Cyprus Residency by Investment

Cyprus grants non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals a fast‑track Permanent Residence (Immigration Permit) in return for a qualifying investment and clean background. It’s a residency route (not citizenship) in an EU member state; Cyprus is not in Schengen, so PR does not itself confer Schengen travel.

Qualifying investment options (minimum €300,000; verify current rules):

- Residential real estate: purchase new/first‑sale property from a developer (VAT applies). Some policies allow up to two units from the same developer.

- Commercial real estate: offices, shops, hotels at or above the threshold (check new/used eligibility under current circulars).

- Cypriot company: subscription into share capital of a company with physical presence and staff in Cyprus.

- Investment funds: units in a Cyprus‑regulated AIF/RAIF investing domestically.

Key requirements

- Proven lawful source of funds transferred from abroad; clean criminal records; private health insurance.

- “Secured annual income” at prescribed levels (commonly cited: €50,000 main applicant, plus €15,000 spouse and €10,000 per dependent child). Whether income may be Cyprus‑sourced depends on the chosen route—confirm latest guidance.

- Maintain the investment and good conduct; periodic evidence updates may be requested.

Family inclusion

- Spouse and minor children are typically included. Inclusion of adult dependent children/parents is policy‑sensitive and may require extra income or separate filings—verify current eligibility before applying.

Process and timeline

- Select asset and complete due diligence; pay deposit/complete purchase or subscribe to shares/fund; compile documents and submit to the Civil Registry & Migration Department.

- Biometrics in Cyprus; approvals often in ~2–4 months after a complete file (timelines vary).

- PR is indefinite while conditions are met; current practice expects at least occasional presence (e.g., visit about once every two years) and continued compliance.

Rights and notes

- Live in Cyprus; study; own a business/shareholdings. Paid employment is generally not permitted (director/shareholder roles are possible).

- Ordinary citizenship by naturalization requires substantial, continuous residence (typically ~7 years) and integration; PR alone does not accelerate citizenship.

VAT, stamp duty, transfer fees, and municipal charges apply. Policy details evolve—always confirm thresholds, dependent definitions, and documentation before committing.