The Cyprus Government is in the process of implementing the EU framework for ‘Blue Cards’. The Government recently announced a new draft legislation establishing the legal framework and procedures for the issuance of residency and work permits to highly-skilled, third-country, employees, in line with relevant EU legislation.
This new type of residency permit, to be called ‘Blue Cards’ will allow highly-skilled individuals from outside the EU and their families to work and reside in Cyprus.
What is an EU Blue Card?
A Blue card is a residency permit giving the right to highly-skilled workers from outside the EU to live and work in an EU country.
Cyprus: What do we know so far?
Pursuant to a recent announcement by the Cyprus Government, the Council of Ministers approved a new draft legislation for the introduction of the so-called ‘Blue Cards’ in Cyprus.
According to the draft legislation, applicants need to hold a university degree awarded after at least 3 years of study. Alternatively, professionals in the field of information and communication technologies may apply on the basis of relevant professional experience of at least three years in the seven years preceding their application.
The draft legislation provides that Blue Cards are to be issued for a period of 3 years and also includes provisions for family reunification for families of holders of these ‘Blue Cards’.
Notably, the draft legislation provides that Department of Labour will first need to consider the employment contract and qualifications of the applicant and also that permits issued by other EU countries do not provide a right to reside in Cyprus.
Our Team’s First Reading of the Legislation
Our team has secured a copy of the draft legislation.
The draft legislation provides for the involvement of multiple government departments in the application process (Ministry of Labour, Council of Recognition of Higher Education Qualifications and the Civil Registry and Migration Department). This raises serious questions on the process will work in practice and whether indeed, this will attract and facilitate the employment of highly-skilled individuals or whether it will be another slow and complicated a procedure of little practical value and use.
Should you wish to find out more, contact us at info@paraschou.com.cy.
