Definition of seasonal work
Seasonal work indicates any activity that depends on the change of the season. In Cyprus, the sectors of employment that depend on the change of seasons, have been determined by a relevant decree of the Council of Ministers.
Maximum permitted duration of stay
The maximum period of stay and employment for seasonal workers must not exceed the period of 8 months within a 12-month period. A third-country national cannot apply for seasonal work in the case he already completed the period of 6 years of residence and seasonal work in the Republic. After completing the maximum period of stay, the third-country national must leave the territory of the Republic, unless he is granted a residence permit under the national law for purposes other than seasonal work.
Entry in the Republic, residence and work permit for more than 90 days
In the case that the seasonal work will last for a period over 90 days, an application for the issuing of an entry permit and a residence permit is required.
The application is submitted by the employer at the application submission offices while the third-country national is abroad given that the relevant fees, set by the relevant Decree of the Minister of the Interior, are paid. The application is examined within 90 days from the date of its submission, provided that it is fully completed and all the necessary documents have been submitted. Otherwise, the deadline counts from the date of completion of the application.
After obtaining the entry permit, the third country national is allowed to enter into the Republic upon presentation of the permit and a valid travel document.
Within 7 days from the date of arrival, the application for temporary residence and work permit, the biometric data (photo and fingerprints) and the signature of the third-country national are required. Τhe biometric data may also be taken at the same time or shortly after the submission of the application, at the District Immigration Unit of the Police of the area of residence of the third-country national. It is noted that, the collection of biometric data is mandatory for the renewal of a temporary residence and work permit as well.
Renewal of work permit
Seasonal employees are allowed to extend their stay in the Republic for the purpose of seasonal work, provided that the conditions of the Law, including those for maximum stay for up to 8 months within a 12-month period, are met.
For the extension of the stay, it is required to submit an application for the renewal seasonal work permit at the application submission offices with the payment of the fees set by the relevant Decree of the Minister of Interior. It is noted that, the collection of biometric data is mandatory for the renewal of a temporary residence and work permit for seasonal worker as well.
The application is examined within 90 days of its submission provided that it is duly completed and all necessary documents have been submitted. Otherwise, the deadline counts from the date the missing documents have been submitted.
Change of employer
Seasonal workers are allowed to extend their stay in the Republic for the purpose of seasonal work due to a change of employer, provided that the conditions of the legislation, including the those for maximum stay, are met.
For the extension of the stay, it is required to submit a relevant application for the renewal of the seasonal work permit due to the change of employer, with the payment of the fees set by the Decree of the Ministry of the Interior. The collection of biometric data is mandatory for the renewal of a temporary residence and work permit as seasonal worker.
For convenience, the required documents for the submission of the application are given in the lists of documents.
The application is examined within 90 days of its submission provided that it is duly completed and all necessary documents have been submitted. Otherwise, the deadline counts from the date the missing documents have been submitted.
