📢EU BLUE CARD WILL OFFICIALLY LAUNCH ON THE 7th OF JULY 2025

Following the recent amendment to the “Aliens and Immigration” law, the Migration Department of Cyprus has confirmed that the Blue Card will officially launch on Monday, 7th of July 2025.

Elibigible Sectors & Minimum Salary

In accordance with the Ministerial Decree issued by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance dated 19 December 2024 (Κ.Δ.Π. 456/2024), the following sectors are designated as high-skilled employment areas for third-country nationals, with no restriction on the maximum number of work permits:

• Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

• Pharmaceuticals, strictly for research purposes

• Shipping, excluding ship captains and crew members

For all other sectors and professions, the quota for entry remains at zero.

Furthermore, pursuant to the Ministerial Decree dated 19 December 2024 (Κ.Δ.Π. 457/2024), the minimum gross annual salary for high-skilled employment of third-country nationals has been set at €43,632.

This regulatory framework forms part of Cyprus’s strategy to attract and retain highly qualified professionals in key sectors of the economy, while maintaining strict controls over labour market access in other areas.

Family Members of EU Blue Card Holders: Rights and Residence in the Republic of Cyprus

For holders of the EU Blue Card residing in the Republic of Cyprus, whether under standard residence or through long-term mobility, the applicable legal framework for family reunification is governed by Articles 18KΘ to 18ΛΗ of the national legislation, with specific facilitated provisions under Article 18TΣT, aimed at supporting the exercise of this right.

To initiate the procedure, applicants must submit the required application along with the necessary supporting documentation.

Facilitated Procedures for EU Blue Card Holders

The facilitated provisions include:

• Simultaneous submission of an application for an EU Blue Card and an application for family reunification

• Equal duration of residence permits for family members and the Blue Card holder, provided their passports remain valid throughout the period

• Unrestricted access to the labour market for family members, including the right to self-employment

Entry and Residence of Family Members in the Republic of Cyprus as a Second Member State

Family members of an EU Blue Card holder are entitled to enter and reside in the government-controlled areas of the Republic based on valid residence permits previously issued by the first Member State. Within one (1) month of their entry into Cyprus, the EU Blue Card holder must submit an application for a residence permit for family reunification purposes on behalf of the family members.

Temporary Residence Permits for Dependent Visitors

In cases where a spouse or dependent children do not currently meet the eligibility requirements for family reunification (e.g. due to the validity period of passports or the duration of the marriage), they may be granted temporary residence permits as Dependent Visitors.

Applications for temporary residence permits as Dependent Visitors are also accepted for the following categories, provided the sponsoring EU Blue Card holder has sufficient financial resources (minimum annual income of €24,000, increased by 20% for the spouse/partner and by 15% for each child or dependent ascendant):

• Parents or Parents in-law

• Partners, where a stable and durable relationship can be demonstrated

• Adult children, provided they are under the age of 25 or within one year of completing their studies and can justify their stay in Cyprus

Mobility Rights under the EU Blue Card: Short-Term and Long-Term Mobility within the EU

The EU Blue Card grants its holder the right to move within the European Union for the purpose of engaging in highly skilled employment. This intra-EU movement is known as mobility, and it is classified into two types:

1. Short-Term Mobility

Short-term mobility allows the holder of a valid EU Blue Card issued by one Member State to enter and reside in another Member State, including the government-controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus, for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, for the purpose of professional activity. No additional permits or procedures are required. The individual must possess:

• A valid EU Blue Card

• A valid travel document

• Proof of the business purpose of the stay

2. Long-Term Mobility

A third-country national who has legally resided for at least 12 months in a first EU Member State as the holder of an EU Blue Card is entitled to move to Cyprus to take up highly skilled employment, provided that:

• They submit an application for a new EU Blue Card issued by Cyprus

• They hold a valid travel document

To facilitate the process, the conditions and required supporting documents have been listed in official documentation checklists. Within one (1) month of entering the Republic, the EU Blue Card holder must, through their employer, submit an application to the Central Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department, along with all required documents proving compliance with legal criteria and payment of the applicable fees.

Relevant Fees:

• Issuance of an EU Blue Card under the mobility scheme (valid for 6 months to 3 years): €40

• Registration in the Aliens’ Registry (for first-time applicants): €70

How we can assist you?

At Pelaghias, Christodoulou, Vrachas LLC we are fully equipped to assist individuals, families, and employers with all aspects of the EU Blue Card application process, including mobility rights, family reunification, and compliance with local immigration requirements in Cyprus. Whether you are relocating talent, seeking to navigate the mobility framework, or require tailored legal advice, our team is here to provide clear, practical, and timely support every step of the way.

Contact info@pelaghiaslaw.com to learn how we can help you take advantage of the opportunities offered under the EU Blue Card scheme.