Cyprus sits where Europe, Asia and Africa meet, and its investor residency reflects that position: a fast track permanent permit, a famously gentle tax regime and year round sunshine. The old citizenship for investment scheme closed in 2020, and what remains is better: a clean, compliant route to permanent residence from 300,000 euros. Here is exactly how it works.
In new residential property, commercial real estate, company shares or Cypriot funds, plus VAT where it applies.
The fast track timeline for complete, well evidenced applications lodged with the Migration Department.
All it takes to keep permanent status alive. No residence day counts, no renewals of the status itself.
Cyprus is an EU member state where English is spoken almost everywhere, a legacy of its common law heritage. The island offers 300 plus days of sunshine, some of the lowest crime rates in Europe, excellent private healthcare and international schools, and flight connections across Europe and the Middle East. For families relocating from the UK it is one of the softest landings in the Mediterranean.
The Cypriot tax system is a genuine draw: a non domiciled tax regime can exempt dividends and interest for an extended period, confirmed with a Cyprus tax adviser, there is no inheritance tax, and the 60 day tax residency rule lets internationally mobile investors anchor their tax affairs on the island. Living costs sit comfortably below most of Western Europe, and the property market in Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca remains active and well supplied.
Cyprus suits investors who want EU permanent residence at a defined price, families seeking a sunny base with English schooling, and entrepreneurs who value the non dom tax regime. Because the permit only requires a visit once every two years, it also works as a long term Plan B that never expires.
From selecting the qualifying property to evidencing the income test, our specialists manage the entire Cypriot application. Most families know within one consultation whether Cyprus is their answer.
The fast track route grants a permanent immigration permit: residence for life in Cyprus for you and your qualifying family, with no expiry date on the status itself and a card renewed every ten years. There is no requirement to live on the island; one visit every two years keeps the permit alive. The official estimated examination period is approximately two months for a complete application, making Cyprus one of the quickest permanent statuses in Europe. The official criteria are published by the Migration Department.
The headline investment is at least 300,000 euros plus VAT in new residential property, or the same amount in commercial property, shares of a Cypriot company with a real local presence employing at least five people, or units in Cypriot investment funds. Alongside the investment you must show secure annual income from abroad of at least 50,000 euros, increased by 15,000 euros for a spouse and 10,000 euros for each child, with a clean criminal record throughout the family.
The sequence runs: choose the investment route and complete the purchase or subscription, assemble the income and source of funds evidence, lodge the application with the Migration Department, then attend biometrics. Because the test is documentary, the file quality decides the timeline: complete applications move in months, incomplete ones invite requisitions. Our former immigration officials build the file to the standard the case officer expects.
Investment: 300,000 euros minimum plus VAT where applicable. Income: 50,000 euros a year from abroad, plus 15,000 euros for a spouse and 10,000 euros per child. Processing: approximately two months on the expedited procedure, per the official estimate. Upkeep: the investment must be maintained, the card is renewed every ten years, and absences from Cyprus must not exceed two years. A reduced VAT rate may apply to a primary residence in defined circumstances; we confirm the current position case by case.
Three choices shape Cypriot files. New build versus resale: only new residential property qualifies on the classic route, and the VAT treatment can swing the true cost materially. Income evidencing: rental income, dividends and pensions all count when documented correctly, and the source must be outside Cyprus for the residential route. Location: Limassol commands premium prices while Paphos and Larnaca deliver more house for the same qualifying spend. We model all three before you commit.
Property is how most families secure Cypriot residency, and the island rewards buyers who know its micro markets. From marina residences in Limassol to villas in Paphos and the fast rising Larnaca seafront, every qualifying purchase we recommend is screened for developer strength, resale depth and honest pricing.
Marina residences and seafront towers anchor the premium end of the market, with the strongest rental demand on the island. Qualifying new builds vary in price by location and developer.
Assess MeDetached villas with pools sit comfortably around the 300,000 euro threshold, which is why Paphos is one of the most popular locations for residency purchases.
Am I Eligible?From Limassol to the rising Larnaca marina district, seafront new builds meet the qualifying rules at the sharpest prices. We screen every development before clients commit.
Contact UsPermanent residency in approximately two months, one visit every two years, and a tax regime built for international families. One conversation tells you whether the 300,000 euro route fits your plans.
Cyprus terminated its citizenship by investment programme in November 2020 following intense European scrutiny. No new golden passport applications have been accepted since, and any promoter suggesting otherwise should be avoided. The permanent residency route was never affected and continues at full pace.
Cypriot citizenship remains open the traditional way: through years of genuine legal residence followed by naturalisation, typically around eight years for permanent residency holders, with language and integration requirements assessed at that stage. It is a real path, walked at a human pace, and the permanent permit is the platform it stands on.
Buy the residence, live the life, and let citizenship follow if the island becomes home. Families who only want the permanent base and the two year visit rule lose nothing; families with an EU passport ambition get a lawful, durable route there. Our assessment maps both outcomes against your timeline.
Certified passports, birth and marriage certificates for every applicant, consistent across the whole file. Children over 18 in full time education need enrolment evidence to qualify as dependants.
The sale contract, proof of payment of at least 300,000 euros plus receipts for VAT, and title or contract deposit confirmation with the Land Registry, or the equivalent share and fund subscription documents for the alternative routes.
Documentation of secure annual income from outside Cyprus: employment contracts, dividends, rental statements or pension letters totalling at least 50,000 euros, plus the increments for a spouse and children.
The paper trail showing where the invested capital originated, from bank statements to sale agreements. Clean, complete money trails are what keep two month timelines honest.
Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and residence for all adults, plus health insurance covering the family in Cyprus. Slow issuing jurisdictions are sequenced first.
Prefer a conversation before anything formal? Our consultants answer Cyprus questions with complete candour, from property tiers and VAT to the income test and what due diligence really checks.
Nearly three decades guiding successful emigrations worldwide.
Former Emigration Officials with deep, current knowledge of immigration law.
Considered, discreet guidance tailored precisely to your circumstances.
No. The citizenship programme closed in November 2020. Permanent residency by investment remains fully open, and naturalisation is possible after around eight years of residence.
300,000 euros plus applicable VAT, in new residential property, commercial property, shares of an operating Cypriot company employing at least five people, or Cypriot investment funds.
At least 50,000 euros a year from abroad, plus 15,000 euros for your spouse and 10,000 euros for each dependent child.
Approximately two months from a complete application to a decision, per the official estimate, among the quickest permanent residence grants in Europe.
No. Visiting once every two years keeps the permit valid. Many families use Cyprus as a standing second base rather than a full time home.
Your spouse and dependent children, including students up to 25 in defined circumstances. The rules on adult dependants have tightened in recent years, so we confirm the current position for your exact family before filing.
The permit is a residence status rather than a work permit, but holders may own Cypriot companies and receive dividends. Many investors run their affairs precisely this way, supported by the non dom tax regime.
The status is permanent. The card itself is renewed every ten years, and you must not stay away from Cyprus for more than two consecutive years.
Book an assessment and our team will assess your options.
Receive tailored advice and a clear migration strategy built entirely around you.
Let us manage your application from lodgement to decision, or choose to be guided.
Tell us about your family, income and investment plans, and our specialists will confirm your eligibility for Cyprus permanent residency, the true all in costs and the fastest realistic timeline.