Summaries of the Cyprus framework that governs bringing third-country personnel. Not legal advice — the full text prevails.
Third-country nationals may enter and reside in the Republic for employment only under a permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Employment without a valid permit is an offence for both the employer and the worker. The permit is tied to a specific employer and job; changing employer requires a new application and approval.
Households qualify where there is a genuine need: families with children under 12 where both parents work, persons aged 65 and over, persons with a disability or serious health condition, and families meeting the income criterion set by the Ministry. One domestic worker per household is the rule, with exceptions on medical grounds. The worker must be accommodated in the employer's residence and receive the minimum salary and terms set by the Ministry of Labour.
Every third-country worker must have a written contract on the official model, stamped by the Department of Labour. For businesses the Department first confirms that no suitable Cypriot or EU candidate is available (labour-market test) and that the employer respects the sectoral quotas and the minimum terms of employment. The contract states salary, working hours, rest days, accommodation, medical cover and the duration of employment.
With the stamped contract, bank guarantee and supporting documents, an application for an entry permit (visa) is filed with CRMD. On arrival the worker completes medical examinations at an approved laboratory, gives biometric data and is registered with CRMD within the statutory period. A temporary residence and employment permit ("pink slip") is then issued, renewable while the employment continues.
Recruitment and placement of workers from abroad may only be carried out by private employment agencies licensed by the Department of Labour. 21 Job Finder is not itself a licensed agency: recruitment, selection and placement are performed by licensed associate agencies. 21 Job Finder provides consultation, document collection and coordination for the client.
The employer registers the worker with Social Insurance, pays contributions and the agreed salary on time, provides the accommodation and conditions in the contract, and reports to CRMD any change or termination of the employment. Confiscating the worker's passport, withholding wages or employing the worker in a different job than the permit allows are prohibited.
Once all documents are in hand, your person typically arrives within about 30 days and is registered on arrival.
Request a person21 Job Finder provides consultation, document handling and coordination. Recruitment and placement of third-country nationals is carried out by licensed private employment agencies that we work with; 21 Job Finder does not itself hold a private employment agency licence.