Published: 21.07.2026
Cyprus says it has completed the technical requirements for Schengen accession and is awaiting further assessment by the European Commission and a decision by the EU Council. According to the sources, accession would allow holders of Cypriot residence permits to travel visa-free within Schengen, while employment applicants may have to obtain a type D long-stay visa instead of the current entry-permit procedure.
According to the sources, Cyprus is still in the preparation and assessment stage rather than being a Schengen member. If accession is completed, Cypriot residence-permit holders would gain easier visa-free travel within Schengen, while third-country nationals coming to work in Cyprus may need to obtain a type D visa from a consulate abroad. This primarily affects new workers, employers and foreign residents planning regular travel in Europe. People relocating soon should continue to follow the current rules while monitoring the formal accession decision, which the sources associate with 2026 or early 2027.