Cyprus EU Blue Card – Implications & Effectiveness

21.03.2025

• Key Highlights
• Eligibility Criteria
• Salary Requirements
• Issuance & Validity
• Rights of EU Blue Card Holders
• Restrictions & Considerations
• Potential Issues & Open Questions
• Grounds for Rejection or Revocation
• Special Cases & Exceptions
• Processing & Appeals
• Conclusion
• Contact our legal team to learn more

The Cyprus government has approved the implementation of the EU Blue Card scheme, aimed at attracting highly skilled workers from third countries. 

Below are the key details and implications of the scheme:

Key Highlights

• The EU Blue Card serves as Europe’s counterpart to the U.S. Green Card.
• Designed to attract high-skilled professionals from non-EU countries to work and reside in the EU.
• Cyprus has adopted the Blue Card system, but as a non-Schengen country, several mobility questions remain unanswered.
• More flexible rules for work and residency, including easier intra-EU mobility.
• Applications will be accepted once the migration department finalizes its procedures.

Eligibility Criteria

• A valid work contract or job offer for at least six months in a highly skilled position.
• Proof of higher education qualifications (minimum three-year course) or three years of relevant work experience in Information and communication technology professions.
• A valid travel document, residence permit (if required), and health insurance.
• Proof of residential address in Cyprus.
• If the applicant already holds a residence permit for highly skilled work in Cyprus, some document requirements may be waived.

Salary Requirements

• The minimum salary must meet a threshold set by the Ministry of Labour.
• For high-demand professions, the salary requirement can be reduced to 80% of the standard threshold.
• Recent graduates (within the last three years) may also qualify with the 80% reduced salary threshold.

Issuance & Validity

• The EU Blue Card is issued by the Migration Department upon fulfilling all requirements.
• Validity period: Minimum of 24 months, or the duration of the contract plus three months (not exceeding 24 months).
• If the applicant’s passport expires earlier, the card’s validity is limited accordingly.

Rights of EU Blue Card Holders

• Right to reside, re-enter, and work in Cyprus.
• Legal protections and rights granted under Cypriot and EU law.
• Family reunification is facilitated, allowing family members to work without restrictions.
• After 2 years in Cyprus, family members can apply for independent residence.

Restrictions & Considerations

• Blue Card holders must seek approval to change jobs within the first year; after that, notification is sufficient.
• Some public sector jobs are reserved for Cypriots and EU citizens.
• Priority hiring for EU citizens remains in effect.

Potential Issues & Open Questions

• Cyprus is not in the Schengen zone, raising concerns about mobility rights.
• Questions regarding recognition of Cyprus-issued Blue Cards in other EU countries.
• Lack of clarity on visa-free travel for Cyprus-based Blue Card holders to the EU.
• The government is expected to provide further clarification once applications begin.

Grounds for Rejection or Revocation

• Failure to meet qualifications or salary requirements.
• Fraudulent documentation or security concerns.
• Employment termination without new job placement within the stipulated period.
• Employer non-compliance with labor laws or tax obligations.

Special Cases & Exceptions

1. If a Blue Card holder becomes unemployed, they have:
   • 3 months to find a new job (if holding the card for <2 years).
   • 6 months if they have held the card for at least 2 years.
2. If non-compliance is due to temporary issues (illness, disability, parental leave), the card may remain valid for up to 12 months.
3. International protection holders may apply, with additional procedural checks involving their original protection-granting country.

Processing & Appeals

• Decisions on applications must be made within 90 days.
• If rejected, applicants receive written explanations and appeal rights.
• If documents are missing, the applicant is given a chance to provide them before final rejection.

Conclusion

The Cyprus EU Blue Card offers significant opportunities for skilled third-country nationals, but uncertainties regarding mobility and inter-EU recognition remain. 

Further updates will be provided as the Migration Department finalizes the process and clarifies open questions.

For further legal advice or assistance with the application process, please contact our firm.

Author: George Kosasvili

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