The framework: which permit type determines the options
The family reunification rules in Cyprus differ significantly depending on what permit the primary applicant holds. EU citizens exercising free movement rights bring family members (EU or non-EU) under the EU Citizens Directive, which gives broad rights and a relatively straightforward process. Non-EU primary applicants — holders of Digital Nomad Visas, Permanent Residency permits, employment permits, or company-based category permits — bring dependents under the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, which are more document-intensive and have stricter income thresholds. The rights granted to dependents (whether they can work, attend school, access healthcare) depend on both the permit category and the dependent's relationship to the primary applicant. Before starting the process, confirm precisely what your primary permit allows — some older-format permits did not explicitly permit dependent applications and required an amendment before dependents could be added.
Spouse reunification: documents and process
For a non-EU primary permit holder bringing a non-EU spouse: you need the original marriage certificate, apostilled and officially translated into Greek or English; a passport photograph for the spouse; the spouse's valid passport with at least 12 months remaining; proof that the primary permit is current and valid; proof of shared accommodation in Cyprus (a lease in both names is cleanest, or a landlord declaration that the spouse will reside at the address); health insurance valid in Cyprus for the spouse; and the primary applicant's bank statements for the past three to six months confirming the income threshold is met for the requirement that applies to your permit category. For DNV holders, the Migration Department states the requirement as a stable and sufficient net income of at least €3,500 per month; it publishes no separate spousal uplift figure on that page, so confirm the family-member requirement with the Department. Family members of a DNV holder should apply within 3 months of arrival; the Department lists a €70 issuance or renewal fee and a €70 Aliens' Registry (ARC) fee. The joint application is submitted to the Migration Department; both applicants should attend in person when possible. Processing follows the primary permit; check the current examination time with the Migration Department (for the Digital Nomad permit itself it states 5 to 7 weeks).
Bringing children: documents by dependent type
Under the Migration Department's rules for immigration permits and the Digital Nomad Visa, dependent children are those under 18. Older children generally need their own permit; confirm with the Department. Required documents for each child: original birth certificate apostilled, official translation, valid passport, two passport photographs, proof of school enrollment for children over 6 (a Cyprus school enrollment letter works), health insurance covering the child, and the primary applicant's income evidence confirming the income requirement for your permit category is met. Adopted children require the adoption court order apostilled. Step-children require the marriage certificate linking the applicant to the child's parent as well as the child's birth certificate. A Cypriot lawyer can confirm the precise documentary requirements for non-standard family structures, which vary based on the nationality and documentation practices of the country of origin.
Parents and other family members
The rules for bringing parents and extended family are significantly more restrictive than for spouses and children. Parents of EU citizens may accompany under the EU Directive if they are financially dependent on the EU citizen. For non-EU primary permit holders, parents are generally classified as 'other dependent relatives' and require an exceptional circumstances application to the Migration Department. This is a discretionary process, not a guaranteed right. For a successful parent application, you must demonstrate that the parent is genuinely financially dependent on you (no independent income, pension, or property in their home country that can support them), and that there are compelling family unity reasons. Other extended family members (siblings, aunts, uncles, adult children with their own income) are generally not eligible under family reunification and must apply for their own permits independently.
Rights granted to dependents and practical outcomes
What dependents can do in Cyprus once their ARC is issued depends on the primary permit category. Under Digital Nomad Visa: dependents can live in Cyprus and attend Cypriot schools and universities, but cannot take employment in Cyprus. Ask the Health Insurance Organisation (gesy.org.cy, contact centre 17000) whether they can register with GeSY. If a dependent spouse wants to work, they must apply for a separate employment permit or DNV in their own name. Under Permanent Residency by Investment: the permit covers the spouse and children under 18. Per the Migration Department, the card for adult dependents is valid for 10 years and for minors until they turn 18; the listed fees are €500 for all persons, €50 per added dependent and €70 for the ARC. Confirm any right to work for a spouse with the Department. Under EU residency (primary applicant is EU citizen): non-EU family members receive a Residence Card of a Family Member of a Union Citizen, which grants the right to work in Cyprus and access social services; confirm travel rules with the Migration Department. Children's schooling: Cypriot public schools are free and accept children of all legal residents. Private international schools set their own fees; ask each school directly. One practical note: the child's ARC should be obtained before the school year starts if possible: some schools require it for enrollment, though most will accept a pending application receipt as interim documentation.