➢ These prerequisites include:

• The absence of local candidates with the required qualifications for the position
• Saving and better utilization of the local workforce – If the Government finds that your company could improve how it uses its current employees, you might get permission to hire foreigners for a specific period of time. 
• The enhancement of working conditions within the workplace – If your company has issues with how safe, healthy, or comfortable the workplace is for its employees, you may get permission to hire foreign workers. 
• Ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for foreign workers are aligned with those applicable to Cypriot workers.
• If the job requires special skills that local workers don’t have, you must train a Cypriot during the foreign worker’s employment.

• Starting in December 2022, foreign-interest companies must prove an initial investment in Cyprus of at least €200,000 to be able to hire foreign workers

➢ You must check the availability of local workers (Cypriot or EU citizens) to fill the vacancy by  announcing the job opening in daily newspapers through any of the District Labor Offices of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance

➢ To notify the vacancy, you must: 

• Fill up a vacancy application form
• Notify the vacancy through the Public Employment Service

➢ Post a job ad on VideoWorkers and select from the candidates who applied or search the database directly

➢ After finding a good match, conduct the interview, make a job offer, then sign an employment contract

➢ You must send an application for hiring foreign workers in Cyprus to one of the District Labor Offices of the Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance ➢ Required documents:

• Duly completed application form for employment of foreign workers
• Company’s Certificate of Registration from the Registrar of Companies 
• Terms of Employment/Collective Agreement 
• Copy of Notice of Vacant Position from the Public Employment Service  
• Proof of advertising the position through the Public Employment Service 
• Certificate from the Social Insurance Services regarding the payment of contributions
• Certificate from the Taxation Department for the settlement of Corporate Tax and VAT
• Trade Union Membership Certificate (if applicable)
• Employer’s Liability Insurance
• Business Operation License from the relevant authority depending on the economic activity 

• For positions that require qualifications: worker’s original or certified copies of academic and/or professional qualifications and experience (including Curriculum Vitae). If necessary, these documents must be translated by a sworn translator
• Copy of worker’s passport
• For the tourism industry: 
  • Operating License/Certificate from the Ministry of Tourism for restaurants/recreational centers/hotels 
  • Operating License from the Municipality and Health Certificate for Take Away
  • Liquor License
  • Copy of Distribution of Service Charge (10%)
  • Menu sealed by the Ministry of Tourism for Recreational Centers and Restaurants 
• For care homes and private clinics: 
  • Certificate of Registration for care homes 
  • Operating License for private hospitals
• For the construction industry:
  • Annual Certificate of Registration of Contractor
  • Proof of payment of Provident Fund Contributions 
• For car garages:
  • Vehicle Mechanic License from the Electromechanical Services Department 
• Other Sectors:
  • Relevant industry-specific documents (e.g., health service certification from health authorities, waste management license from the Environmental Department, etc.) 

➢ Processing time: Up to 6 weeks

➢ Prepare an individual contract for each foreign worker and draft 5 photocopies. If the foreign worker is not physically present in Cyprus, their signature is not required

➢ Affix a £1 stamp duty to each copy of the contract, excluding the original

➢ Take the initial approval letter issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, together with the employment contracts, to the District Labour Office for the stamping process

➢ Provide the Social Insurance Contribution Report and Receipt for the past 12 months 

➢ If you are operating in the tourism industry, you must submit additional documents. These documents include an Operation Permit from the Cyprus Tourist Organisation (CTO), an Alcohol Permit (renewed), and a completed report for the Distribution of Service Charge (10%)

➢ You must apply for a work permit with the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CMRD) through the competent District Aliens and Immigration Branch of the Police

➢ Required documents:

• Application forms M.58 and M.64 stamped by the Labor Office 
• Photocopy of worker’s passport

• Clean criminal record of the worker. The certificate must be translated into English in Cyprus. This can be done by an entity like the PIO (Press and Information Office)

• Medical certificate of the foreigner not older than 4 months. The certificate must be translated into English as above  

• Bank letter of guarantee for €350 to €850, depending on the worker’s country of origin. The bank letter must cover possible repatriation expenses, valid for 12 months after the expiration of the employment contract

• Employment contract stamped by the Department of Labor

• Tax Clearance Certificate issued by the Internal Revenue Department

• Company’s financial statements

➢ Processing fee: up to € 400, depending on the type of application

➢ Processing time: between 2 and 6 months

➢ After obtaining the work permit and entering Cyprus, your worker must register in the Aliens’ Register. This allows them to obtain a residence permit (Pink Slip). The fee for the registration in the Aliens’ Register is € 70