Moving from Cyprus to Spain: Complete Guide for Cypriot Citizens
Key Facts for Cypriot Citizens
- Visa Required: No. EU citizen with full freedom of movement
- Registration: Required after 90 days (EU Certificate)
- Work Permit: Not required. Full EU labor market access
- Tax Treaty: Yes (2014)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years legal residence
- Dual Citizenship: Spain requires renunciation declaration, but Cyprus allows dual
- Spanish Embassy: Nicosia
Why Cypriot Citizens Choose Spain
The transition from one Mediterranean coast to another is straightforward. EU citizenship means minimal paperwork. Cyprus and Spain share more than sunny weather – both cultures value family, long meals, and a relaxed approach to daily life.
The main draws? Better job opportunities in larger markets, lower cost of living in many Spanish cities compared to Nicosia, and the chance to experience a different corner of Europe while keeping the Mediterranean lifestyle you know.
Cyprus Spain Visa Requirements: You Don’t Need One
Here’s the simple truth about a Cyprus Spain visa: there isn’t one. As a Cypriot EU citizen, Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union guarantees your right to live and work anywhere in the EU. No visa application, no sponsorship, no proof of funds to enter.
You can arrive in Spain tomorrow with your Cypriot passport or national ID card and start your new life. For the first 90 days, you don’t need to justify your presence or register anywhere. Just show up.
EU Registration: What You Actually Need
After 90 days, Spanish law requires EU citizens to register if they plan to stay longer. This isn’t a permit application where you might get rejected. It’s a registration confirming your existing right to be here.
You’ll need two documents:
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your Spanish tax identification number. You’ll need this for everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract or getting a phone plan.
EU Registration Certificate: The green card-sized document proving your legal residence. You’ll get this at the Oficina de Extranjería or designated police station.
To register, you’ll need to prove one of these situations: you’re employed, self-employed, a student with health insurance, or you have sufficient financial resources (around €6,000 in savings plus health insurance if not working).
Working in Spain as a Cypriot Citizen
Your right to work is automatic from day one. No work permit. No employer sponsorship. You can be employed by a Spanish company, work remotely for Cypriot employers, or start your own business. Spanish labor law protects you with the same rights as Spanish workers.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll register as autónomo with Spanish social security. This gives you healthcare coverage and builds pension rights.
Cypriot Community in Spain
The Cypriot community in Spain is small but growing. You’ll find fellow Cypriots primarily in Barcelona, Madrid, and coastal cities. Both cultures share Mediterranean values, making integration smoother than you might expect.
Many Cypriots connect through Greek Orthodox churches and Mediterranean cultural events. The shared appreciation for good food, family gatherings, and relaxed evenings translates well.
Tax Treaty: Cyprus-Spain
Cyprus and Spain signed a double taxation agreement in 2013, effective since January 1, 2014. This treaty prevents you from paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Qualifying professionals can pay flat 24% tax on Spanish income for 6 years. Learn more about Beckham Law eligibility
- Dividends: 0% withholding if holding ≥10% of company capital, 5% otherwise
- Interest and Royalties: 0% withholding tax under treaty
- Pensions: Coordinated under EU social security rules. Cypriot contributions count toward Spanish pension
Healthcare for Cypriot Citizens
Spain’s public healthcare system is excellent. As an EU citizen working here and paying into social security, you have full access. During your transition period, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from Cyprus provides emergency coverage.
If you’re not working, you can either purchase private insurance (€50-150/month) or pay into the Spanish system through the Convenio Especial (around €60/month for under-65s).
Path to Spanish Citizenship: 10 Years
Cypriot citizens need 10 years of legal, continuous residence for Spanish citizenship. There’s no EU shortcut. Spain reserves the 2-year fast track for nationals of Latin American countries, Philippines, Andorra, and Portugal.
During those 10 years, keep your absences from Spain under 6 months per year. Extended time abroad can reset your timeline.
When you apply, you’ll need to pass the DELE A2 (Spanish language) and CCSE (civic knowledge) exams. Processing currently takes 1-3 years.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
Spain requires a renunciation declaration when you naturalize as Spanish. Cyprus permits dual citizenship and won’t recognize Spain’s renunciation. In practice, you keep both passports since Cyprus doesn’t enforce loss of citizenship based on foreign declarations.
Important: After naturalizing Spanish, use your Spanish passport for travel. Exclusively using your Cypriot passport for 3+ years could result in losing Spanish citizenship.
Spanish Embassy in Cyprus
Nicosia – Embassy of Spain
5, Nikolaou Katalanou Str., Ayios Andreas, 1100 Nicosia
P.O. Box 28349, 2093 Strovolos
Tel: (+357) 22 450410
Consular Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Friday, 09:00-12:00
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cypriot citizens need a visa for Spain?
No. As an EU citizen, you have freedom of movement. You can live and work in Spain indefinitely. Register after 90 days if staying long-term.
How long until I can get Spanish citizenship?
Cypriot citizens need 10 years of legal residence. You’ll also need to pass Spanish language (DELE A2) and civic knowledge (CCSE) exams. There’s no faster route for EU citizens.
Can I keep my Cypriot passport when becoming Spanish?
Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but Cyprus allows dual citizenship. In practice, you keep both passports since Cyprus doesn’t enforce loss based on foreign declarations.
Can my family come with me?
EU family members have the same rights you do. Non-EU family members (spouse, children, dependent parents) can apply for an EU Family Card to live and work in Spain.
Do my Cypriot pension contributions count in Spain?
Yes. EU social security coordination means your Cypriot contributions count toward your Spanish pension. The systems are linked across all EU member states.
We Handle the Paperwork
EU citizenship makes your move legally straightforward, but Spanish bureaucracy can still frustrate. Appointments are hard to get, forms are confusing, and requirements sometimes change without notice.
Our Barcelona team handles NIE registration, empadronamiento, tax planning for dual residents, and the eventual citizenship application. We know the system because we navigate it daily.
This guide provides general information about moving from Cyprus to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.