Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa for founders: can you run your own company?
Can a founder run their own company on Cyprus' Digital Nomad Visa? Yes for self-employment: the Migration Department accepts people who are self-employed offering services remotely to clients abroad, backed by project or service contracts. Running your own foreign company is not named separately, so a company owner should expect to show contracts with clients abroad or an employment contract with the company. Work for local clients or employers is barred. Income needed: At least €3,500 a month net of contributions and taxes, stable and sufficient, shown by salary proof and 6 months of bank statements. Plus 20% for a spouse or partner and 15% per child.
Cyprus' Digital Nomad Visa, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme | The Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa scheme lets non-EU and non-EEA nationals live in Cyprus temporarily while working remotely for an employer, companies or clients abroad. | gov.cy |
| Status | Applications are open again (page posted 31 December 2025), with a ceiling of 500 permits. | gov.cy |
| Own company | Employees of a company registered abroad, or self-employed people offering services remotely to clients abroad, are eligible. | gov.cy |
| Local work | Applicants commit that they and their family members will not provide work or services to an employer or clients established in Cyprus. | gov.cy |
| Income | At least €3,500 net a month after contributions and taxes. | gov.cy |
| Income proof | Proof of salary showing net income and detailed bank statements for the last 6 months. The amount rises 20% for a spouse or partner and 15% for each child. | gov.cy |
| Stay | Right of residence for 1 year, renewable for a further 2 years. | gov.cy |
| Fee | €70 for issue or renewal of the temporary residence permit; €70 for initial Aliens' Registry registration. | gov.cy |
| How to apply | Apply in Cyprus within 3 months of arrival, at the Migration Department's central offices in Nicosia, in person or through an authorised representative. | gov.cy |
| Processing time | 5 to 7 weeks. | gov.cy |
| Tax | Staying in Cyprus for more than 183 days in total in a tax year makes you a Cyprus tax resident, provided you are not tax resident elsewhere. | gov.cy |
| Family | A spouse or civil partner and minor children can live in Cyprus for the same period, but may not work or carry out economic activity there. Health insurance (inpatient, outpatient and repatriation) is required for the applicant. | gov.cy |
Questions founders ask about Cyprus
- Can I run my own company on the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
- Yes for self-employment: the Migration Department accepts people who are self-employed offering services remotely to clients abroad, backed by project or service contracts. Running your own foreign company is not named separately, so a company owner should expect to show contracts with clients abroad or an employment contract with the company.
- Can I work for clients in Cyprus on it?
- Barred. Applicants sign an affirmation that they and their family will not provide work or services in any way to an employer or clients established in Cyprus, and family members may not work in Cyprus.
- How much income do I need for the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
- At least €3,500 a month net of contributions and taxes, stable and sufficient, shown by salary proof and 6 months of bank statements. Plus 20% for a spouse or partner and 15% per child.
- How much does the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa cost?
- €70 for issue or renewal of the temporary residence permit, plus €70 for first registration in the Aliens' Registry. That's the government fee on the official page; translations, insurance and legal help cost extra.
- How long can I stay on the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa?
- First permit valid 1 year; renewal for up to 2 more years. The scheme is capped at 500 permits.
- Do I become tax resident in Cyprus?
- Staying in Cyprus for more than 183 days in total in a tax year makes you a Cyprus tax resident, provided you are not tax resident elsewhere. A visa doesn't settle where you pay tax, so take advice on your own case.
Other countries
Brazil · Colombia · Costa Rica · Croatia · Estonia · Greece · Hungary · Indonesia · Italy · Japan · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Portugal · Romania · South Korea · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates
To compare the routes, read digital nomad visas for founders and tax residency for remote founders.
- Official name
- Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa (temporary residence permit)
- Own company
- Yes
- Local clients
- Barred
- Stay
- First permit valid 1 year; renewal for up to 2 more years. The scheme is capped at 500 permits.
- Government fee
- €70 for issue or renewal of the temporary residence permit, plus €70 for first registration in the Aliens' Registry.
- Official page
- gov.cy
- Checked
Visa rules, fees and income bars change, and consulates apply them differently. Check gov.cy before you apply. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.