Fast Track Residence Permit in Cyprus Through Investment

Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment enables eligible non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence by investing at least €300,000 in qualifying real estate, a Cyprus company or a regulated investment fund. Applicants must also demonstrate a secure annual income from abroad, provide evidence of the lawful source of their funds and successfully complete due diligence. Successful applicants receive permanent resident status, may include their spouse and dependent children under the age of 25 in the same application, and are only required to visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain their status, provided the qualifying investment and the program’s ongoing requirements continue to be met.

This guide explains eligibility requirements, investment options, application process, required documents and ongoing obligations for Cyprus Golden visa.

Key Takeaways

• Minimum investment: From €300,000 (plus VAT, where applicable)
• Processing time: From approximately 8 months
• Residence status: Permanent residence
• Investment options: New residential real estate, new / secondary commercial real estate, Cyprus companies or regulated investment funds
• Eligible family members: Spouse and dependent children under 25
• Minimum stay requirement: Visit Cyprus at least once every two years
• Investment maintenance: The qualifying investment must be maintained to retain permanent residence

What Is Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment?

Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment is a government program that allows eligible non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence by making a qualifying investment in the country.

Unlike temporary residence permits, permanent residency is granted without the need for regular renewals, provided the investor continues to meet the program’s ongoing requirements. These include maintaining the qualifying investment and complying with the applicable legal conditions.

Applicants may qualify through several approved investment routes, including residential or commercial real estate, investments in Cyprus companies and regulated investment funds. Among these, real estate remains the most popular option, allowing investors to combine permanent residency with ownership of a tangible asset that may also generate rental income, where permitted.

The program also enables eligible family members to be included in a single application, making it an attractive option for investors seeking a long-term residence solution for their household.

Who Can Apply?

The program is available to non-EU and non-EEA nationals who satisfy the investment, financial and legal requirements established by the Cypriot authorities.

The principal applicant may generally include:

• A spouse
• Unmarried dependent children up to the age of 25, provided they meet the program’s dependency requirements

To qualify, applicants must generally:

• Invest at least €300,000 (plus VAT, where applicable) in an approved investment
• Demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad, increased by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child
• Provide evidence of the lawful source of the investment funds
• Hold valid medical insurance covering Cyprus
• Have a clean criminal record
• Successfully complete the required due diligence and background checks

All family members included in the application must also satisfy the program’s applicable legal and due diligence requirements.

Investment Options for Cyprus Golden Visa

To qualify for Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment, applicants must invest at least €300,000 in one of the investment categories approved under the program. The available options include residential or commercial real estate, investments in Cyprus companies and regulated investment funds. Each route is subject to specific eligibility criteria and ongoing requirements. 

Real Estate

Applicants purchasing residential property must invest at least €300,000 (plus VAT) in one or more new residential properties sold for the first time by a developer. The investment may include up to two residential units, provided their combined market value meets the program’s minimum investment threshold. The properties do not need to be purchased from the same developer. 

Residential property may also be purchased through a company, provided the applicant and/or their spouse are the sole shareholders or ultimate beneficial owners of that company. 

Commercial real estate is another qualifying investment option. Investors may purchase offices, retail premises, hotels, warehouses or other commercial properties with a minimum investment of €300,000. Unlike residential property, qualifying commercial real estate may generally be purchased on either the primary or resale market. 

Cyprus Companies

Applicants may also qualify by investing at least €300,000 in the share capital of a Cyprus company.

The company must have a physical presence in Cyprus, conduct genuine business activities and employ at least five people. This option is often chosen by entrepreneurs and business owners wishing to establish or expand their operations in Cyprus while obtaining permanent residency. 

Regulated Investment Funds

A minimum investment of €300,000 may also be made in an eligible Cyprus-regulated collective investment organisation, including approved Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs), AIFLNPs and Registered Alternative Investment Funds (RAIFs).

This option may appeal to investors seeking a professionally managed investment rather than direct ownership of real estate or an operating business. 

How to Apply for Cyprus Residency by Investment

Before beginning the application process, it is important to choose the right investment route. Astons specialises in helping clients obtain Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment through qualifying new real estate, providing comprehensive support from the initial eligibility assessment and property selection to legal coordination, application submission and the issuance of the residence permit.

Step 1. Initial Consultation and Eligibility Assessment

The process begins with a consultation with our Astons experts. We carry out a preliminary eligibility assessment, review your circumstances and supporting documentation, explain the program’s legal, financial and immigration requirements, and outline the most suitable pathway to Cyprus Permanent Residency through qualifying new real estate.

Step 2. Property Selection and Investment

Astons prepares a personalised portfolio of qualifying new residential properties based on your objectives, budget and preferred location. You may travel to Cyprus to view the shortlisted properties or, if travel is not possible, we can arrange virtual property viewings. Once you have selected a suitable property, we coordinate the reservation, legal procedures and purchase to ensure the investment satisfies the program’s requirements.

Step 3. Document Preparation

Following the investment, we assist with collecting and reviewing the documentation required for the application. This typically includes proof of the investment, evidence of the lawful source of funds, proof of secured annual income, medical insurance, criminal record certificates and civil status documents for accompanying family members. Before submission, Astons reviews the application package to help ensure it complies with the program’s requirements.

Step 4. Application Submission

Once the documentation has been completed, Astons submits the application and supporting documents to the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus. The authorities then assess the application, review the qualifying investment and complete the required due diligence checks.

Step 5. Application Approval

Following a successful assessment, the authorities issue an approval decision together with an Immigration Certificate confirming the grant of permanent residence.

Step 6. Biometrics and Residence Permit Issuance

Within one year of receiving the Immigration Certificate, the principal applicant and all included family members must visit Cyprus to provide biometric data and collect their Permanent Residence Permit cards.

What Documents Are Required for Getting Cyprus Residency by Investment?

The exact documentation depends on the applicant’s personal circumstances, the chosen investment route and whether family members are included in the application. However, most applicants are required to submit a standard set of identity, financial and supporting documents. 

The application typically includes:

• Valid passport for each applicant
• Passport-size photographs
• Criminal record certificate
• Medical insurance
• Proof of the qualifying investment
• Evidence of payment for the investment
• Documents confirming the lawful source of funds
• Proof of a secured annual income from abroad
• Tax declaration from the applicant’s country of tax residence
• Marriage certificate, where applicable
• Birth certificates for dependent children, where applicable
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Completed application forms 

Documents issued outside Cyprus may need to be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by certified translations, depending on the country of issue and the applicable legal requirements. Because every application is different, additional supporting documentation may also be requested by the authorities during the assessment process. 

What Are the Costs of Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment?

In addition to the qualifying investment of €300,000, applicants should budget for government fees, VAT (where applicable) and other transaction-related expenses. The total cost depends on the chosen investment route, the property and the applicant’s individual circumstances.

Maintaining Cyprus Permanent Residency

After permanent residency has been granted, investors must continue to comply with the program’s ongoing requirements to retain their status.

These include:

• Maintaining the qualifying investment
• Visiting Cyprus at least once every two years
• Continuing to satisfy the program’s legal requirements 

If the qualifying investment is sold, it must generally be replaced with another eligible investment that fully complies with the program’s requirements. 

Conclusion

Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment remains one of Europe’s most established residency by investment programs, offering eligible non-EU nationals a route to permanent residence through a qualifying investment of at least €300,000.

With multiple investment options, the ability to include a spouse and dependent children in the same application, and a minimum physical presence requirement of just one visit every two years, the program continues to appeal to investors seeking long-term residence in Cyprus.

Astons provides comprehensive assistance throughout the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment process. Our specialists help clients select qualifying new real estate, prepare the required documentation, coordinate legal and administrative procedures, and manage the application from the initial consultation through to the issuance of the Permanent Residence Permit.

Frequently Asked Questions