Cyprus Residency by Investment
The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program offers a clear and reliable path for non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence within the European Union. With a minimum investment of €300,000, eligible applicants and their families can enjoy lifelong residency in a country renowned for its safety, strategic location, and favorable tax regime. This long-term opportunity has made the island one of the most appealing destinations in Europe for global investors seeking Cyprus residency by investment.
Min. investment
Processing Time
Residency validity
Cyprus Residency by Investment at a Glance
Official Program Name
Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (Category 6(2))
Minimum investment
From €300,000, (plus VAT or related costs)
Investment Options
Property purchase, company shares, or regulated investment funds
Processing Time
Approximately 6–9 months
Residency Type
Permanent residence (no renewal required)
Required Annual Income
€50,000 (main applicant) + €15,000 (spouse) + €10,000 (each child)
Family Eligibility
Spouse and dependent children up to 25 years old
Physical Presence Requirement
Visit Cyprus at least once every two years
Right to Work
No salaried employment; business ownership and dividends allowed
Path to Citizenship
Apply for Cyprus citizenship after 8 years of legal residence
What is the
Cyprus Permanent Residence Program?
The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (PRP) is an official immigration route that allows non-EU nationals to obtain lifelong residency in Cyprus through investment. By investing a minimum of €300,000 in qualifying assets and proving a secure annual income, applicants and their families can receive permanent residence within the European Union.
This program—often referred to as Cyprus residency by investment—offers fast processing, minimal physical presence requirements, and a clear pathway to future citizenship. It is one of Europe’s most stable and transparent residence-by-investment programs.
0
Sofia
Real Estate & Legal Expert · Athens
Pros and Cons of Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment
Fast approval
Permanent residence issued in 6–9 months
Permanent status
No renewal needed once granted
Family coverage
Spouse and children up to 25 years old included
Minimal stay required
Only one visit every two years
Attractive taxes
12.5% corporate tax, non-dom exemptions
Start a business
Investors can set up a company in Cyprus.
High quality of life
Safe, English-speaking, Mediterranean lifestyle
Pathway to EU citizenship
Option to apply after several years of residence
New residential property only
Resale homes don’t qualify (resale allowed for commercial properties).
No salaried work rights
Investors may own a business, but not be employees
Policy changes possible
Income or investment thresholds may be updated
Citizenship takes time
Eligible after 8 years of residence
Smaller real estate market
than major EU economies
Requirements & eligibility criteria
To qualify for the Cyprus residency by investment program, applicants must meet specific financial, legal, and personal criteria set by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).
1. Investment requirement
- Minimum investment of €300,000 in an eligible option (property, company shares, or investment fund).
- The funds must be transferred from abroad and legally sourced.
2. Stable annual income
- Minimum €50,000 per year for the main applicant.
- Additional €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
- Income should generally come from outside Cyprus unless investing in business or commercial property.
3. Clean background
- Applicants and family members must present a clear criminal record and proof of good character from their home country.
4. Health insurance
- All applicants are required to hold private medical insurance covering healthcare in Cyprus.
5. Residence condition
- To keep permanent status, the holder must visit Cyprus at least once every two years.
6. Residence address in Cyprus
- Applicants investing in company shares or funds must also maintain a residential address in Cyprus (either owned or rented).
Investment Options for Cyprus Residency by Investment
The Cyprus Permanent Residence Program offers several approved investment routes designed to attract genuine investors and entrepreneurs.
Each option requires a minimum of €300,000, and the funds must come from verified, legal sources transferred from abroad.
Real Estate Investment
Invest at least €300,000 + VAT in a new residential property purchased directly from a developer.
- Resale homes are not eligible.
- Buyers may purchase one or two units, provided the total value exceeds €300,000.
- The property can be used as a residence or rented out.
- VAT is 19%, reduced to 5% if used as a primary home.
Commercial Real Estate
Invest a minimum of €300,000 in commercial property such as offices, shops, hotels, or other business premises.
- Resale properties are accepted.
- VAT applies only to new builds; resales are VAT-free but subject to transfer fees (3–8%).
Shares in a Cyprus Company
Invest €300,000 in the share capital of a Cyprus-registered company with:
- A physical office in Cyprus, and
- At least five local employees.
This option suits investors who wish to actively manage or expand a business in Cyprus.
Regulated Investment Funds
Invest €300,000 in Cyprus-based investment funds, including:
- AIF, RAIF, or UCITS funds regulated by CySEC.
These funds typically invest in Cypriot assets such as property, infrastructure, or local enterprises.
Each option offers unique advantages depending on your investment goals. For comparison, see how it differs from the Greece Golden Visa Program.
Residency in Cyprus Through Investment
Applying for the Cyprus permanent residence by investment program is a structured process managed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). Here’s how it works from start to finish:
Choose your investment route
Select one of the approved investment options — property, company shares, or investment funds. The Mondial Citizen team will help you choose the most suitable and secure path for your goals.
Prepare Documentation
Gather all required documents, including proof of investment, source of funds, income statements, police clearances, and valid health insurance. All documents must be officially translated and apostilled if issued abroad.
Transfer Funds and Sign Agreements
Transfer your investment amount from abroad to a Cypriot account and finalize the purchase or investment agreement. For property purchases, contracts must be registered with the Land Registry.
Submit the application
File your complete application with the CRMD either directly in Cyprus or through a certified legal representative. Each family member must be included in the same application.
Application Review and Background Check
Authorities verify the legitimacy of funds, income, and criminal records. The review process usually takes 6–9 months.
Approval and Biometric Registration
Once approved, the applicant and family must visit Cyprus for biometric data collection (fingerprints, photos, and signatures).
Receive Permanent Residence Cards
After biometrics, the permanent residence cards are issued for the applicant and their dependents. The status is permanent, with no renewal required.
RENEWAL & MAINTENANCE
The permit renews every five years as long as the investment is maintained and all conditions — valid health insurance and a clean criminal record — remain in place.
Cyprus Golden Visa Cost and Fees in 2025
Understanding the cost of the Cyprus Golden Visa is essential for investors planning to obtain permanent residency through investment. Below is a clear overview of all main expenses involved in the Cyprus residency by buying property program, including investment thresholds and official government fees.
| Type of Fee | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | €300,000+ | Purchase of property, company shares, or investment funds |
| Application Fee | €500 | Official CRMD processing fee per application |
| Biometric Registration | €70 per person | For fingerprints, photos, and residence card issuance |
| VAT (New Properties) | 5–19% of property value | 19% standard rate — reduced to 5% for eligible primary residences |
| Transfer Fees (Resale Property) | 3–8% of property value | Payable when buying resale properties (no VAT applicable) |
| Legal & Notary Fees | Variable | Contract drafting, property registration, and document authentication |
| Insurance & Misc. Costs | Variable | Private medical insurance, translation, and apostille of documents |
ESTIMATED TOTAL
≈ €260,000
A €250,000 qualifying investment plus roughly €10,000–€12,000 in government, property and administrative fees. Fees and taxes are subject to change — confirm the latest rates before applying.
Keep More, Earn More: Cyprus Tax Benefits for Investors
One of the main attractions of the Cyprus Residency by Investment Program is its favorable tax system, which offers significant advantages to both individuals and businesses. The island’s tax framework is designed to encourage foreign investment and provide long-term stability for residents and entrepreneurs.
For investors seeking a safe and tax-efficient base in Europe, Cyprus offers one of the most investor-friendly tax regimes under its permanent residency framework.
Corporate tax rate
Only 12.5%, one of the lowest in the European Union.
No inheritance or wealth tax
making it an attractive option for family estate planning.
Tax exemptions for non-domiciled residents
including no tax on dividends and most foreign-sourced income.
Capital gains tax
applies only to profits from the sale of immovable property located in Cyprus.
Double taxation treaties
with more than 60 countries help investors avoid paying tax on the same income twice.
Reduced VAT rate (5%)
for new homes used as the applicant’s primary residence.
How to Get Cyprus Passport by Investment
While Cyprus no longer grants a Cyprus passport through investment directly, investors who obtain permanent residency by investment can still achieve citizenship through the naturalization process after several years of legal residence. This path offers a secure and legitimate way to gain full EU citizenship over time.
Path to Cyprus Citizenship
Minimum residence period: Applicants may apply for citizenship after eight years of legal residence in Cyprus (or seven years in certain cases of continuous presence).
Permanent residency requirement: You must already hold a valid Cyprus permanent residence status obtained through investment or another legal route.
Physical presence: The applicant must have resided continuously for the last 12 months before submitting the citizenship application.
Good character and background: A clean criminal record and evidence of integration into Cypriot society are required.
Basic Greek language knowledge: Applicants must demonstrate a basic understanding of Greek and familiarity with local culture.
Benefits of a Cyprus Passport
Full EU citizenship and freedom of movement
Visa-free travel to 175+ countries
Access to European healthcare and education
Freedom to live, work, and do business in the EU
Ability to start a business anywhere in Europe
Right to pass citizenship to future generations
Expert insight
from Greece
While discussing the challenges of obtaining Greek citizenship, Sofia, a real estate and legal expert in Athens, revealed a new and little-known shortcut that many applicants overlook:
“It’s possible, but it’s not easy — you really need to live here, learn the language, and understand the country’s culture. Still, there’s a little-known alternative: if your children study in Greek state schools for nine consecutive years, they can obtain Greek citizenship — and later, you can also qualify for a passport through them.”
Sofia
Real Estate & Legal Expert · Athens
Visa-free Countries with a Cyprus Passport
Cypriot citizens enjoy unrestricted travel across Europe, the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and much of the Americas and the Middle East.
(List of countries to be placed here.)
This level of mobility makes the Cyprus passport one of the most powerful in the region — a valuable asset for investors seeking both global access and European security.
185+
Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 185 countries — including all Schengen nations and major destinations like the UK, Japan, Singapore, Canada and Australia.
27
Full rights to live, work and study anywhere in the European Union, across all 27 member states.
∞
Access to high-quality healthcare and education systems across Europe, for you and your family.
A selection of visa-free destinations
Note: Visa regulations change. Always verify the latest entry requirements before traveling.
Start Your European Journey with Mondial Citizen
Choosing Cyprus residency by investment is more than a financial move — it’s a step toward a secure, prosperous future for you and your family.
Mondial Citizen is an officially licensed immigration consultancy with extensive experience in European residency and citizenship programs, guiding investors worldwide with professionalism and transparency.
With its EU membership, strong economy, and Mediterranean lifestyle, Cyprus offers one of the most trusted and rewarding residency programs in Europe. Our experts at Mondial Citizen handle every stage of your application — from investment selection and document preparation to submission and approval — ensuring a smooth, compliant process from start to finish.
🌍 Take the first step today. Contact Mondial Citizen to explore your options and begin your path to Cyprus permanent residency with confidence.
Common questions on the Cyprus residency by investment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum investment for Cyprus residency by investment?
The minimum investment is €300,000, which can be made in new residential or commercial property, Cyprus-registered company shares, or regulated investment funds.
Can I get Cyprus residency by buying property?
Yes. Buying property in Cyprus for residency is the most popular route to obtain permanent residence. By purchasing a new residential property worth at least €300,000 (plus VAT) and meeting the financial and legal requirements, you and your family can qualify for Cyprus permanent residency within a few months.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Cyprus?
The application is typically processed within 6 to 9 months, depending on the completeness of the documentation and official review times.
What are the main Cyprus Golden Visa benefits?
The Cyprus Golden Visa benefits include fast-track permanent residency, lifetime validity, and family inclusion for a spouse and dependent children. It also offers EU travel access, favorable tax conditions, and a pathway to citizenship after several years of residence.
Do I need to live in Cyprus full-time to keep my residency?
No. You only need to visit Cyprus once every two years to maintain your permanent resident status. Continuous residence is not required.
Can Cyprus residency lead to citizenship and a passport?
Yes. Permanent residents may apply for Cyprus citizenship after seven to eight years of legal residence, following the country’s naturalization process.
What are the Cyprus Golden Visa requirements?
The Cyprus Golden Visa requirements include investing at least €300,000 in eligible property or business assets, maintaining a clean criminal record, and proving sufficient annual income from legal sources outside Cyprus.
Start your journey to Europe with Mondial Citizen
The Greece Golden Visa is a proven route to European residency, mobility and long-term opportunity. We guide you end to end — from property selection to approval — so you can invest with confidence.
