Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment: requirements

Cyprus has published investor immigration permit rules. The policy describes eligibility, investment categories, family coverage, fees, and the terms attached to residence.

Locator map showing the position of Cyprus — Locator map of Cyprus. Original drawing from Natural Earth public-domain boundary data.

Legal basis and decision authority

The investor permit policy operates under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. The Minister of Interior decided to issue permits to qualifying third-country applicants after notifying the Council of Ministers. Applications that meet the policy criteria are presented to the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection for examination and decision.^[1]

The policy is framed for third-country nationals who invest in Cyprus.

The policy sets four qualifying investment categories, alongside separate financial and quality criteria. The investment funds must be shown as transferred to Cyprus from abroad, with payment directed to the seller's account at a Cyprus financial institution.^[1]

Investment routes and income criteria

The policy sets a minimum investment of EUR 300,000 in one of four categories. A home or apartment must be a first sale from a development company and is subject to VAT where applicable. Other real estate, including offices, shops, hotels, related developments or a combination, may be bought on resale rather than as a first sale.^[1]

The applicant's secure annual income must be at least EUR 50,000 in addition to the investment. The required amount rises by EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each dependent minor child. For the home or apartment route, the income is to come from abroad and may include wages, pensions, dividends, interest, or rents. For the other three categories, some or all income may come from activities in Cyprus.^[1]

Applicants and spouses provide criminal record certificates and confirm that they do not intend to work in the Republic, apart from serving as directors in a company used for the investment. The applicant and dependent family members also submit health insurance covering inpatient and outpatient care.^[1]

Family members and separate applications

A permit issued to the investor covers the spouse and children under 18 as dependents. A separate permit may be granted to each spouse if a separate application and relevant fee are submitted. The other spouse does not have to meet the policy's investor criteria for that separate permit.^[1]

An unmarried child aged 18 to 25 may apply separately if enrolled in tertiary education abroad at the application date and financially dependent on the applicant. The parents' annual income must include an additional EUR 10,000 for each such child. Children who study at a tertiary institution in Cyprus apply through the institution for a temporary student residence permit; after finishing those studies, they may submit their own immigration permit application subject to the additional income condition.^[1]

An adult child who is not financially dependent may be included through a higher value investment. The policy multiplies the EUR 300,000 investment value by the number of adult children relying on that same investment. For real estate, proof of payment for at least 66 percent of market value is required when applying.^[1]

Application costs and administration

Applications are submitted in person to the Migration Department or through an authorized representative, following an appointment or another method it determines. The published application fee is EUR 500. An additional EUR 70 fee applies for each person included when an Alien Registration Certificate does not already exist for that person.^[1]

The Migration Department handles applications under an expedited procedure and submits them through the Deputy Ministry's Permanent Secretary to the Deputy Minister.^[1]

Residence validity and ongoing conditions

The residence right for the permit holder and adult dependents has unlimited validity, while the residence card expires after ten years and must be replaced at expiry. Cards issued to minor dependents remain valid until age 18. A person living outside Cyprus when an application is approved must acquire residence in Cyprus within one year or the permit ceases to be valid.^[1]

The permit ceases to be valid if the holder and dependents acquire permanent residence abroad or are absent from Cyprus for two years.

After the permit is granted, the applicant provides annual evidence that the investment is maintained. The applicant and adult family members submit criminal record certificates from their country of origin and residence every three years. The policy also retains a health insurance requirement when family members no longer benefit from GESY.^[1]

Questions and answers

What investment amount does the policy publish?

The minimum is EUR 300,000 in one of four categories. The home or apartment category requires a first sale from a development company, with VAT where applicable.^[1]

What annual income is required?

The applicant's secure annual income must be at least EUR 50,000, in addition to the investment. The amount rises by EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each dependent minor child.^[1]

Which family members are included?

The investor's spouse and children under 18 are covered as dependents. Qualifying unmarried students aged 18 to 25 may apply separately, as may adult children through the higher investment route.^[1]

How long does the permit last?

The residence right for the holder and adult dependents has unlimited validity, while the card expires after ten years and must be replaced. A minor dependent's card remains valid until age 18.^[1]

What fees are listed?

The application fee is EUR 500. A EUR 70 fee applies to each person included when that person does not already have an Alien Registration Certificate.^[1]

Does the permit describe a path to citizenship?

The permit grants residence only and does not by itself confer Cyprus citizenship.^[1]

Related glossary terms

Residence by investment: Residence by investment links an investment to residence status or a permit. Each country sets its own investment rules, as well as income and family rules.
Golden visa: Golden visa is a common label for residence permits connected to investment, though official programs use different names and conditions for each route.