Cyprus has activated the EU Blue Card for highly skilled workers
Cyprus has once again embraced development by establishing the valuable EU Blue Card scheme, which aims to attract highly qualified professionals from outside the EU.
Cyprus in 2024 has adopted the Directive (EU) 2021/1883 with the enactment of the Aliens and Immigration (Amendment) Act of 2024. The Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus announced that as of 7 July 2025, it will be accepting applications for the issuance of the European Union (EU) Blue Card.
Key Features of the EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is targeted at non-Europeans and nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) who seek highly qualified employment. Applicants must hold higher professional qualifications, which means either a higher education degree or higher professional skills, with at least 3 years of relevant experience within the 7 years preceding the application.
The EU Blue Card is intended for individuals working in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies, pharmaceutical research, and employees in the shipping industry (excluding captain and crew), and requires a minimum gross annual salary of €43,632. Holders of the EU Blue Card will be granted residency rights to live and work in Cyprus and in other EU countries, excluding the UK and Denmark.
Types of Mobility Available to EU Blue Card Holders:
Holders of the EU Blue Card are entitled to move freely within the European Union, under two types of mobility: short-term and long-term mobility.
- Short-term mobility allows a Blue Card holder to stay in another EU Member State for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, without needing a new visa or additional permits. The individual only needs to present their EU Blue Card, passport, and proof of the business purpose.
- Long-term mobility is permitted after completing 12 months of legal residence in the first EU country. After this period, the Blue Card holder can apply for a new EU Blue Card in another Member State to live and work there on a long-term basis.
Application Procedure
To apply for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus, applicants must submit Form MBCEU along with all required supporting documents. At present, EU Blue Card applications are only submitted to the Migration Department’s headquarters in Nicosia. EU Blue Card holders in Cyprus may bring their family members under the family reunification rules outlined in the Aliens and Immigration Law.
The introduction of this fast-track procedure for issuing a special residence and work permit is expected to significantly enhance Cyprus’s competitiveness in the international market and contribute to its economic growth. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing human capital through innovation and skilled labour. For employers in Cyprus, the Blue Card presents a strategic solution to address critical skill shortages in the labour market. Particularly at a time when an increasing number of international companies are choosing Cyprus as their base of operations.
As demand for qualified professionals continues to rise, the Blue Card is positioned to become a key enabler of sustainable business expansion and long-term economic development. While not identical, the EU Blue Card can be seen as Europe’s equivalent to the U.S. Green Card in its aim to attract and retain global talent.
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