An immigration lawyer in Cyprus is a legal professional who specializes in helping individuals, families, and businesses navigate the country’s immigration laws. They provide expert guidance on visas, residence permits, work permits, permanent residency, Cyprus citizenship by descent, and business-related immigration processes.
Hiring an immigration lawyer from a reputable agency like Global Citizen Solutions can speed up the migration process and make it less stressful. They assist with preparing and submitting applications, gathering the correct documents, communicating with the relevant authorities, and ensuring compliance with the latest immigration laws. Immigration legal experts also provide strategic advice tailored to your situation to help avoid errors, delays, or legal complications.
This article will outline the services you get from an immigration lawyer in Cyprus, the benefits, and more to help you make your migration journey easy.
Immigration Lawyer Cyprus: Key Takeaways
- A Cyprus immigration lawyer helps individuals, families, and businesses with all Cyprus immigration matters, including visas, residence permits, work permits, permanent residency, and citizenship applications.
- They help prepare and submit documents, communicate with the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department, and make sure applications follow the latest immigration laws to avoid errors and delays.
- Lawyers assist with temporary residence permits like the Pink Slip and the Digital Nomad Visa as well as permanent residence permits like the Cyprus Golden Visa.
- Lawyers also provide ongoing support by tracking applications, informing clients of law changes, helping with renewals, ensuring compliance with Cyprus immigration requirements, and advising on tax planning opportunities for residents and non-doms.
11 Services an Immigration Lawyer in Cyprus Offers
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Book a consultation with Global Citizen Solutions
The first step to starting your global migration journey is finding a reliable legal partner. Book a consultation with Global Citizen Solutions and our immigration lawyers in Cyprus, and we will begin by assessing your personal situation. We explain which visas or permits you qualify for and help you understand the requirements. Lawyers also create a clear and personalised strategy based on whether you want to study, work, retire, or invest in Cyprus.
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Application preparation
The process of gathering the correct documents is the most under estimated. Therefore, an immigration lawyer helps gather and organize all required documents, such as passports, proof of income, bank statements, and health insurance, and checks that documents are correctly translated and certified if needed. Once everything is ready, the lawyer applies directly to the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department or, in some cases, through local District Immigration Offices.
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Temporary residence permits
A Cyprus Pink Slip (Temporary Residence Permit) is one of the easiest ways to stay in Cyprus for longer than a tourist visa. While the permit does not allow you to work in Cyprus, it gives you legal residency that can be renewed each year. An immigration lawyer makes the process much easier by reviewing your income documents, arranging health insurance and police certificates, and submitting your full application to the Cyprus Migration Department.
Another option is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, which is designed for remote workers who want to live in Cyprus while working for companies abroad. Here, a lawyer ensures your employment contract and financial documents are in order, prepares your application, and files it directly with the authorities.
Another option is the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa, which is designed for remote workers who want to live in Cyprus while working for companies abroad. Here, a lawyer ensures your employment contract and financial documents are in order, prepares your application, and files it directly with the authorities.
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Permanent residency by investment (Cyprus Golden Visa)
The Cyprus Golden Visa, also known as the Permanent Residence by Investment Program, is the fastest route to long-term residency. Applicants and their families gain the right to live in Cyprus permanently through a qualifying property investment. An immigration expert plays a central role in this process by guiding you through the property purchase, securing contracts, and protecting your interests during negotiations. They also prepare and submit your residency application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
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Business immigration and work permits
Immigration lawyers are important for helping foreign entrepreneurs and employees relocate to Cyprus for business purposes. Legal professionals assist company owners with the full process of company formation in Cyprus, including registration with the Migration Department, making sure they comply with tax and corporate regulations, and securing the necessary residence permits tied to business activity. Lawyers help international companies’ employees secure the right work visas and permits, and guide both employers and staff through the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) process.
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Citizenship applications
An attorney also assists clients in applying for Cypriot citizenship, whether through Cyprus citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalization after a long-term stay. They make sure applications meet all legal conditions and help collect the right supporting evidence. Beyond paperwork, many lawyers also support clients with integration steps required for naturalization, such as preparing for language or cultural knowledge tests and advising on local obligations, ensuring applicants are well-prepared to meet the criteria for becoming a Cypriot citizen.
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Family reunification
For families separated by borders, lawyers prepare applications so spouses, children, or dependent parents can join the main applicant in Cyprus. They make sure documents like marriage and birth certificates are correctly translated and legalized.
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Legal representation
If an application is refused or if someone faces deportation, immigration lawyers represent clients in front of Cypriot authorities or courts. They prepare appeals, submit objections, and defend clients’ rights.
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Compliance and ongoing support
Immigration laws in Cyprus can change, and lawyers keep clients informed about updates. They also remind clients about renewals, help maintain residency status, and make sure obligations like taxes or minimum stays are respected.
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Tax planning
Cyprus has immense tax benefits for tax residents who have been legally recognized as non-domiciled tax residents. Working with a Cyprus immigration lawyer from a trusted agency like Global Citizen Solutions means you get a legal expert to guide you through Cyprus taxes.
– Non-Dom tax status: A Cyprus lawyer helps you apply for the Cyprus Non-Dom Tax Residence regime, which gives you 0% tax on dividends and interest for up to 17 years.
– Cyprus tax residency (60-day rule): They help you qualify as a tax resident by checking your property or rental agreement meets the 60-day or 183-day residency rules.
– High-earner tax exemption: If you earn over €55,000, a lawyer helps you get the 50% income tax exemption for up to 17 years, another big tax benefit non-domiciled people can get in Cyprus.
– Non-Dom tax status: A Cyprus lawyer helps you apply for the Cyprus Non-Dom Tax Residence regime, which gives you 0% tax on dividends and interest for up to 17 years.
– Cyprus tax residency (60-day rule): They help you qualify as a tax resident by checking your property or rental agreement meets the 60-day or 183-day residency rules.
– High-earner tax exemption: If you earn over €55,000, a lawyer helps you get the 50% income tax exemption for up to 17 years, another big tax benefit non-domiciled people can get in Cyprus.
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Additional support
Some immigration lawyers in Cyprus also assist with related services such as opening a bank account, registering for healthcare, enrolling children in schools, or advising on property purchases tied to immigration programs.
Benefits of Working with an Immigration Lawyer Cyprus
- Expert knowledge – Lawyers understand Cyprus immigration laws and keep track of frequent policy updates, so your application is always up to date.
- Personalized support – They advise on the best permit or visa for your situation, whether permanent residence, work permits, or Cyprus citizenship by descent.
- Document preparation – Immigration lawyers ensure that all forms and supporting documents are correctly completed, organized, and submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
- Application tracking – They follow up with authorities, provide updates, and handle additional requests, saving you time and stress.
- Problem-solving – If complications arise, such as missing paperwork or delays, lawyers quickly resolve issues.
- Integration support – For those applying for citizenship, lawyers can guide them through cultural and language requirements, helping them prepare for successful integration.
Step-by-Step Process of Working with a Cyprus Immigration Lawyer
- Step 1: Check eligibility and choose the right option: Check your eligibility with Global Citizen Solutions. The lawyer will start with a consultation to see which route suits you best: the Digital Nomad Visa or permanent residency. You then receive a clear list of documents based on your nationality and family situation.
- Step 2: Prepare documents for Cyprus: Your lawyer reviews all documents, such as birth certificates and police records, to ensure they are valid in Cyprus. This includes getting apostilles, arranging certified translations into Greek or English, and confirming that time-sensitive documents are still valid.
- Step 3: Submit the application: The legal professional completes and files the correct residency forms. You usually sign a Power of Attorney so they can act on your behalf. After submission, you receive an official receipt, which often allows you to stay in Cyprus legally while waiting for approval.
- Step 4: Attend biometrics: You must attend a biometrics appointment in person. The attorney schedules this and may go with you while your photo, fingerprints, and signature are taken.
- Step 5: Follow-up during processing: While the application is under review, the legal expert communicates with immigration authorities, responds to any requests for extra documents, and tracks your application status.
- Step 6: Approval and next steps: Once approved, the immigration expert collects your residence card and hands it to you. They also explain what you need to do next, such as tax registration, Non-Dom status, and staying within residency rules if you plan to apply for citizenship later.
Cyprus Real Estate Investment Costs
| Cost Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Property Investment | €300,000 (excluding VAT) for new residential or commercial property purchased directly from a developer. |
| VAT on Property Purchase | 5% VAT for primary residences; 19% VAT for commercial properties. |
| Stamp Duty | 0.15%–0.2% of the property value. |
| Transfer Fees | 3%–8% of the property value, varying based on the property’s price. |
| Legal Fees | Typically range from €5,000 to €10,000+, depending on the case’s complexity and services provided. |
| Agent Fees | Vary by agent; often a percentage of the property’s sale price. |
| Government Application Fee | €500 for the main applicant (includes spouse); €500 for each dependent aged 18 or older. |
Feedback from Happy GCS Clients
Yanimar was there for us!
Yanimar assisted us on every step of the process and connected us with the necessary banking and other service providers who facilitated the steps towards my golden visa. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Yanimar was there for us! The team with GCS are outstanding
The team with GCS are outstanding. There are a number of challenges with most moves, let alone relocation. All members are prompt, thoughtful and knowledgeable in their approach. We experienced a few last minute legislation changes that affected our circumstances. But let us know immediately. So much so we showed up to a few appointments shocking the interviewer with how thorough our application was. Special shoutout to Alícia, Rachel and Luan for getting us over the finish line. Highly recommend!
GCS was amazingly thourough
GCS was amazingly thourough, understanding, and kind. I am very grateful to my friend who referred me to them.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
