The Introduction of the EU Blue Card in Cyprus

At the end of 2024, Cyprus made significant strides in attracting highly skilled professionals from third countries by adopting the EU Blue Card scheme. This initiative, which aligns with the EU’s directive, aims to facilitate the entry and residence of non-EU nationals in Cyprus while addressing labor shortages in key sectors.

On December 20, 2024, the Ministry of Labor announced new rules for the EU Blue Card that will benefit third-country nationals seeking employment in Cyprus. Here are the main highlights:

1. Salary Requirements: To qualify for the EU Blue Card in Cyprus, applicants must earn a minimum gross salary of €43,632 per year (approximately €3,636 per month) before taxes. This threshold positions Cyprus competitively among other EU countries.

2. Eligible Sectors: The Blue Card is available for individuals working in specific sectors, namely:

   • Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

   • Pharmaceuticals (for research purposes)

   • Maritime sector (excluding ship captains and crews)

3. Pathway to Residence and Citizenship: The new rules allow holders of the EU Blue Card to apply for permanent residence after 33 months and for citizenship after five years, compared to previous requirements that were more stringent.

4. Family Reunification: EU Blue Card holders can bring their family members to Cyprus, providing them with equal access to employment and education opportunities.

5. Mobility within the EU: After residing legally in Cyprus for 12 months, Blue Card holders can move freely within other EU member states for work, enhancing their career mobility across Europe.

Benefits of the EU Blue Card for Cyprus

The introduction of the EU Blue Card is expected to have several positive impacts on the Cypriot economy:

• Attracting Talent: By offering competitive salary thresholds and streamlined processes for skilled workers, Cyprus aims to attract talent necessary for driving innovation and growth in critical sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals.

• Addressing Labor Shortages: The new rules will help alleviate labor shortages in sectors experiencing high demand for skilled professionals, thus enhancing productivity and economic development.

• Strengthening Economic Ties: The ability for skilled workers to move freely within the EU fosters stronger economic ties and collaboration across borders.

As we move into 2025, we anticipate further developments regarding application procedures, required documentation, and official guidelines for prospective applicants. It is essential for interested individuals to stay informed about these changes to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the EU Blue Card.

This publication has been prepared as a general guide and for information purposes only. It is not a substitution for professional advice. One must not rely on it without receiving independent advice based on the particular facts of his/her own case. No responsibility can be accepted by the authors or the publishers for any loss occasioned by acting or refraining from acting on the basis of this publication.