Cyprus Pink Card Explained for Students (With Real Front & Back Details)

If you are an international student in Cyprus, you have probably heard people talking about the “Pink Card” or “ARC card.”
Many students get confused about what this card actually is, why it is important, and how to read the information written on it.

In this article, I will explain everything about the Cyprus Pink Card and Sample based on real student experience — not agency talk.

What Is the Cyprus Pink Card?

The Cyprus Pink Card is officially called the Residence Permit Card.

Students call it Pink Card because of its light pink color.

This card proves that:

You are legally staying in Cyprus
You are registered as a student
Your residence status is temporary and valid

Without this card, life in Cyprus becomes very difficult.

Is Pink Card the Same as ARC Card?

This is where most students get confused.

Short answer:

👉 No, they are not the same — but they are connected.

Here is the simple comparison every student should understand:

ARC (Alien Registration Certificate)	Pink Card (Residence Permit)
ARC is a registration number	Pink Card is a physical ID card
Issued during first registration	Issued after migration approval
Paper-based / number-based	Plastic card
Cannot be used alone for daily tasks	Used daily for bank, SIM, job
Shows you are registered	Shows you are legally staying
ARC number is printed on the Pink Card	Pink Card carries ARC + permit details

In simple words:

ARC = registration
Pink Card = legal residence proof

That is why students often say “ARC card” when they actually mean Pink Card.

Who Gets a Pink Card in Cyprus?

You get a Pink Card if you are:

An international student
Legally enrolled in a Cyprus institution
Approved by Cyprus Migration Department

Students from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and many other countries receive this card.

What Information Is Written on the Pink Card? (Front Side)

The front side of the Pink Card contains your personal and legal details.

Here is what each section means:

Full Name – As written in your passport
Nationality – Your country
Sex – M / F
Date of Birth – Your birth date
Type of Permit – Usually “Temporary Permit – Student”
Remarks – Your study field (example: Hotel Management, Business, etc.)
Card Expiry Date – Very important (explained below)

This side mainly confirms who you are and why you are in Cyprus.

Back Side of the Pink Card Explained

The back side looks confusing, but it is actually very important.

You will see:

ARC Number – Your official Alien Registration number
Institution Name – The school or college you are registered with
Date of Issue – When the card was issued
Issuing Authority – Cyprus Migration Department
MRZ Code – A machine-readable code (used by systems, not for daily use)

👉 Never share clear photos of the back side publicly.
Always blur numbers before uploading anywhere.

Why Is the Pink Card So Important?

Without a Pink Card, you will face serious problems in Cyprus.

Things you CANNOT easily do without it:

Open a bank account
Get a SIM card
Register for legal part-time work
Pass police checks
Renew contracts or documents

Many students suffer simply because their Pink Card is delayed or expired

Pink Card Expiry Date – Read This Carefully

Your Pink Card is NOT permanent.

It has an expiry date, usually:

1 year
Or aligned with your academic year

If your Pink Card expires:

You become technically illegal
You may face fines
Job opportunities stop
Renewal becomes stressful

👉 Always start renewal at least 30–45 days before expiry.

What Happens If Pink Card Is Delayed?

This is very common.

Students face:

Bank account rejection
Job offer cancellation
SIM card issues
Constant fear during police checks

Read also: How to manage job easily in Cyprus

Delay does NOT mean rejection, but it does affect daily life badly.

Common Student Mistakes With Pink Card

From real student experience, these mistakes happen often:

Not checking expiry date
Depending fully on agents
Uploading card photos without blurring
Thinking ARC paper is enough
Renewing too late

Avoiding these mistakes saves money and mental stress.

Is Pink Card Proof That You Can Work?

No.
The Pink Card alone does NOT mean unlimited work rights.

Students have:

Restricted work hours
Limited job sectors
Need employer compliance

Illegal work can cause serious trouble even if you have a valid Pink Card.

Final Truth About the Cyprus Pink Card

The Pink Card is not just an ID — it is your legal survival document in Cyprus.

Many agencies explain it poorly, which is why students panic later.

If you understand:

What the card is
What information it shows
When it expires

You will avoid 80% of common student problems.

Important Note

This article is written for educational purposes, based on real student experience.
Always follow official Cyprus immigration rules and verify details with authorities when needed.