Cyprus is an island that almost everyone knows. The place needs no introduction as it is one of the top tourist destinations filled with picturesque places and delicious food spots.
For the digital nomads, here’s some good news. Cyprus has recently launched the Digital Nomad Visa, and it’s actually beneficial for those who would like to work from Cyprus, take time and explore what the island has to offer.
Here’s everything you need to know about Cyprus’ new Digital Nomad Visa.
Wondering if you need a visa for Cyprus? Check on iVisa.
What Is The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
The Digital Nomad Visa, otherwise known as the Digital Nomad Residents Permit, now allows people to work and live in Cyprus for up to one year. This also has the possibility to renew for two years.
It’s good to note that this visa currently has a limit on the number of people who can receive the visa, but they have already raised the limit since announcing that.
So basically, if you are an entrepreneur, a freelancer, self-employed, or a remote worker, you can move to Cyprus and work from there.
This visa is for non-EU / non-EEA citizens. The citizens of these areas can live and work freely in Cyprus.
The Digital Nomad Visa was made a reality by the Cypriot government in expectation of permanent investors and expats in Cyprus, thus aiming to give a significant boost to the country’s GDP.
Launched in February 2022, the visa allows remote workers to stay in the country for one year. To apply, you will have to fill out the application, before entering Cyprus and submit the required document for the Digital Nomad Residents Permit.
Don’t worry; everything is explained in detail below.
There is also a much anticipated long-term Digital Nomad Visa in the works for Cyprus, which is set to be made available towards the end of 2022.
However, this visa will require you to have approximately USD 130,000 in savings. This visa will allow you to live and work in Cyprus for up to 5 years.
Who Is Eligible To Apply For The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
For you to apply and get a successful response for the Digital Nomad Visa that Cyprus offers, you will have to meet the following criteria:
- You are currently working remotely for a company or with clients based outside of Cyprus
- You must earn at least EUR 3,500 per month
Even if you meet all of the requirements above, you are not guaranteed to receive your visa.
Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa Application Process
Here’s an overview of the digital nomad visa application process.
Documents
The following documents are mandatory:
Financial Proof
This proof shows that you are financially independent. You are required to provide a bank statement to prove that you earn the EUR 3,500 / month required to receive this visa.
Health Insurance
In order to successfully enter the country on the Digital Nomad Visa, a traveler must show proof of health insurance.
Other Documents
- A declaration that you will not work with any company or clients on the island of Cyprus
- A letter from the police in your home country showing that you have a clean criminal record
- Proof of accommodation in Cyprus
How Long Can You Stay In Cyprus With The Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Residents permit allows you to remain in the country for one year, with the possibility to extend this for a further two years.
How To Apply For The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa
The application process is straightforward and it can be done when you arrive in Cyprus. You can enter the country on a tourist visa (please check that this is possible for your passport) and you must apply for your Digital Nomad Residents permit within three months of arriving.
You must first download an application from the Cypriot government website and print it out. Once you have that complete and have gathered the necessary documents, you can submit the documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.
The processing of the visa can take approximately 5-7 weeks once the application is complete. It is recommended that you give yourself about 2 months to wait for the visa.
The visa cost is only EUR 70. The fee is essential for the processing of the paperwork you have submitted. So, in case your application is rejected or results in a failure, you won’t be getting a refund.
And that’s detailed and crips info on how to get your hands on your Digital Nomad Visa. Count at least 8 weeks to get your visa, and then keep this in your mind and plan the rest of your trip.
This way, even if it takes a month, you can comfortably pack for Cyprus without any stress.
Best Places To Live In Cyprus For Digital Nomads
Cyprus is an excellent country for digital nomads. It has a lot of beautiful places where you can work and live comfortably.
Here are some of the best places in Cyprus for Digital Nomads.
Limassol
The coastal city of Limassol is easily one of the best cities in Cyprus for expats, thanks to its bustling, cosmopolitan atmosphere and business opportunities.
There are plenty of job opportunities here, which is why you’ll find a large expat community enjoying the perfect balance between city and beach life.
Limassol is often referred to as the entertainment capital. However, the district is highly diverse, so whether you’re coming to party, work, or enjoy the quiet life, you’ll find what you’re looking for here.
The city center is your spot if you want to be in the center of the action. You’ll find many restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, and English-style pubs here. For those looking for something quieter, you’ll enjoy a peaceful life in one of the many small seaside villages, such as Erimi.
Paphos
The Paphos district is one of the best places to live in Cyprus for expats, thanks to its ease of living and beautiful scenery. The coastal city is located southwest of Cyprus. It is full of beautiful bays and harbors, lush countryside, and picturesque towns and villages.
Paphos is also known for its excellent infrastructure and amenities, including high-quality healthcare and efficient transport connections to the rest of the country.
For example, Paphos has an international airport just a 15-minute drive from the town center. For domestic travel, the highway links Paphos to the rest of Cyprus.
Despite its modern side, Paphos is full of culture and history. It is famed as the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess, and has an abundance of Roman mosaics.
Nicosia
As the capital city, Nicosia is naturally another of the best places to live in Cyprus. In addition, it is the financial center, so Nicosia offers some of the country’s best job and business opportunities.
Moreover, out of all the cities in Cyprus, Nicosia has the lowest tax rate for foreign workers. Therefore, you won’t be surprised to find a large expat community and plenty of English-speaking locals.
So much so that 90% of the city’s population speaks English; thus, you can effortlessly get by without speaking Greek.
The biggest downside to Nicosia is its location. It is not directly on the beach, which gives it more of a big city vibe, reasonably different from the coastal expat hotspots in the country.
Unfortunately, the city also gets extremely hot in the summer, lacking that much-needed coastal breeze.
Larnaca
Larnaca is another of the biggest and best cities to live in Cyprus, thanks to its seaside location and slow pace of life.
Larnaca is much more relaxed than the bigger cities and thus is ideal for remote workers who dream of working by the beach or older people looking for a peaceful retirement.
There is a diverse international community here, from Greeks to Russians to Brits to Germans. Therefore, English is widely spoken in the central parts of town. What’s more, each area is different.
For example, Makenzie pomade has a younger, more digital nomad vibe. In contrast, Oroklini, on the outskirts of Larnaca, is popular with British retirees.
The entire city is picturesque, such as the Finikoudes beach and boardwalk and the medieval Greek church of Saint Lazarus. Larnaca is also easily accessible as it has an international airport just 15 minutes from the town center.
Ayia Napa
Ayia Napa is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in the country. Still, it is also one of the best places to live in Cyprus. As you would expect, life here is busy and vibrant.
Thus, it is popular among young digital nomads and those coming to work the summer season in one of the many bars, nightclubs, and resorts.
Ayia Napa has a staggering 14 beaches, so it is the perfect base for those who spend their free time swimming and sunbathing. One of the most popular is Nissi Bay, where the beach is formed inside a natural bay.
There are also tons of thrilling water sports to try here, such as water-skiing, windsurfing, and speed boating.
If you don’t mind the crowds and the loud, party atmosphere, Ayia Napa can be a fun place to live, whether for a season, a year, or longer. The advantage of living in such a famous tourist destination is that you’ll get by speaking English with no problem.
Protaras
If you want to be close to Ayia Napa but not in the middle of all the hustle and bustle, Protaras could be a good option. Protaras is 5 miles away from Ayia Napa, located on the pristine coastline of Cyprus’s Fig Tree Bay.
Protaras is a resort town that has developed rapidly in recent years, making it one of the newest popular tourist spots. Even so, it is still much more lowkey than Ayia Napa and has a more family-friendly and retiree vibe.
Life in Protaras can be pretty good, with many beautiful beaches, plenty of restaurants, and frequent buses into Ayia Napa. The cost of living is similar to Ayia Napa, with higher prices in the summer and low rates in the winter.
Cost Of Living In Cyprus
Living in Cyprus is comparable to other hot spots in southern Europe. You can live a great comfortable life in Cyprus without spending too much.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center of Limassol is more expensive than in Paphos. That said, if you rent an apartment for 12 months, you’ll find better deals.
You could find an apartment in Paphos for around EUR 500, depending on your needs, apartment size, and area.
Food is reasonably priced in Cyprus. A meal at a mid-range restaurant cost around €15 for two people.
The best way to save money in Cyprus is by cooking your meals at home. This is especially true if you live in Nicosia or any other big city. The cost of groceries is cheaper than eating out, and you’ll be able to save a lot of money this way.
Final Thoughts On Digital Nomads in Cyprus
Cyprus is a great country for digital nomads. It has a lot to offer in terms of infrastructure, food, and culture.
And, it’s much cheaper to live here than in other European countries.
If you’re thinking of becoming a digital nomad, Cyprus is definitely a place you should consider.
Not sure if Cyprus is the right destination for you? Read one of the following guides:
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