Pink Slip Cyprus: Housing, Documents and Income Guide (2026)
The pink slip in Cyprus is a one-year, renewable temporary residence permit for non-EU citizens who want to live on the island for more than 90 days without working, usually in the "visitor" category. You need stable income from abroad (lawyers cite at least €24,000 a year for one person), private health insurance, a clean criminal record and proof of accommodation in Cyprus, such as a certified rental agreement.
This guide explains who the pink slip is for, the income and document rules, fees and timing, how it compares with the yellow slip and the digital nomad visa, and the step most guides skip: where to live in Limassol while you wait, and what kind of housing contract the authorities accept.
What is the pink slip in Cyprus?
"Pink slip" is the everyday name for the temporary residence permit issued by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) to third-country nationals. The name comes from the colour of the old paper permit. Today it is a card, but the nickname stuck.
- Who it is for: non-EU citizens who plan to stay longer than 90 days and live on income from abroad: pensions, rental income, investments or savings.
- Validity: one year, renewable each year as long as you still meet the conditions.
- Work: the visitor pink slip does not allow employment in Cyprus. If you want to work for a Cypriot employer you need a work and residence permit; remote workers for foreign companies usually look at the Cyprus digital nomad visa.
- Family: a spouse and minor children can apply as dependants, each with their own application.
Pink slip requirements: income, insurance and records
Requirements are set by the CRMD and are applied with some discretion, so always check the current list before you file. Based on official guidance and local immigration lawyers, expect the following:
- Income from abroad: at least €24,000 a year after tax for the main applicant, with about 20% more for a spouse and 15% more for each child.
- Money in a Cypriot bank: lawyers commonly mention a deposit of around €10,000 transferred from abroad, with a bank statement and proof of the transfer.
- Health insurance: private cover for inpatient and outpatient care and repatriation. Pink slip holders are not covered by GESY, the public health system.
- Medical tests: on the first application, blood tests and a chest X-ray done in Cyprus.
- Criminal record certificate: recent, apostilled where required and translated.
- Bank guarantee: often requested, with the amount depending on nationality.
The housing requirement: what rental contract do you need?
Proof of accommodation is mandatory, and this is where many applications stall. The CRMD accepts a rental agreement in your name, a title deed or sale contract if you own property, or in some cases a declaration from a host you live with.
- Signed, dated contract: with the landlord's details, the address, the rent and the term. It is usually certified (for example by a certifying officer or the local mukhtar).
- Length: there is no single published minimum term, but advisers usually recommend a lease of at least six months and ideally twelve, so that it covers a large part of the permit year.
- Stamp duty: according to local lawyers, stamp duty no longer applies to leases signed from 1 January 2026. Older leases followed the previous rules.
- Utility bills: some officers also ask for a recent bill at the address, so check that the landlord can provide one.
A holiday booking confirmation or a short Airbnb stay is normally not enough. What works is a proper lease with a landlord who is used to providing documents for immigration.
How to apply, step by step
- Arrive in Cyprus on a visa or visa-free entry and open a local bank account.
- Secure accommodation with a valid rental contract.
- Collect the documents: application form from the CRMD forms page, passport, insurance, bank statements, income proof, criminal record and medical results.
- Book an appointment. In Limassol, applications go through the district Aliens and Immigration Unit of the police; in Nicosia, directly at the CRMD.
- Attend in person to submit the file, pay the fees and give biometrics. Keep the receipt: it shows you applied while your file is being examined.
Fees and processing time
The CRMD fee list shows €70 for issuing a residence permit and €70 for the first registration in the Aliens' Register, so a first application costs around €140 per person; the registration fee is paid only once. Processing usually takes several months, and Limassol is one of the busier districts. Renewal must be filed before the permit expires, ideally at least a month in advance.
Pink slip vs yellow slip vs digital nomad visa
| Pink slip (visitor) | Yellow slip | Digital nomad visa | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who | Non-EU citizens with foreign income | EU/EEA and Swiss citizens | Non-EU remote workers |
| Income rule | From about €24,000 a year | Sufficient resources or work in Cyprus | From €3,500 net a month |
| Work in Cyprus | No | Yes | Only for foreign employers or clients |
| Validity | 1 year, renewable | Registration certificate | 1 year, renewable up to 2 more |
| Housing proof | Required | Address required | Required |
Where to stay in Limassol while you apply
Most people do it in two stages: a furnished place for the first weeks while they open a bank account and gather paperwork, then a longer lease for the application itself. Finding a landlord who will sign an official contract quickly is not always easy, as our long-term rent guide explains.
Limassol Heritage is a small hotel of eight studios in a restored house in the Old Town, at Vasiliou Makedonos 56, 150 m from the sea and about 3 minutes from Molos. Nights start from €75. For stays of 28 nights or more, single studios start from €1,100 a month and doubles from €1,300, with bills, Wi-Fi and weekly cleaning included. For stays of six months or longer we provide an official rental agreement that can be used for pink slip and work permit applications.
Applying for a pink slip in Limassol? Tell us your dates and we will reply with availability and a monthly quote.
Check availability Monthly stays WhatsAppFrequently asked questions
What is a pink slip in Cyprus?
It is the common name for the temporary residence permit for non-EU citizens. The visitor category lets you live in Cyprus for a year, renewable, on income from abroad, but not work locally.
How much income do I need for a pink slip?
Local lawyers cite at least €24,000 a year after tax for the main applicant, about 20% more for a spouse and 15% more per child. Check the current CRMD figures before applying.
Can I work in Cyprus with a pink slip?
No. The visitor pink slip does not allow employment in Cyprus. You need a work permit, or the digital nomad visa if you work remotely for a foreign company.
Do I need a rental contract to apply for a pink slip?
Yes, you need proof of accommodation: a certified rental agreement, a title deed, or a host's declaration. Advisers usually recommend a lease of six to twelve months.
How long does the pink slip take?
Usually several months. You can stay in Cyprus while the application is examined if you applied while your stay was still legal, and you keep the submission receipt.
Is a hotel stay enough as proof of address?
A short booking is normally not accepted. A long-term stay with an official rental agreement, like the one Limassol Heritage provides for six months or more, is the usual solution.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm details with the Civil Registry and Migration Department or a licensed Cypriot lawyer.