Cyprus is joining the Schengen Zone: Why is this significant for third country nationals living in Cyprus with a residence permit?
In addition to Ireland, Cyprus is one of just two EU member states that do not participate in the passport-free travel area known as Schengen Zone.
On Sunday, May 11, 2025, the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, announced that Cyprus plans to join the Schengen Zone by 2026, pledging to finalize all necessary preparations by the end of the following year.
Why is this important?
A Schengen visa offers third country nationals the benefit of unrestricted movement within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Provided that a national from a third country holds a valid residence permit in a nation within the Schengen Zone, they are permitted to travel to and stay in any of the participating countries without facing border checks between them.
This visa can be utilized for tourism, business, visiting family, or other non-profit activities.
With a Schengen visa, a third country national is able to enter all 29 member states of the Schengen Zone, in addition to several non-Schengen countries.
Once Cyprus officially joins the Schengen Zone, any third country national with a valid residence permit in Cyprus will be permitted to travel freely within the Schengen Zone for short stays (as previously mentioned) without the requirement of obtaining a new separate Schengen visa.
Consequently, a residence permit issued by Cyprus is regarded as a highly valuable visa.
Cyprus provides various avenues for acquiring a residence permit.
Evagoras Anastasiou Law Firm focuses on each client individually, providing the best legal service for immigration and relocation in Cyprus. Therefore, they will take time to study your case individually, advise you on all legal matters and offer you relevant advice that will help you secure the best possible outcome.
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