Cyprus Student Visa 2024 – Fees, Process, Documents Required

If you want to study in Cyprus and you are not from the EU, you will need to get a Cyprus student visa. Cyprus is a great place for international students. Tuition and living costs are lower, and you usually do not need an IELTS/TOEFL test for admission.

The education quality is high. The weather is nice all the time, and the culture is interesting. If you are planning to study in Cyprus but you are not sure about your student visa, do not worry, we will help you. 

In this article, we will learn more about the Cyprus student visa, eligibility criteria, application process, visa fee, documents required, job opportunities, and more. So, let’s get started.

Key Takeaways

• If you are not from the EU and plan to stay in Cyprus for over 90 days to study, you will need a Cyprus student visa.
• Even if your country does not require a tourist visa for short visits, you will still need a student visa for longer stays.
• EU citizens and those from EFTA countries do not need a visa to study, work, or visit Cyprus.
• To get a Cyprus student visa, you must first be accepted into a school in Cyprus.
• You can apply for a Cyprus student visa yourself at the Cyprus embassy in your country or through your university, which will apply for you.
• The process involves filling out forms, providing necessary documents, attending an embassy appointment, and waiting for a decision.
• Once in Cyprus, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the migration department.
• You will need various documents for both the student visa and residence permit applications, including a passport, academic records, proof of finances, and health insurance.
• The visa fees can vary. It depends on the type of visa and may change based on the application method.
• It typically takes about a month to process a Cyprus student visa application.
• Family members of non-EU students with temporary residence permits can apply to live with them in Cyprus.
• Non-EU citizens can work up to 20 hours per week with a Cyprus student visa. But this is subject to certain rules and approvals.
• If you have a Cyprus student visa it does not allow travel to Schengen countries, but you can visit some other EU countries like Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania.
• If your Cyprus student visa is rejected, you can reapply after three months, fix any previous issues, or appeal the decision within 30 days.

Who Needs to Apply for a Cyprus Student Visa?

If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days and you are not from the EU, you will need a Cyprus student visa. 

This rule applies to people from countries outside the European Union and EFTA, like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. 

Even if you are from a country that does not need a tourist visa for short visits, you will still need a student visa for longer stays.

But if you are from a European Union country or one of the EFTA countries, you don’t need a visa to come to Cyprus to study, work, or visit.

How Can You Get a Cyprus Student Visa?

Before you apply for a Cyprus student visa, you need to get accepted into a school there. Your school will then help you with the visa process. There are two ways you can get a Cyprus student visa:

• You can apply yourself at the Cyprus embassy or consulate in your country.
• You can send your documents to your university, and they will apply for you at the Migration Department in Cyprus.

How To Apply for a Cyprus Student Visa?

Here are the simple steps to get your visa and residence permit for studying in Cyprus:

1. You need to enroll at a university in Cyprus. They will send you a letter of admission and may ask for a fee.
2. Next, send your documents to your university, like the visa application form, photos, academic records, English proficiency proof, and passport copy.
3. Your university will then arrange a visa appointment for you at a Cyprus embassy in your country.
4. Get all your documents ready before the appointment.
5. At the appointment, you will be asked about your travel plans and studies, and you will hand in your documents.
6. After that, you wait for a decision. This usually comes within a month.
7. Once you are in Cyprus, visit the migration department to start your temporary residence permit application.
8. They will take your biometrics and signature as part of the process.
9. Lastly, you will need to undergo medical testing for certain diseases required for international students.

Documents Required for a Cyprus Student Visa

You will need to show various documents at different times while applying. Here is a list of everything you will need:

a. For the student visa application

When you apply for a student visa, you will need a few things:

• Fill out the application form.
• Pay the application fee.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least one year from when you plan to arrive in the country. Also, make sure it has a blank page.
• Get four recent passport-sized photos taken on a white background.
• Show that you have enough money to support yourself while you study.
• Bring your school records and certificates.
• Provide proof of your English skills with a TOEFL or IELTS test. 
• Get a certificate from your country’s police saying you have a clean record.
• Have a travel health insurance.

Please note that different countries have different IELTS requirements. For example IELTS requirements for universities in Ireland can totally differ from the one in Japan. 

b. For the temporary residence permit application

When you apply for a temporary residence permit, you will need to gather a few things:

1. Fill out and sign the application form.
2. Bring your Cyprus student visa.
3. Show the formal letter from your university saying you are accepted.
4. Have a copy of your passport.
5. Provide details about where you will live in Cyprus.
6. Prove you have enough money to live there.
7. Get a medical certificate from the last 4 months to show you are healthy.
8. Bring a certificate from your country’s police from the last 6 months to show you have a clean record.
9. Show evidence of health insurance.
10. Have money to pay the fee for the application.

What are the Cyprus Student Visa Fees?

When you apply for a visa to Cyprus, you will need to pay a fee. Here is how much it costs:

Type of  Visa	Visa Fee
Short-stay visa (1-90 days)	€ 20
Multiple entry short-stay visa (up to 1-5 years)	€ 60
Long-stay visa	€ 60
Airport Transit Visa	€ 15
Visa Extension	€ 30
Visa On Arrival (Pro Visa)	€ 20

However, please remember that the fees might change based on how you apply. Also, you will need to pay fees for your residence permit application and medical check-ups too.

How long does it take to process a Cyprus student visa?

When you apply for a student visa to Cyprus, it usually takes about a month for the authorities to process your application after they receive all your documents.

You should remember to consider the time it takes for your documents to be sent by mail and if any mistakes need fixing.

So, it is a good idea to start applying for your Cyprus student visa 2-3 months before you plan to go there.

Can your family members travel to Cyprus too?

If you are from a country outside the EU and you have a temporary residence permit in Cyprus, your spouse and kids under 18 can also apply to live with you. 

These permits usually last for one year but can be renewed every year. It might take a bit longer to process, so be ready to wait up to nine months for a decision.

For EU citizens, they have the freedom to live and work in any EU country, including Cyprus. So, if your family members follow the rules and submit all the needed documents, they can come along with you.

How To Renew Your Cyprus Student Residence Permit?

You must renew your student residence permit for Cyprus at least one month before it runs out. You will need to go to the Migration Department and give them the following documents:

• Fill out the Temporary Residence Permit Application Form.
• Bring a copy of your passport.
• Get a Letter of Registration from your school.
• Show your school grades for all the semesters you have completed in Cyprus.
• Have your original Temporary Residence Permit with you.
• Prove where you are living.
• Show that you have enough money to support yourself in Cyprus.
• Make sure you have health insurance.

Can You Work With a Cyprus Student Visa?

Yes, you can work with a Cyprus student visa, but there are some rules. You can work up to 20 hours per week in certain jobs like:

• Working in a bakery
• Recycling
• Taking care of the elderly in their homes
• Working in agriculture or with animals
• Delivering food
• Helping in kitchens or cleaning in restaurants
• Working at gas stations or car washes

You need to have a job contract and get it approved by a District Employment Office. You might also be able to work during the summer holidays for training but you should ask your school first about it.

Can You Visit Other EU Countries With a Cyprus Student Visa?

No, having a Cyprus visa does not let you travel to any Schengen countries because Cyprus is not a part of the Schengen Agreement yet. 

But you can visit Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, which are EU countries, and might join Schengen soon.

What If Your Cyprus Student Visa Is Rejected?

If you get a visa rejection, it can be upsetting. This might make you feel like your plans to study abroad are off track. But don’t worry, there are ways to fix it.

1. When your application is turned down, you will get a letter explaining why. 
2. After three months, you can apply again, but you should fix the problems from your previous application first.
3. If you think your rejection was not fair, you can write a letter to the Cypriot embassy to appeal. 
4. In this letter, explain why you are appealing and give your details. 
5. It is best to do this within 30 days of getting your rejection letter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

If you are from a country outside the EU and want to study in Cyprus, you will need to apply for a student visa and a temporary residence permit. With a Cyprus student visa, you can stay in Cyprus legally for up to 90 days. But if your studies last longer, you must switch your visa to a temporary residence permit when you arrive.

EU citizens and people from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland don’t need a student visa. However, if they plan to stay longer than three months, they will need a residence permit. The short-stay visa costs €20 and takes about a month to process. The residence permit costs an extra €70, and it is processed within three months.