Visa Information

European Union (EU) nations are not required to obtain a student visa to enter Cyprus.

International students originating from non-European Union (EU) nations are required to obtain a student visa to enter Cyprus. These student visas are exclusively granted to individuals enrolled as full-time international students. A full-time student is defined as one who enrolls in a minimum of 12 credits per semester.

Student visas can be obtained through either the Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate of the Republic of Cyprus located in the student’s home country or by applying directly to the Migration Department within Cyprus itself.

To enter and reside in Cyprus as a student, you must be enrolled in:

1. A recognized institution of higher education
2. Or a public or private institute or organization
3. For the purpose of receiving:
   • a diploma
   • a postgraduate diploma
   • a doctorate diploma; or
   • another kind of diploma in higher education.

You must obtain a visa or an entry permit before you come to Cyprus. You must obtain a visa or an entry permit before you come to Cyprus.

You must obtain a temporary residence permit after you arrive in Cyprus.

To enter and stay in Cyprus as a student in a pupil exchange program, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Be enrolled in a pupil exchange program that is officially recognized and affiliated with an accredited school.
2. Fall within the age range of 12 to 19 years old, unless the exchange program specifically accommodates students older than 19 years.

Before your arrival in Cyprus, it is imperative to secure either a visa or an entry permit. Additionally, after arriving in Cyprus, you must obtain a temporary residence permit.

Where and how to apply

You must obtain a visa from the consulate or embassy of Cyprus in your home country abroad. Alternatively, you can obtain an entry permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department. You must obtain a temporary residence permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 10 days of your arrival in Cyprus.

You must obtain a temporary residence permit within one week of your arrival in Cyprus.

Documents Required

• You are required to demonstrate your acceptance into an accredited institution of higher education or a public or private educational establishment for the pursuit of a diploma, postgraduate diploma, doctorate, or any other such qualification.
• Additionally, you must exhibit evidence of ample financial means to cover living expenses and health insurance.
• Furthermore, you must provide a criminal record certificate, and a passport copy, as well as undergo x-rays and blood tests, including screenings for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Other Requirements

Upon your arrival in Cyprus, it is mandatory to register at the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police. As part of this process, you will undergo a medical examination, and it is essential to provide the necessary medical certificates.

Duration of validity of permits

Residence permits are initially issued for one year and can be extended, as long as the renewal request is submitted at least one month before the expiration of your current permit.

Please note that these permits are exclusively available for full-time students.

Further Information

From Civil Registry and Migration Department

Where and how to apply

To enter Cyprus, you are required to optain either a visa or an entry permit from the Cyprus consulate or embassy in your home country abroad.

Furthermore, upon your arrival in Cyprus, you must obtain a temporary residence permit from the Civil Registry and Migration Department within a week.

Documents Required

• You are required to present proof of acceptance into an accredited secondary education institution or a public or private educational facility, where you’ll be pursuing a diploma, postgraduate diploma, doctorate, or a similar qualification.

• Your age must fall between 12 and 19 years, unless the exchange program is open to students older than 19.

• You must provide substantial evidence of your participation in a recognized student exchange program.

• Additionally, you should demonstrate that the secondary school is willing to cover all public liability costs, including living expenses, repatriation, and medical costs for the candidate pupil, by signing a relevant insurance policy.

• Furthermore, it is essential to obtain written consent from your guardians, allowing you to reside with a host family that meets the criteria established by the Republic of Cyprus and the Pupils’ Exchange Program throughout your entire stay.

• Lastly, you must present a copy of your passport, along with x-rays and blood tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Upon your arrival in Cyprus, it is mandatory to register at the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police. As part of this process, you will undergo a medical examination, and it is essential to provide the necessary medical certificates.

Duration of validity of permits

Residence permits are initially issued for one year and can be extended, as long as the renewal request is submitted at least one month before the expiration of your current permit.

Please note that these permits are exclusively available for full-time students.

Further Information

From Civil Registry and Migration Department

Students are entitled to part-time employment, with a maximum limit of 20 hours per week, subject to specific conditions, in designated fields such as domestic activities, waste management, restaurants, recreation centers, cleaning services, wholesale trade repairs, health and social care, agriculture, animal husbandry, fishery, manufacturing, and food delivery. Their employment agreement must be officially certified by the Department of Labor.