Blue Card – Make Cyprus your new home! The EU Blue Card Scheme in Cyprus: Legal Framework and Implementation Details

On 1 August 2024, Cyprus published the Aliens and Immigration (Amendment) Law No. 111(I)/2024, which transposes Directive (EU) 2021/1883 into national law. With this Cyprus introduced the application of the EU Blue Card framework and set out the conditions for entry and residence of highly qualified third-country nationals seeking employment in the country.

Cyprus’s implementation of the EU Blue Card through Law 111(I)/2024 brings a comprehensive and competitive regime for attracting international talent. It simplifies entry and mobility for highly qualified workers, enhances family integration rights, and aligns the country with broader EU objectives to address skill shortages. The legal and procedural clarity offered by the new law is expected to make Cyprus an attractive destination for global professionals in the ICT, pharmaceutical, and maritime industries.

Are you a highly qualified individual?

The law defines "highly skilled employment" as work performed under a valid employment relationship, where the worker receives remuneration and possesses high professional qualifications. These qualifications may be demonstrated either through tertiary education or, in certain ICT occupations, through high-level professional skills. Specifically, at least three years of relevant professional experience in the last seven years is required in ICT-related managerial and specialist roles.

A ministerial decree issued concurrently with the law (K.D.P. 456/2024) identifies the sectors currently open to new Blue Card applications. These are:

-           the Information and Communication Technology sector,

-          research and development in pharmaceuticals, and

-          maritime services (excluding seafaring crew).

All other sectors remain closed for now, with a quota of zero. Another decree (K.D.P. 457/2024) sets the minimum gross annual salary for Blue Card eligibility at €43,632. This is subject to change.

Family Reunification

The law significantly streamlines family reunification. Blue Card holders may apply for their spouse or partner, minor or dependent children, and other dependants such as parents or adult children under 25, provided the main applicant’s income meets a prescribed threshold.

Applications for the Blue Card and family reunification may be submitted simultaneously with the main application. Once granted, family members’ residence permits will align with the validity of the primary holder’s Blue Card. Importantly, family members are granted unrestricted access to the Cypriot labour market, including the option of self-employment.

Mobility across the EU

The new law also facilitates both short-term and long-term mobility for Blue Card holders across the EU. Holders of an EU Blue Card issued by another Member State may enter and stay in Cyprus for up to 90 days, in any 180-day period, for business purposes, without a visa. After residing in another Member State for at least 12 months on a Blue Card, third-country nationals and their family members may apply to transfer to Cyprus. They must submit their Cyprus Blue Card application within one month of arrival. Once a complete application is submitted, the applicant is permitted to begin working after 30 days, even if the permit has not yet been issued.

Tax Incentives to Blue Card holders

Notably, the new framework is complemented by a tax incentive introduced in July 2023. High-skilled employees newly arriving in Cyprus are eligible for a 50% exemption from income tax on employment income, regardless of employer changes, provided the qualifying criteria are met.

We can Help

For advice on eligibility, assistance with Blue Card applications, or guidance on family reunification and intra-EU mobility, our Immigration and Employment Law team is available to support individuals and employers navigating this new legal framework.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, readers should not act upon it without seeking professional legal counsel specific to their individual circumstances.