The Programme applies to individuals who wish to attend programs offered by schools or organizations approved either by the Shipping Deputy Ministry or the Department of Civil Aviation, provided the program duration exceeds four (4) months.

Main Features:

(a) Volumes of admission: In the first year, 200 permits will be issued (100 per competent authority), granted in order of application submission. This number may be reviewed on a later stage, depending on interest or any detected misuse.

(b) Application submission point: At the Central Offices of the Department in Nicosia.

(c) Application fees:

· Issuance or renewal of temporary residence permit: €70
· Registration in the Aliens Register (first-time registration only): €70

(d) Application processing time: Usually within four (4) months, provided that the submitted documents accompanying the appliation are complete and sufficient.

(e) Validity period of residence permit: One (1) year, provided the passport allows it, with the right to renewal until program completion. If the program lasts less than a year, the permit will have a corresponding duration.

In case of interruption of attendance, the respective School/Organization must immediately inform the relevant authority and the Migration Department, which will revoke or refuse renewal of the residence permit, whichever one applies.

(f) Purpose of stay: Beneficiaries may reside in the Republic solely to attend the specific program. Holders of such a permit are not allowed to work in the Republic and do not have access to GESY (national health system). This residence permit is a national permit, without mobility rights within the EU.

(g) Right of change of residence status: Not permitted. After completing the program, third-country nationals must leave the Republic. If they wish to return for another purpose (e.g., employment), they must follow the relevant immigration procedures from abroad.

(h) Procedure of the application and issuance of a residence permit

· Within 3 months of arrival, the applicant must submit the MVIS application along with the required documents (as listed in the accompanying documents list) to the Department’s Central Offices in Nicosia, to obtain a temporary residence permit. All supporting documents must be officially translated and duly certified/legalized. See here for Appointment information.
· Applicants legally residing in Cyprus under a different status may also apply under this Programme at the Migration Department in Nicosia.
· Applications may be submitted personally or via an authorized representative.

· Applications not accompanied by all required documents will not be accepted.

· Any changes in applicant details must be immediately reported to the Department.

· For application submission, the applicable fees (as mentioned above) must be paid.

· For the issuance of a residence permit, biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and the applicant’s signature are required. These are collected at the Department’s offices in Nicosia upon submission of the application, along with a valid travel document. Biometric data is also required for permit renewals.

· Renewal applications must be submitted with all necessary documents, at least one month before the permit’s expiry. Relevant fees apply.

· If approved, the applicant will receive a notification letter with instructions for collecting the residence permit. If rejected, the applicant will receive a letter stating the reasons for rejection.