The Category D Immigration Permit is a permanent residence permit for third-country nationals who wish to work as self-employed professionals or scientists in Cyprus. It targets qualified professionals such as doctors, engineers, architects, lawyers, and other specialists whose skills are in demand in the country. Unlike other immigration permit categories that require fixed capital thresholds, Category D is based on professional qualifications and demonstrated demand. The permit grants permanent residence of unlimited validity and is administered by the Migration Department, which now operates under the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.
The permit grants permanent residence of unlimited validity. There is no need to renew the residence status itself. The physical residence card expires after 10 years and must be replaced through an administrative renewal process. Holders must maintain the conditions under which the permit was originally granted, and must not be absent from Cyprus for two consecutive years.
Spouses and children under 18 years of age may be included in the immigration permit application. Dependants must provide their own passport copies, certified and translated marriage and birth certificates, and criminal record certificates. Health insurance must cover all family members. Dependants are processed within the same timeline as the main application.
Self-employment income is subject to Cyprus income tax at progressive rates: 0% on the first EUR 19,500, 20% on EUR 19,501-28,000, 25% on EUR 28,001-36,300, 30% on EUR 36,301-60,000, and 35% above EUR 60,000. Non-domiciled tax residents (applicable to all new arrivals for the first 17 years) are exempt from Special Defence Contribution on dividends, interest, and rental income. Tax residency is established by spending 183 or more days per year in Cyprus, or through the 60-day rule for those who maintain a permanent home in Cyprus and are not tax resident elsewhere.
Applications are submitted in person or via an authorised legal representative at the Migration Department offices in Nicosia. The completed MIP2 form must be accompanied by all supporting documents and the EUR 500 application fee (plus EUR 70 if an Aliens Registration Certificate is required). All documents must be officially translated into Greek or English and duly certified or apostilled. Biometric data is captured during submission or at a subsequent appointment. The Immigration Control Committee examines the application and submits a recommendation to the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection for final decision. Processing takes approximately 12-18 months. Once approved, the holder must establish residence in Cyprus within one year or the permit is cancelled.
Holders must work as self-employed in the profession or scientific field specified in their application. The permit does not authorise employment by a third party. Holders may change professional activities or status upon meeting the relevant legal requirements.
The permit is automatically cancelled if the holder is absent from Cyprus for two consecutive years or obtains permanent residence in another country. Holders who fail to establish residence within one year of approval also lose their permit. The permit is valid only for the Republic of Cyprus and does not confer visa-free travel to other EU or Schengen area countries.