Is Cyprus the perfect remote work destination for you?

Which office would you rather work in? One with cubicles or one where your backyard is the blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea? Hopefully, the answer is easy for all of us. 

Luckily, the latter option could become a reality for you. The sunny island of Cyprus is expanding its digital nomad visa. The visa was originally launched in 2021 and was available to non-EU nationals but with a cap of 100 digital nomads. Then, in 2022, the Cypriot government increased the number of nomads allowed to 500. 

Are you eligible for the visa?

The visa is available to non-EU/EEA citizens who work for an employer outside of Cyprus. Applicants must have a monthly income of at least €3,500, after the deduction of taxes and the like. The visa is valid for one year but can be extended for another two years. 

How do I apply?

To apply for the visa, you’ll need to book an appointment at the Cypriot embassy in your country and complete the application form along with the €70 application fee. For the appointment, you’ll need the following your passport, resume, proof of income, a letter of intent that outlines why you want to work in Cyprus, proof of €30,000 in health and accident insurance that covers your stay in Cyprus, proof that you have found accommodation, and a certificate proving you have a clear criminal record.

Once you’ve completed the initial meeting, the approval process can take between five weeks and three months. After that, you’ll need to attend a follow-up meeting in Nicosia (the capital of Cyprus) to get your temporary residence permit. 

Where exactly is Cyprus and is it the right remote work location for you?

Even for the most geographically adept travelers, the lesser-known Cyprus might be harder for them to place on a map. Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Turkey and north of Egypt. 

The island also has a complicated history that is reflected in its government. The island is partitioned between its Greek and Turkish sides whereby the northern third is governed by the Turkish Cypriot government and the Southern part is run by the Republic of Cyprus. Though it’s a complicated history, the island has all the charm, beaches, and archeological marvels of Greece and Turkey with fewer tourists. 

While the visa is more expensive than a lot of other digital nomad offerings, the island is a great choice for digital nomads looking for a warm place with a rich nightlife.