Situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus is an Island country occupying just a 9.251 Km2 area with a mere 1.2 million population. Though located in West Asia geographically, the country has strong cultural, historical, and political ties with Southern Europe. The official languages of the country are Greek and Turkish; the language spoken by Cypriots determine whether they are Greek or Turk Cypriots dwelling in south and north of the country respectively.
People who wish to immigrate to Cyprus from Lebanon must first apply for a visit visa at the Cypriot consulate mission located in Beirut. Since there are no visa exemptions for Lebanese citizens, applicants must go through the entire process to relocate to Cyprus.
Requirements for a Cypriot travel visa
A visit visa to Cyprus can be utilized for various purposes such as developing business activities, family reunions, etc. for a limited time period. Requirements to apply for the visit visa are laid down below:
- Duly filled visa application form with signature
- Recent passport-sized photographs (not older than 3 months)
- Copy of passport (6 months minimum validity from the time of arrival)
- Return air-tickets
- Accommodation proof
- Proof of adequate financial means to support decent living while in Cyprus
- Travel Insurance
The validity of a travel visa is generally 3 months. Lebanese citizens can extend their stay on a visit visa and move to Cyprus due to the economical and political unrest in their country. Obtaining a residence permit during a stay on the visit visa allows the bearer to stay in Cyprus for up to 12 months.
Grounds for a long stay in Cyprus
The Cyprus tourist visa allows the holder to stay in Cyprus for various purposes. From self-employment to business needs and employment, the same visa is a legal immigration document. However, the requirements vary on the grounds a tourist visa is applied for.
Self-employed
A person obtaining a visa for self-employment must prove sufficient financial means to support him/herself as well as the dependents that arrive with him/her. Necessary servants such as nannies, drivers, cooks, etc. can travel on the same visa type.
Employment
To relocate to Cyprus for employment grounds, a Lebanese citizen must present employment documents. An appointment letter or contract from the employer as well as an endorsement letter from the Lebanese Chamber of Commerce.
Education
Lebanese who aspire to study in Cyprus must first enroll in a Cypriot institute and submit the admittance documents with their visa applications. Admission to an institute must be obtained before traveling to Cyprus.
Cyprus Golden Visa program
The Cyprus government started the Golden Visa program in November 2020. There are 2 types of Gold Visas, one leads to citizenship while the other grants permanent residence. The difference in status between the two sprouts from the difference in the required investments. Lebanese citizens who can afford to invest in one of the two programs qualify for the Golden Visa.
Type 1 Golden Visa requirements – Citizenship
Applicants of this program are sure to get Citizenship, requirements are listed below:
- Possess/purchase property worth at least €2 million (single or several properties)
- Donate at least €100,000 to the Cyprus government research programs
- €100,000 donation to the Cypriot Land Development Organization
- Clean citizen record (no criminal record)
- The investment must be made before applying
- Money must be transferred from abroad to a Cypriot bank
Type 2 Golden Visa requirements – Permanent residence
Permanent residence bestows the same rights to the bearer as citizenship; the only difference is that a citizen holds a Cypriot passport and thus enjoys the benefits that come with that. The requirements for gaining a type-2 Golden Visa are listed below:
- Own/purchase property worth at least €30,000
- Deposit a minimum €30,000 in a Cypriot bank – the money must be transferred from abroad
- Prove that the annual income is minimum or above €30,000 (additional €5000 for each dependent)
- Additional €8,000 if parents or spouse are included in the income
