Cyprus Startup Visa in 2026

The Cyprus Startup Visa Scheme has been renewed and is valid through December 2026. It targets third-country founders or teams establishing, operating or developing an innovative startup with high growth potential.

First stage: innovation approval

The first application goes to the Deputy Ministry responsible for research, innovation and digital policy.

For a positive application, the applicant receives a Notification of Initial Approval. The current official guidance states that this gives a framework for economic activity in Cyprus for two years, with the possibility of renewal for at least another year.

Initial approval is not immigration permission

The Migration Department explicitly states that the innovation approval does not automatically guarantee entry, residence or employment rights.

A founder abroad must then apply within the applicable validity period for the visa/entry and residence process. A founder already lawfully in Cyprus must make the corresponding residence application, and a person in visitor status may first need approval to change status.

This distinction is central: startup approval and immigration permission are separate decisions.

First residence permit

For a founder receiving initial approval while lawfully in Cyprus, the official page states that the residence permit issued after the immigration application is normally valid for one year from the date of the Notification of Initial Approval.

Processing and fees

The government page currently publishes:

innovation-authority decision: generally within five weeks of a complete application;
immigration application after approval: generally within three weeks when complete;
entry permit plus temporary residence permit: €120;
temporary residence issue or renewal: €130;
first Aliens' Register registration: €70.

Published examination periods are administrative targets, not guarantees.

Startup Visa vs company registration

Registering a normal Cyprus company does not create Startup Visa eligibility. The business must pass the innovation scheme's substantive assessment.

A founder whose business is not using the Startup Visa should compare Company of Foreign Interests employment or investor permanent residence, depending on the actual facts.

Tax and citizenship are separate

Startup Visa approval does not automatically create Cyprus tax residence, non-dom status, permanent residence, or citizenship. Those are governed by separate rules.

Official and supporting sources

Migration Department — Startup Visagovernment · accessed 2026-09-20

Cyprus Startup Visa 2026