ResidencyCyprus
A permanent European residence of unlimited duration, secured with a single qualifying investment.
Cyprus grants non-European investors permanent residence of unlimited duration in exchange for one qualifying investment of at least EUR 300,000. Unlike time-limited permits that must be renewed every few years, the Cypriot permanent residence is issued once and carries no expiry date, making it one of the most settled statuses available through investment in the EU.
The programme suits families who value certainty. A single application can cover a spouse and dependent children, and the permit comes with access to the island's healthcare and an attractive tax environment, including no tax on worldwide income and a competitive corporate rate for those who establish businesses locally.
CBIProgram handles the investment transfer, the opening of the required Cypriot bank account, and the filing with the Migration Department, typically securing approval within around three months. The firm also advises on the modest ongoing obligations that keep the status in good standing and on the longer path to citizenship.
- Residence requirement: Visit once every 2 years
Program law
Cyprus permanent residence by investment operates under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations of 2005. The separate citizenship-by-investment programme has been discontinued since 2020.
Key benefits
Unlimited Duration
The permanent residence is issued once with no expiry, sparing holders the repeated renewal cycles of temporary permits.
Family in One Application
A spouse and children under eighteen are covered together, with financially dependent adult children up to twenty-five able to qualify while studying abroad.
Favourable Taxation
Residents face no tax on worldwide income and no inheritance tax, alongside a corporate rate of 12.5 percent for business activity on the island.
Fast Approval
Processing typically runs to about three months, after which the holder has a year to visit for biometrics and permit collection.
Fees & costs
Investment options
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Residential real estate — Plus VAT; a reduced 5 percent rate may apply to property for personal use. Funds must come from abroad. | EUR 300,000 |
| Commercial real estate — Plus 19 percent VAT; offices, shops or hotels, whether resale or in use. | EUR 300,000 |
| Shares in a Cypriot company — The company must operate in Cyprus with a physical presence and at least five employees. | EUR 300,000 |
| Units in a Cypriot investment fund — Qualifying AIF, AIFLNP or RAIF structures registered in Cyprus. | EUR 300,000 |
Process & timeline
Sign the retainer, settle the first professional fee, and arrange the filing appointment.
Open a Cypriot bank account, transfer the investment, gather documents, and submit the application to the Migration Department in Nicosia.
The permanent residence permit is granted.
Travel to Cyprus to provide biometric data and collect the residence permit.
Eligibility
- Is at least eighteen years of age
- Completes a qualifying investment of at least EUR 300,000 with funds transferred from abroad
- Can demonstrate secure annual income of EUR 50,000 from outside Cyprus, with additional income for dependants
- Holds a clean criminal record and a good reputation
- Is in good health and can provide a medical certificate
- Passes the background check and due diligence review
Required documents
All applicants
- Valid passports as originals and certified copies
- Certified marriage and birth certificates
- Mandatory health insurance
- Proof of a permanent address in Cyprus
- Receipts for fees paid and evidence of no criminal convictions
Main applicant
- Bank statements proving the declared annual income from abroad
- Proof that the investment was transferred from outside Cyprus
- Documents proving ownership of the qualifying investment
Married couples
- Certified marriage certificate
- Certified birth certificates for dependent children, with proof of study abroad for adult children aged 18 to 25
Frequently asked questions
Does the permit expire?
No. The Cypriot permanent residence is of unlimited duration, issued once without an expiry date, so there is no renewal cycle to manage.
What income do I need to show?
The main applicant must demonstrate secure annual income of EUR 50,000 from abroad, with an additional EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each dependent child.
Can I work in Cyprus?
The permit does not generally grant the right to work, aside from limited exceptions, so it is best suited to investors with income from outside the island.
What are the ongoing obligations?
You must keep the investment in place and provide health insurance evidence each year, and supply fresh criminal record certificates every three years. The status is lost if you take up permanent residence elsewhere or are absent from Cyprus for two years.
Does residence allow Schengen travel?
Not yet. Cyprus is not currently a Schengen member, so the residence permit does not on its own grant visa-free travel across the Schengen Area.
Is there a path to citizenship?
Citizenship may be applied for after five years of actual stay within a seven-year period, totalling 1,825 days, with continuous presence required in the final year before applying.
Information last verified: 2026-10-29 · Official programme data
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