Introduction:
The free movement of persons, and especially workers, is one of the most important issues for the European integration and the Single Market. Therefore, the European Union has adopted a series of Community Regulations and Directives, to secure the right of the nationals of all member states for free access in the labour market and equal treatment, by the member states, between their nationals and the nationals of other member states. For further information on your work related rights, you may link to the webpage “Your Europe”.
The principle of the free movement of workers within Europe is applied in Cyprus since 1st May 2004. It covers the citizens of all member states of the E.U. It also covers the citizens of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, which belong to the European Economic Area, as well as the citizens of Switzerland. In the text that follows the term « member state » means any one of the above mentioned countries.
Legislation:
The employment of European citizens is regulated by Law no. 7(I) of 2007 “The Right of Union Citizens and their Family Members to Move and Reside Freely within the Territory of the Republic of Cyprus Law of 2007”.
According to the above legislation, the freedom of movement and residence in the Republic can be restricted only on the grounds of reasonable threat of public order, safety or health.
So, as from 1st May 2004, any European national can enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus by simply showing a valid passport or identity card. The members of the family have the same right as the European national whom they are dependant. The issue of a visa is not required, unless the members of the family are not nationals of an EU member state, in the case of which, a residence document is issued, having the same validity as that issued to the national of a member state whom he/she is dependant.
The competent authority for the implementation of these Laws is the Ministry of Interior.
Regulated professions:
In case nationals of E.U. Member States wish to pursue a profession that is regulated in Cyprus by legislation determining the specific necessary qualifications and the procedure for acquiring the right to pursue the profession, (such as lawyer, doctor, accountant, engineer, electrician etc), then the person concerned should contact the competent body responsible to receive and examine applications for the specific profession to acquire the relevant permit, the same way that exists for the Cypriot nationals.
Procedure
Nationals from member states have the right to enter Cyprus by simply showing a valid EU passport or ID card without having to register upon arrival.
If there is an intention to stay and take up employment one has to:
a) Apply for a Registration Certificate. This application must be submitted within 4-months after entering Cyprus at the local Immigration Branch of the Police (a fine is imposed in case of non-compliance).
In applying for a registration certificate, the EU citizen must turn up personally at the Civil Registry and Migration Department (this service is for the time being, provided at the local Immigration Branch of the Police in all districts except Nicosia where a District Migration Office exists) and submit the following:
- A duly completed standard form (obtainable from Civil Registry & Migration Dept or from the local Immigration Branch of the Police) depending on the category of residence permit one is applying for (employed activity, self-employment etc.).
- Valid Passport or ID Card
- 2 photos
- A fee of €8,54)
(Note: if one is applying for dependants, he must present certified true copies of marriage certificate, birth certificates of children etc.).
b) apply for a social insurance number upon securing employment in Cyprus
The registration certificate is issued within 6 months from the date of application.
The application forms can also be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Interior: http://moi.gov.cy (more information at +357 22804400 migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy)
It should be noted that a fine is imposed in the case of non-compliance (Law N7(I)/2007) and specifically a fine of €2.562,90 to any European national who works in the Republic without being registered.
The members of the family of a European national have to right to exercise an
employed or self-employed activity in the Republic.
24 March 2008