The Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment Programme presents a remarkable opportunity to make your home in a breathtaking Mediterranean country, celebrated for its affordable cost of living, superb lifestyle, and warm, multicultural community. By choosing Cyprus, successful applicants can enjoy a wide array of benefits, including a favourable tax system, access to high-quality healthcare and education, and the long-term possibility of obtaining EU citizenship.
A key attraction of the programme is its accessible investment threshold, which starts at just €300,000. This investment can be directed toward a variety of assets, providing you with the flexibility to align with your financial goals. Options include purchasing real estate—especially appealing for those interested in Limassol’s vibrant property market—or investing in company shares.
Whether you’re seeking a second home, a strategic investment, or a pathway to European residency, the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment Programme offers compelling choices.
In this blog post, we’ll take you step by step through the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment Programme, exploring its requirements, investment options, and the many advantages it brings to investors and families alike.
What defines permanent residency by investment in Cyprus?
Permanent residency by investment in Cyprus is defined as a legal status granted to non-EU nationals who make a qualifying financial investment in the country, enabling them and their immediate family to live, work, and study in Cyprus indefinitely.
This is different from temporary visas. With permanent residency, there is also a chance to get Cyprus citizenship after meeting certain conditions. Having this type of residency means you can enjoy long-term stability. You can create a life in Cyprus without worrying about renewing visas over and over.
What defines investment eligibility for Cyprus permanent residency?
The Cyprus permanent residency by investment program lists clear rules for what makes investments eligible, requiring thorough due diligence. This program aims to bring in people who will help the Cypriot economy with their investments.
There are strict checks in place to confirm that funds are real and that applicants are trustworthy. This process helps keep the program honest. It ensures that only those who meet the highest standards receive EU residency.
There are different ways to invest, but real estate is the most popular. You can also invest in company shares, investment funds, or mix them together.
What income criteria must applicants meet for permanent residency by investment?
To get permanent residency in Cyprus through investment, people must show they have a secure annual income. This secure annual income needs to be at least €50,000, and it must come from outside Cyprus. If applicants have a spouse or dependents, the income requirement goes up to help ensure the family lives comfortably.
Along with the income criteria, applicants also need to provide a clear criminal record certificate. This should come from their country of origin and their current country of residence.
What is the minimum investment for Cyprus’s residency program?
The Cyprus permanent residence program requires a minimum investment of €300,000. This makes it a good choice for people who want permanent residence in the EU. There are different ways to make this investment, and each way has its own rules and benefits.
For example, if you invest in real estate, you usually need to buy a new property. If you choose to invest in company shares, you need to show some level of business activity and create jobs. No matter which option you pick, we can provide you with a detailed breakdown of the exact costs; the total value of the investment must be at least €300,000.
Additionally, you need to keep this investment for the whole time you have your residency permit. This shows that you are committed to staying in Cyprus for the long term.
What types of investments qualify for permanent residency by investment in Cyprus?
Cyprus gives investors looking for permanent residence various investment choices. These options allow people to select an asset type that matches their money goals and comfort with risk.
If you prefer the steady real estate market or the chances for growth in business, Cyprus has many ways to gain residency.
1. Real Estate
Real estate is one of the most popular ways to get Cyprus permanent residency. When you invest in property in Cyprus, you can gain residency and have the chance to earn rental income and see an increase in property value.
There are different types of real estate investments that qualify for this program:
- Buying a new residential property
- Buying commercial real estate, such as offices, shops, and hotels
You need to keep this investment during your residency permit. It’s also important to know that buying a resale property or land for development might not qualify for the program.
2. Financial Assets
Investing in financial assets in Cyprus, including units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization, is a way to get permanent residency. This choice lets people mix their investments and become part of the EU.
Here are some financial assets that qualify:
- Buying units in Cyprus Collective Investment Organisations (like AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF)
- Investing in the share capital of a Cyprus company
It is essential to ensure that the chosen financial assets comply with the program’s rules and regulations. Additionally, all funds must be sent to a dedicated bank account in Cyprus.
3. Business Investment
A business investment is a great chance for entrepreneurs and business owners. It also offers a way to gain permanent residency in Cyprus. The friendly business environment in Cyprus makes it an ideal destination and perfect place for starting a business.
Here are a couple of ways to qualify for permanent residency through business investment:
- Invest in the share capital of an existing Cyprus company.
- Start a new Cyprus company and invest in its share capital.
For both options, you will need to have a physical presence in Cyprus. You must also employ at least five staff members.
4. Bank Deposits
Bank deposits are not the main choice for investment, but they can help meet the requirements for Cyprus permanent residency. This option allows applicants to show that they have a safe annual income and financial stability.
The program requires applicants to have a minimum annual income from sources outside Cyprus. You can use bank deposits to boost your income or show you have enough money to support your stay.
However, keep these points in mind:
- Bank deposits are good for proving financial stability, but they may not be enough on their own for residency.
What are the requirements for Cyprus residency by investment?
Cyprus residency by investment is a popular pathway for those looking to establish a secure, long-term connection with this Mediterranean destination. The program is designed to attract genuine investors by setting clear standards and ensuring the integrity of the process. While real estate investment in popular areas like Limassol is a major draw, the requirements go beyond the minimum investment amount.
Key Requirements for Cyprus Residency by Investment:
- Minimum Investment: At least €300,000 in eligible assets, such as new residential property, commercial real estate (new or resale), company shares, or units in approved investment funds.
- Secure Annual Income: A minimum annual income of €50,000 from abroad, with an additional €15,000 required for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
- Clean Criminal Record: All applicants and adult family members must provide police clearance certificates from their country of origin and residence.
- Health Insurance: Valid health insurance coverage for all family members included in the application.
- Proof of Accommodation: Ownership or rental of a property in Cyprus is required as the family’s residence.
- Impeccable Reputation: Applicants must have a clean business and personal reputation, with no sanctions or entry bans in the EU or UK.
- Maintenance of Investment: The investment must be maintained for the duration of the residency, and proof of maintenance is required annually.
These requirements ensure that participants are committed to Cyprus, helping to maintain the program’s reliability and appeal to investors and families seeking a Mediterranean lifestyle.
Does Cyprus residency qualify for citizenship?
Cyprus residency does not mean you will get citizenship automatically. However, it helps people to get Cypriot citizenship later. After living in Cyprus with permanent resident status or working in the public service for seven years, you can apply for Cypriot citizenship assuming you have lived in Cyprus for at least 12 months before submitting your application.
Being a citizen of an EU member state has many benefits. You will enjoy more freedom to move and live within the European Union as EU citizens do. But keep in mind that getting Cyprus citizenship has its own rules and steps.
You need to show that you know the Greek language and pass a citizenship exam. You will also have to give up your previous citizenship, unless in some special cases.
What annual maintenance is required for permanent residency?
Keeping your Cyprus permanent residency means you need to meet certain yearly requirements. These are important to show that you are serious about staying in the country.
Firstly, you must prove that you still possess the original investment you made for your immigration permit, providing proof of investment if needed. This could mean showing that you still own real estate or keep funds in company shares or investments.
Additionally, you need to renew your residency permit every ten years. You also have to show that you have ongoing health insurance coverage.