As of July 2025, Cyprus implements the EU Blue Card Framework -  a work- and residence permit for non-EU/EEA nationals. Official information can be found on the CRMD official website. Below you may find important notes and clarifications on the implementation of the framework, and you may also check out TechIsland's relevant FAQ which is regularly updated. 

EU Blue Card Framework - Implementation Notes:

Changing requirements without notice

• Unified checklist incoming. CRMD and Labour agreed to review and clarify the document checklist. Use the forthcoming checklist as the single source of truth.

• Diploma path (originals). Bring the original diploma plus original translation; where an original can’t be retrieved, obtain a true copy from the issuing university (case-by-case flexibility may apply, but not guaranteed).

• Experience path letters. Prior BCS reference letters aren’t sufficient for Blue Card; they must include the newer, specific content Labour expects. Either Ink-signed or e-signed accepted.

• Entry permit - documents: For highly-skilled hires abroad, CRMD can evaluate entry permits on a binding job offer (including electronic signatures) and collect the fully signed, duty-stamped contract after arrival at the second stage. Use with care; if abuse is observed, CRMD may pause this flexibility.

Card collection SMS statuses are unclear

Treat “Approved” as: application approved, card still being printed (printing typically ~1–4 weeks). Treat “Valid” as: card printed and ready for collection. Publish this legend in your HR FAQ and comms.

Re-entry problems while the Blue Card is pending

Best practice: avoid travel until the status turns “Valid.” If travel is unavoidable, obtain a re-entry permit in advance. 

Children on renewal:

If traveling with a parent who carries the proper receipt/stamp under the same file number, re-entry should be fine; 

if traveling without the parent, arrange a re-entry permit beforehand. Include this in HR guidance to families.

CRMD noted they’ve issued memos to police, but airline checks remain a friction point - train staff that they need to show at check-in and border control printed proof from CRMD website, stating that travelling with receipt is allowed. 

Slow processing of entry permits vs BCS

• Timeline reality: by law, Blue Card evaluation can take up to 3 months; it will not match BCS speed because the Labour Department is an extra step. Set expectations accordingly in internal SLAs.

• Workarounds for urgent moves:
  -Use BCS or, where applicable, a visa + on-arrival switch to Blue Card in Cyprus. 
  -Consider long-term mobility cases (skip Labour) where eligible, as these can move faster.

• Operational capacity: CRMD is running overtime and can accept volume submissions;