements will vary. You can check the map here.
To read more about the travel restrictions, read the travel protocol.
Citizen Remote has a broad range of resources to assist with the exciting process of relocating to another country!
Get HelpWho Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Cyprus
The Digital Nomad Visa Scheme allows nationals from non-EU and non-EEA countries to reside temporarily in Cyprus and work for an en employer registered abroad. You must be able to perform your work location-independently using telecommunication technology.
You must also prove that you have stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3,500 ($3,900USD). This amount must be after the deduction of contributions and taxes.
How to Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Cyprus
The first step to apply for the digital nomad visa for Cyprus (Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme) is to gather all of your documents.
After you have everything you need, make an appointment with the local consulate or embassy. You can find the application form online from the consulate’s website. After filling out the application, you must pay the issuance fee.
After submitting all of your documents and paying the fee, you must wait for approval. The waiting time will depend on the consulate and how many applications they’ve received.
Documents required to apply for the digital nomad visa for Cyprus
Valid Passport
2 Notarized Passport Sized Photos
Proof of Remote Work
Proof of Income
Criminal Background Check
Proof of Health Insurance
Address of Accommodations
CV and/or Resume
Letter of Intent for Living in Cyprus
How much does it cost?
There is an issuance fee of €70 ($78). The renewal of the visa has the same cost.
Timeline for Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa for Cyprus
Unfortunately, the waiting time can be long. The government website promises a time of examination between 5 to 7 weeks. However, it can take from two to three months to receive an answer about your visa application.
For more information about the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Scheme visit the government website.
Curious about other digital nomad visa options? Why not check out Dominica or Norway. Or plug all your details into our Visa Wizard to see all the options available to you.
