Get Cyprus residency
Have questions? We're here to help!
Message us on Telegram or WhatsApp for fast assistance!
Cyprus residency in 2024–2025 comes via a few well‑defined routes: permanent residency by investment under Regulation 6(2) (the fast‑track programme), Category F for financially independent persons (slow‑track), long‑term residence after 5 years for non‑EU, and the EU/EEA Yellow Slip leading to permanent status after 5 years. The fast‑track requires a €300,000 investment in qualifying assets (new residential real estate, commercial property, shares in a Cyprus company with at least five employees, or units in a regulated fund) and proven foreign income of €50,000 per year (+€15,000 spouse, +€10,000 per child); property purchases are subject to VAT at 19% or 5% for an eligible first home, with funds transferred from abroad. Expect one biometric visit and a 4–9 month processing time; the residence permit is permanent, the PR card is typically renewed every 10 years, and you must visit Cyprus at least once every two years. PR does not grant free employment or Schengen visa‑free travel (you may act as a company director/shareholder and apply for multi‑entry Schengen visas case‑by‑case). PR is not tax residency: Cyprus applies the 183‑day rule or the 60‑day rule when you have local ties and are not tax resident elsewhere, with a popular non‑dom regime for dividends and interest. UK citizens apply as non‑EU after Brexit, qualifying property must be in the Republic of Cyprus (not the northern part), and you should always confirm the latest Ministry of Interior criteria before applying.
The main routes to Cyprus residence
What the Ministry of Interior actually checks
The Civil Registry and Migration Department does not rubber‑stamp. Expect verification of your investment source, income source, and the exact status of any company you invest in. For property, “brand new” matters on the residential side: two units allowed, but they must be first sale from developers and can be from different developers. For commercial real estate, resale is fine.
Funds must be demonstrably imported. If your income is dividends, interest, pension, rents, or salary from abroad, document it cleanly. They can ask for updated criminal record certificates periodically. For company share capital cases, they check the office, payroll, and substance—not just a registered address.
Family members and age caps
A spouse and dependent children up to 25 can be included, with the income threshold rising accordingly. Children over 18 generally must be unmarried and in full‑time study to remain dependents. Parents of the main applicant are not automatic unless the specific program wording and your income support it. Adult dependents receive their own residence cards; once they cease to qualify as dependents, they will need their own basis to stay.
Investment menu decoded: real estate, companies, funds
Real estate remains the most straightforward path. Residential must be new. Commercial (offices, shops, hotels) can be new or resale. You may buy in your personal name or in a Cyprus company where you or your spouse are the ultimate beneficial owners. You can include properties under construction; delivery date does not block approval if the sales contract is registered and funds are paid.
Company share capital works, but only if the company has real activity in Cyprus. That means five employees on Cyprus payroll, an office lease, and day‑to‑day operations. It’s a fit for those planning a regional HQ in Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, or Paphos.
Fund units in Cyprus AIF/AIFLNP/RAIF can suit investors who prefer diversification without owning a specific building. Choose managers with a regulatory track record and understand liquidity terms.
North vs. South matters: assets in Northern Cyprus (Kyrenia/Girne, Lapta, etc.) do not qualify for a Republic of Cyprus permit. Marketing names like “Aquamarine Luxury Residence, Girne,” “Lavanta Residence, Kyrenia,” or any northern “boutique hotel” investments are outside the jurisdiction that issues PR under Regulation 6(2). Stay on the Republic’s side: Limassol seafront towers (yes, even the famous Olympic Residence), central Nicosia offices, Paphos and Coral Bay villas, or Larnaca mixed‑use projects.
Step‑by‑step guide: how to apply and actually get approved
Pre‑qualification
confirm nationality, family composition, clean records, and whether you will use real estate, company shares, or funds. Map your tax residency plan (183‑day vs 60‑day) early if relevant.
Source‑of‑funds file
compile bank statements, contracts, dividends, pensions, or salary proof showing at least €50,000 per year from outside Cyprus, plus add‑ons for dependents.
Choose the investment
new residential property, commercial real estate, eligible funds, or Cyprus company shares with at least five Cyprus employees. Run legal and technical due diligence on the asset.
Contract and payments
register the sale agreement at the Land Registry; wire funds from abroad to a Cyprus bank account of the seller or target company; keep SWIFT trails.
Documentation pack
application forms, passports, legalized birth/marriage certificates, clean criminal records, health insurance if outside the GHS, income statements, investment contracts, corporate certificates (if applicable).
Submission and biometrics
file with the Civil Registry and Migration Department, schedule the biometric capture in Cyprus, and track any clarifications requested by the Ministry of Interior.
Approval, card issuance, and maintenance
collect your card, visit Cyprus at least once every two years, keep your investment in place, and respond to periodic checks (criminal record updates, insurance, proof of investment).
Special notes for specific profiles
British citizens post‑Brexit
You’re a non‑EU national for immigration purposes. The 6(2) program works for you. Employment permits are also viable, but you need a Cyprus employer with the right approvals. UK student and family routes exist but do not morph into PR automatically—watch your five‑year clock and maintain continuity.
High‑net‑worth non‑EU investors
Fast‑track PR under 6(2) paired with the 60‑day rule and non‑dom status is a proven combination. If you want to layer in corporate holding structures, ensure substance and governance so that tax residence claims stand up to scrutiny outside Cyprus too.
EU/EEA citizens
Register via the yellow slip within four months of arrival. After five years of continuous legal residence, apply for permanent residence as an EU national. You don’t need to invest €300,000 to stay.
Frequently asked, straight answers
Still have a questions?
How much does it cost to get Cyprus residency by investment?
The legal minimum investment is €300,000 in approved assets. Add VAT (for residential), legal and filing fees, and due diligence. All‑in soft costs beyond the investment often land in the €10,000–€20,000 range for a family, depending on translations and complexity.
How long does it take?
Expect 4–9 months from complete submission to approval under the fast‑track. One biometric trip is required.
Can I include my family?
Yes: spouse and dependent children up to 25 (if in full‑time study) with the income requirement rising by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child.
Does PR give Schengen visa‑free travel?
No. Cyprus is not in Schengen at the time of writing. Keep or obtain separate Schengen visas if you need them.
Can I buy property “and after 5 years” sell it?
You can sell anytime if you immediately replace it with a qualifying investment of equal or higher value and notify the authorities. If you’re aiming for citizenship by naturalization, focus on actual residence years, not just holding an asset.
Can I apply online?
Parts of the process digitized post‑2021, but core submissions and biometrics still require in‑country steps. Plan one coordinated visit.
Do properties “with furniture” or “brand new” marketing names matter?
Only the legal status matters: new residential, first sale from a developer, contract registered, funds from abroad. Furniture packages, “luxury” labels, or names like “Aphrodite Park,” “Olea,” or “Coral” are marketing, not legal categories.
| Topic | Who it is for | Key requirements and criteria | Minimum investment / fees (EUR) | Processing time | Family included | Work rights | Validity and renewal | Path to citizenship | Tax and day-count rules | Core documents | How to apply | 2024–2025 updates and notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent residency by investment (Regulation 6(2), “fast‑track”, a.k.a. Cyprus Golden Visa) | Non‑EU/EEA/Swiss, incl. UK citizens, seeking permanent residence via investment | Invest at least €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable) in one of: (a) new residential property (1–2 units, from developers only); or (b) commercial real estate (new or resale); or (c) share capital of a Cyprus company with a physical office and 5+ employees; or (d) units in Cyprus AIF/AIFLNP/RAIF. Show secured annual income from abroad: €50,000 main + €15,000 spouse + €10,000 per minor child. Clean criminal records (origin and residence), health insurance if not in GHS, funds transferred from abroad, sales agreement lodged at Land Registry. Non‑employment declaration (not required if you are a director in the invested company). Must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years and maintain the investment. | Investment: €300,000+. VAT: 19% (5% on first owner‑occupied home, subject to rules). Government fees (indicative): €500 application per adult, €70 biometrics per person, €70 card issuance per person, translations/apostilles as incurred. Legal/agent and property costs extra (due diligence, stamp duty, land transfer, VAT). | Typical 6–9 months from complete file to approval. Biometrics in Cyprus required. Card printing ≈ 2–6 weeks after approval. | Spouse and dependent children under 18; unmarried dependent children up to 25 (usually full‑time students). Parents sometimes via separate applications if income supports. | No salaried employment for the investor unless as director of the invested company. Owning and managing your Cyprus company is allowed. Dependents generally cannot work under this permit unless they hold their own work authorisation. | Status is permanent; residence card typically renewed every 10 years. Must keep the qualifying investment and visit Cyprus at least once in 2 years. Police record re‑submission every 3 years for adults. | Naturalisation usually after 7 years of legal residence within a rolling 8‑year window (with at least 5 years of actual presence in total). Some sources state 8 years; check current rules when applying. PR itself does not shorten the statutory residence time. | PR is not automatic tax residence. Tax residence by 183‑day rule or 60‑day rule (introduced in 2017). Non‑dom status (17 years) can exempt dividends and interest from SDC. Corporate tax 12.5%. No inheritance tax. | Passports, photos, clean police certificates (all adults), proof of income and source of funds, bank statements, purchase/investment contracts, Land Registry receipt, health insurance (if needed), CV, marriage/birth certificates, statement of non‑employment (where applicable). | File through the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) via a Cyprus lawyer. Prepare documents, invest, lodge sale/investment evidence, pay fees, give biometrics in Cyprus, await approval, collect cards. | Maintain investment; resale of residential property must be replaced with equal/higher value asset. Commercial property can be resale. Not in Schengen; PR card does not grant visa‑free Schengen travel, but multiple‑entry Schengen visas up to 5 years are commonly issued. Cyprus discussing Schengen entry; not in force as of 2024/2025. |
| Permanent residency, Category F (“slow track”) | Non‑EU with stable income from abroad wishing to live in Cyprus without working | Own or buy Cyprus real estate (commonly €100,000+; VAT rules apply). Show adequate annual income from abroad to cover living costs without employment: guidance often cited from €9,568 for the applicant + €4,613 per dependent. Clean criminal record, health insurance. No work/business in Cyprus. | Property often €100,000+; living income per above. Government fees similar to PR by investment; legal and translation costs extra. | Slower: about 12–24 months. | Spouse and minor children. | No employment or business activity in Cyprus. | Permanent. Must keep conditions (income, accommodation). | Usual 7‑in‑8‑year naturalisation route after legal residence. | Same tax rules as residents; you choose 183‑day or 60‑day tax residency if conditions fit; non‑dom available if eligible. | Similar to fast‑track plus evidence of income and accommodation. | Apply at District Immigration Unit/CRMD with lawyer support; renewals/updates as required. | Often used by retirees or remote‑income families. Processing is not expedited. Policies updated periodically; expect source‑of‑funds scrutiny. |
| Long‑term residence after 5 years (Directive 2003/109/EC) | Non‑EU who legally stayed in Cyprus for 5 continuous years on temporary residence | 5 years of continuous legal stay immediately before filing. Stable and regular resources, health insurance, integration compliance where applicable. | Government fees modest; legal fees vary. | About 6–12 months. | Immediate family may qualify via their own status; check specific family rules for long‑term residence. | Access to employment per permit terms; generally broader rights than visitors. | Long‑term EU resident status; renewed per rules; can be lost if absent too long or conditions lapse. | Counts toward naturalisation under the 7‑in‑8 rule. | Tax per your residency days and ties. | Full 5‑year stay evidence, contracts, insurance, police record. | Apply at CRMD/District Units. | Helpful for those on work, family or student statuses that add up to 5 legal years. |
| Permanent residence for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens (MEU3) | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their EU family who lived in Cyprus 5 years | Hold MEU1 (“yellow slip”) and reside lawfully and continuously 5 years. | Low fees; translations if needed. | ~6–12 months. | EU family members included; non‑EU family follow different process. | Full EU worker rights. | PR card typically 10 years, renewable. | EU citizens can later apply for Cypriot citizenship via residence rules. | Tax per 183/60‑day rules. | Passports, MEU1 proof, proof of continuity, insurance if needed. | Apply at CRMD with MEU3 forms. | “Yellow slip” remains the key first step for EU citizens. |
| Residency by marriage to a Cypriot | Spouses of Cypriot citizens, minor children from previous marriages, parents/in‑law | Genuine marriage; cohabitation evidence; clean police record. Unlimited‑duration residence rights possible. | Nominal government fees; legalisation costs. | ~6–12 months. | Spouse, minors; parents/in‑law may qualify. | Full right to work. | Indefinite (card renewal typically every 10 years). | Separate citizenship by registration route exists for spouses; timelines differ from standard naturalisation. | Standard tax rules after becoming tax resident. | Marriage certificate, cohabitation proof, police/medical, IDs, photos. | File at CRMD. | Strong scrutiny of genuineness; interviews possible. |
| Residency with right to work via business (Category C investor, Category E employment; Companies of Foreign Interest) | Investors and staff of Cyprus companies with foreign interests | Category C: invest about €260,000 into own company; active operations in Cyprus. Category E: offer of permanent employment. For Companies of Foreign Interest, foreign beneficial ownership, active office, and minimum staff requirements apply. Clean records, contracts, payroll. | Capital injection per category; work permit/registration fees; legal and payroll costs. | Work permit/temporary residence ~2–4 months; PR possible after 5 legal years. | Spouse and children can join; spouse’s access to labour market depends on category and policy. | Yes, per permit. | Temporary permits renewable; PR via long‑term residence after 5 years. | Can later naturalise under 7‑in‑8 rule. | Employer payroll taxes and personal tax apply; corporate tax 12.5%. | Employment contract, corporate docs, bank proof, police/medical, insurance. | Apply via CRMD and Labour Department; company registration with Registrar first. | Popular for founders relocating teams to Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos. Stronger compliance and AML checks since 2021–2024. |
| Temporary residence “visitor” (Pink Slip) | Non‑EU property owners/tenants, retirees, remote‑income individuals who do not work in Cyprus | Proof of accommodation (own or rent), sufficient income from abroad, health insurance, clean record. No work in Cyprus. Usually 12‑month validity, renewable. | Fees modest; insurance, translations extra. | ~2–3 months. | Spouse and minor children. | No. | Renewable annually if conditions met. | Time may count toward long‑term residence if continuous and fully legal; confirm case‑by‑case. | Tax only if you become tax resident (183/60‑day rules). | Proof of funds, lease/deed, insurance, police record. | File at District Immigration Unit. | Common first step before PR. Processing times vary by district. |
| EU/EEA/Swiss registration (MEU1 “yellow slip”) | EU/EEA/Swiss citizens staying >3 months | Employment, self‑employment, or self‑sufficiency with insurance. Apply within 4 months of arrival. | Low fees. | Same‑day/short processing in many cases. | Family members (EU) register too; non‑EU family use different forms. | Full EU work rights. | Registration certificate valid indefinitely; plastic card issuance may have validity. | Eligible for MEU3 after 5 years. | Tax by 183/60‑day rules. | Passport, job/contract or funds + insurance, rental deed. | Book appointment with CRMD/District Unit. | Colloquially called the “yellow slip”. UK citizens are non‑EU after Brexit and cannot use MEU1. |
| Student residence permit | Non‑EU students admitted to licensed institutions | Letter of admission, funds, accommodation, health insurance, clean record. | Tuition + insurance + fees. | ~1–3 months. | Spouse/children not typical; check specific cases. | Limited work hours may be allowed per policy. | Valid for study duration; renewable. | May contribute toward 5‑year long‑term residence if legal and continuous. | Student not automatically tax resident. | Admission letter, funds, insurance, police/medical. | Via school and CRMD. | Rules updated periodically; check current permitted work sectors. |
| Costs snapshot (indicative) | All applicants | Government fees vary by route. Typical items: application €500 per adult (PR), biometrics €70 per person, card €70 per person, stamps/legalisation €10–€50 per document, translations and notarisation as incurred. Property: VAT 19% (5% for first principal residence, conditions apply), stamp duty up to 0.2%, transfer fees (reduced/waived on VAT‑paid new property), legal fees 1–2% typical. | See left | See left | See left | See left | Cards often renewed every 10 years; keep receipts. | See left | Keep originals and apostilles ready. | Pay at submission; some payments online; many by JCC or treasury. | Always verify current fees on the Ministry of Interior/CRMD website. | |
| Tax residence: 183‑day rule vs 60‑day rule | Individuals planning tax optimisation | 183‑day rule: become tax resident if present ≥183 days in Cyprus in a calendar year. 60‑day rule (in force since 2017): become tax resident if in Cyprus ≥60 days, not tax resident elsewhere, not in any other single country >183 days, maintain a permanent home in Cyprus (owned or rented), and carry out business or be employed/director in Cyprus. | N/A | Tax residency certificate issuance typically 2–4 weeks after filing complete evidence. | N/A | N/A | Renewed annually based on days/conditions. | Enables access to Cyprus personal tax regime. | Non‑dom (17 years) exempts dividends/interest from SDC; 50% employment income exemption may apply to qualifying high earners; no inheritance tax; capital gains tax mainly on Cyprus‑situs real estate; wide DTT network. | Passport, proof of days (tickets, leases, utility bills), employment/directorship evidence, lease/deed. | Apply at Tax Department for a tax residency certificate; register for TIN. | 60‑day rule unchanged as of 2024/2025. Keep meticulous day‑count logs and supporting ties. |
| Travel with Cyprus PR | PR holders and families | PR card allows unlimited entry to Cyprus. It is not a Schengen permit. Travel to Schengen still based on your passport/visa; however, multiple‑entry Schengen visas up to 5 years are commonly granted to Cyprus PR holders. | Visa fees per consulate | Schengen visas usually 1–4 weeks | Family travels on same basis | N/A | Keep PR valid; ensure passports valid | Citizenship only after naturalisation | N/A | PR card, passport, visas as required | Apply for Schengen visas at relevant consulates in Nicosia or abroad | Cyprus is in the EU but not in Schengen as of 2024/2025. Plans for future accession are discussed publicly; not implemented yet. |
| Property rules that affect PR | Investors buying real estate | Residential PR: must be brand‑new units from developers; up to two units; minimum €300,000 before VAT. Commercial PR: new or resale is acceptable. Payment must come from abroad into a Cyprus bank. Sales agreement must be registered at Land Registry. | See investment | See PR timelines | Family can be included if income thresholds met | Owning property does not grant work rights | Maintain qualifying property; replace if sold | N/A | N/A | Sale contract, proof of transfer, bank remittance from abroad, Land Registry receipt | Through developer/agent and your lawyer; conduct due diligence | Avoid buying in the area controlled by the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus” (e.g., Kyrenia/Girne projects such as Aquamarine Luxury Residence Girne 1015 Cyprus, Lavanta Residence Kyrenia Cyprus). Such properties do not qualify for Republic of Cyprus PR and carry title risks. |
| UK citizens after Brexit | British citizens | UK nationals are non‑EU. Short stays in Cyprus are visa‑free (90/180). For residence, use non‑EU routes: PR by investment (Reg. 6(2)), Category F, business/employment permits, or family routes. | As per route chosen | As per route | Spouse/children per route | As per route | As per route | As per route | As per route | As per route | File with CRMD via lawyer | “Yellow slip” is not available to UK citizens post‑Brexit. |
| How to get Cyprus PR by investment: step‑by‑step | Non‑EU investors | 1) Choose route and investment (property/company/fund). 2) KYC and source‑of‑funds check. 3) Sign purchase/investment; transfer funds from abroad; lodge sale agreement. 4) Collect documents (criminal records, income proof, insurance). 5) Submit PR application with fees. 6) Attend biometrics in Cyprus. 7) Track and respond to any queries. 8) Approval; collect cards. 9) Each 3 years: provide updated police records; keep investment; visit at least once every 2 years. | Investment €300,000+; fees as above | 6–9 months typical | Include dependents at submission to save time | Investor cannot take salaried job (except as director); dependents need own work rights | Card renewed every 10 years | 7‑in‑8 rule toward citizenship | Consider 60‑day tax setup if suitable | See PR document list | Through CRMD; use a licensed Cyprus lawyer | Keep a compliance file ready: proof of funds abroad, annual income, property ownership, insurance. |
| Corporate structuring with residency | Investors, founders, HNWIs | Combine PR with a Cyprus holding or operating company. Substance: office lease, local staff (≥5 if using company‑investment PR), active management. | €300,000 share capital for PR route; running costs depend on headcount and office | Company setup 2–4 weeks; permits 2–4 months | Family under PR; staff under work permits | Directors can work in their company | Keep substance to support tax residency and PR conditions | Naturalisation via residence time | Corporate tax 12.5%; IP Box; no withholding tax on outbound dividends to most non‑residents; 60‑day management/control planning | Incorporation docs, UBO KYC, lease, payroll, social insurance registrations | Registrar of Companies + CRMD + Tax Department | Enhanced AML and economic‑substance checks since 2021–2024. Keep clean books and audited accounts. |
| Where to find official information | Everyone | Use government sources for forms, fees, and announcements. | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Ministry of Interior (moi.gov.cy), Civil Registry & Migration Department (crmd.moi.gov.cy), Tax Department (mof.gov.cy/en/tax), Department of Lands & Surveys (dls.gov.cy), Press & Information Office for laws/news (pio.gov.cy) | Many forms can be downloaded; submissions are in person via appointments; some payments online | Check “Ministry of Interior — Migration” pages for Regulation 6(2) and Category F details. |
| Real estate tips and caveats | Property investors | Focus on title‑deed security, developer track record, and VAT eligibility (5% vs 19%). For PR, residential must be new. Use escrow/account confirmations and Land Registry searches. | Legal and due‑diligence costs worth budgeting (1–2% typical) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Consider running costs (common expenses, municipal taxes, insurance, furniture). | Developer contract, independent legal opinion, snag lists, delivery schedule. | Hire an independent lawyer (not the developer’s). | Listings often mention areas like Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, Nicosia, Coral Bay, Aphrodite area, St. Nicolas, Olympic Residence, boutique hotel conversions. Verify that the asset and land are in the Republic of Cyprus (south). |
| Frequently searched extras | Applicants comparing routes | Golden vs slow track; property buy vs company route; “yellow slip”; “60‑day certificate”; “non‑dom”; “EEA/EE individuals”; “renewal 2024/2025”; “online application”; “visa‑free”; “Schengen policy”. | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | Many marketing sites promise 2–4 month approvals; plan for 6–9 months in practice. Keep expectations realistic and documents complete. |
Stay in Touch with Us
We are always available
Our team ensures your UAE business setup is smooth, efficient, and compliant with local laws. Contact us today to discuss your project.
Cyprus, Limassol
Franklinou Rousvelt, 170 Limassol Chamber, 3048, Limassol, Cyprus
Estonia, Tallinn
Harju maakond, Tallinn, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tuukri tn 19-315, 10152
UAE, Dubai
Building A1, Dubai Digital Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Ukraine, Kiyv
Kyiv, Azov Regiment Heroes Street 12, 04212
United States, New York
228 Park Ave S, New York City, New York, 10003, United States
Your Global Legal Partner
Our highly qualified team guarantees a substantive response within 24 business hours. Your inquiry is confidential and handled by an international expert.
Prefer Direct Email?
You can also send your request and documents directly to:
