Cyprus Golden Visa - Residency by Investment Program
Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment
The Cyprus Residency by Investment program enables successful applicants and their families to obtain a Cyprus immigration permit with unlimited duration. Investors holding this permit can apply for Cyprus citizenship after eight years of residency. By investing a minimum of €300,000 in real estate, shares, or funds and demonstrating an annual income of €50,000, foreign nationals gain the right to reside in one of Europe's most strategically situated countries.
Cyprus permanent residency is granted under an accelerated process, as outlined in Regulation 6(2) of the Cyprus Aliens and Immigration Regulations. The permit is indefinite, meaning it does not expire. Permanent physical presence is not required, provided the investor does not intend to apply for Cypriot citizenship. Cyprus allows dual citizenship, so foreign nationals are not required to renounce their original nationality.
10 Benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residency
Residency Status for Life
Cyprus grants permanent residency indefinitely. Investors do not need to reapply or go through the acquisition process again. Only the residence card needs renewal every 10 years.
Straightforward Process
Obtaining Cyprus permanent residency by investment takes around 6-9 months, with most time spent on Due Diligence. No need to seek employment or justify stay through other means.
Moving with Family
Alongside investors, their spouse and children can also obtain permanent residence. This status allows the entire family to move to Cyprus and enjoy all the benefits.
Low Tax Rates
Non-resident investors do not pay taxes on their global income in Cyprus. Income earned within the country is taxed at 0% to 35%, while corporate tax is 15%.
Medical Services
Cyprus has a well-developed healthcare system. Every major city has public hospitals, and private clinics are widely available offering high-quality medical services.
Developed Education System
Children of permanent residents have the same rights to education as Cypriot citizens. The country hosts international schools and branches of globally recognised universities.
No Continuous Stay Required
Just a visit every two years to retain residency status. Permanent physical presence is not required unless you intend to apply for citizenship.
Path to EU Citizenship
After eight years of living in the country as a permanent resident, investors can apply for citizenship. Cyprus is an EU member state with visa-free access to 170+ countries.
Real Estate Income
Real estate purchased under the program can be rented out. Annual rental yields typically range between 4% and 6% depending on property type and location.
Easy Schengen Visa
Permanent residents of Cyprus enjoy faster processing when applying for Schengen or US visas. Cyprus is expected to join the Schengen Area in 2026.
Investment Options
An investor chooses between four qualifying investment options, each with a minimum value of €300,000.
Residential Property
€300,000+ (plus VAT)Purchase of a house or apartment from a development company as a first sale. Off-plan properties are also included regardless of delivery date.
- Can buy up to two properties totalling €300,000+
- Must be a first sale from a development company
- Properties do not need to be from the same developer
- VAT applicable (5% reduced rate for primary residence)
- Income must be entirely from abroad
Commercial Property
€300,000+Purchase of other types of real estate such as offices, shops, hotels, or related developments. Resales and used properties are permitted.
- Includes offices, shops, hotels, and developments
- Can be purchased from resale/secondary market
- VAT at standard 19% rate
- Part of income can be from Cyprus sources
- Can be rented out for income
Company Shares
€300,000+Investment in the share capital of a Cyprus company that is based and operating in the Republic with a proven physical presence.
- Company must be registered in Cyprus
- Must have physical presence and operations
- Must employ at least 5 people
- Part of income can be from Cyprus sources
- Investor may be an unpaid Director
Investment Funds
€300,000+Investment in units of Cyprus Investment Organisation of Collective Investments (AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF forms).
- Investments must be held in Cyprus
- Requires CySEC confirmation of fund setup
- Part of income can be from Cyprus sources
- Professional management of investments
- Portfolio diversification benefits
Requirements for Investors and Families
Investor Requirements
- Over 18 years old
- No criminal records or convictions
- No sanctions, restrictions, or bans on entry to EU countries
- Impeccable personal and business reputation
- Funds must be transferred to Cyprus from abroad
- Medical insurance coverage for all applicants
Annual Income Requirements
- Minimum €50,000 annual income (after tax)
- Additional €15,000 for spouse
- Additional €10,000 for each child
- Income may include salaries, pensions, dividends, rental income
- For residential property: income must be entirely from abroad
- For other options: part of income can be from Cyprus
Eligible Dependents
Spouse
Must be in officially registered marriage or partnership. Can be included in the same application.
Children Under 18
Automatically included in the application. Permit valid until age 18, then renewable.
Children 18-25
Must be unmarried, students at tertiary institution, and financially dependent. Requires separate application and €10,000 additional income proof.
Step-by-Step Process
Preliminary Due Diligence
1 DayThorough background check against international databases and open sources to assess eligibility and reduce rejection risk to minimum.
Document Preparation
Up to 2 WeeksCompile required documents including passport copies, birth/marriage certificates, criminal records, income proof, and health insurance. All documents must be translated and apostilled.
Investment Completion
Several WeeksSelect and complete the qualifying investment. For real estate, make first payment with proof funds originated from abroad. Obtain VAT reduction certificate if applicable.
Application Submission
1 DaySubmit application with all prepared documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Application fee of €500 plus €70 per person for registration certificates.
Processing & Approval
4-6 MonthsApplication processed under expedited procedure. Upon approval, investor and family have one year to visit Cyprus, submit biometrics, and collect permanent residence cards.
Card Renewal
After 10 YearsPermanent residence card is valid for 10 years and must be renewed before expiration. The renewal process takes approximately three months.
Annual Obligations
Every Year
- Evidence of maintaining the investment
- Health insurance certificate (if not GESY beneficiaries)
Every Three Years
- Clean criminal record certificate for all adult family members
- From country of citizenship and country of residence
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Can Help You
Qualification Check
Review of your investment capacity, income documentation, and family situation to confirm eligibility for the permanent residency program.
Property Selection
Access to qualifying new developments, site visits coordination, purchase agreement review, and title deed transfer management.
Alternative Routes
Evaluation of investment fund and company share options for those preferring non-real estate qualifying investments.
Application Filing
Complete application preparation for main applicant and dependents, document certification, and submission to Civil Registry.
Approval & Cards
Tracking application progress, responding to queries, and collecting permanent residence cards upon approval.
Citizenship Pathway
Long-term planning for naturalisation eligibility after 8 years, including Greek language requirements and application support.
Start Your Journey
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