Cyprus Commences EU Blue Card Applications on July 7: Essential Details Revealed
The Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection in Cyprus has announced the opening of applications for the European Union (EU) Blue Card, focusing on the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals (for research purposes only), and shipping (excluding ship captains and crew members) sectors. This initiative is aimed at attracting and retaining highly qualified professionals in key economic sectors while maintaining strict controls over labor market access in other areas.
The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled workers from outside the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA), excluding Denmark and Ireland. It allows holders to live and work in Cyprus and other EU member states, with rights of entry, re-entry, and residence in Cyprus.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the requirements for highly skilled employment in the specified sectors. A minimum gross annual salary of €43,632 is required for Blue Card issuance. Applications are submitted to the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, with the relevant application form (FORM MBCEU1) and a list of required supporting documents available on their website.
Typically, applicants should possess higher education qualifications or, in some cases, at least five years of professional experience. However, Cyprus-specific documentation will clarify these requirements. Within one month of entering Cyprus, the EU Blue Card holder must have their employer submit the application to the relevant authorities.
EU Blue Card holders in Cyprus are granted equal treatment with Cypriot citizens regarding working conditions, education and training, and social security. They also have access to highly skilled employment in the specified sectors. Additionally, they can accumulate periods of residence in different EU member states for the purpose of obtaining long-term resident status.
One of the benefits of the EU Blue Card is family reunification. Family members of Blue Card holders can obtain residence permits of the same duration as the primary holder. This initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the growth and development of the key economic sectors in Cyprus.
[1] Source: Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection [2] Source: European Commission - EU Blue Card
- The European Union Blue Card focuses on the Information and Communication Technologies, pharmaceuticals, and shipping sectors in Cyprus.
- The EU Blue Card is a work and residence permit for highly skilled workers from outside the EU and EEA, allowing them to live and work in Cyprus and other EU member states.
- Applicants for the EU Blue Card should meet the requirements for highly skilled employment in the specified sectors and possess higher education qualifications or at least five years of professional experience.
- Family members of EU Blue Card holders can obtain residence permits of the same duration as the primary holder, contributing significantly to the growth and development of key economic sectors in Cyprus.
