Business Immigration to Cyprus: Residence Permits through Business

Obtain a Cyprus Residence Permit through Business with Professional Support

Obtaining a Cyprus Residence Permit through business involves much more than simply meeting the requirements of an immigration program. Business immigration to Cyprus requires a comprehensive approach. In addition to securing residence status, entrepreneurs need to establish a company, determine their tax residency, open bank accounts, build an efficient corporate structure, and ensure the smooth operation of their business.

That is why Feod Group provides comprehensive support throughout the entire process, combining expertise in immigration, corporate structuring, and international taxation. We help clients develop practical solutions that align with both their business objectives and long-term relocation plans.

Why clients trust us:

• 30+ years of international experience;
• 100+ successful Cyprus Residence Permit cases for entrepreneurs;
• permanent office in Larnaca;
• services available in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Greek.

How to Obtain a Cyprus Residence Permit through Business?

If you are a non-EU national considering relocating to Cyprus through business, it is important to understand that registering a company alone does not automatically entitle you to a Cyprus Residence Permit. To obtain residence status, you must meet the requirements of one of the available immigration programs while ensuring that your business is structured in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Today, non-EU entrepreneurs have two principal pathways to obtain residence in Cyprus through a company.

If you are an EU or EEA citizen, these immigration programs generally do not apply. Instead, you may relocate to Cyprus, establish a business, and register your right of residence by obtaining a Registration Certificate, commonly known as the Yellow Slip.

Below, we will review each program in more detail.

Option 1: Cyprus Permanent Residence through Business Investment

The Fast-Track Permanent Residence program enables non-EU nationals to obtain Cyprus Permanent Residence by investing at least €300,000 in a business, real estate, or investment funds. This program is widely known as the Cyprus Golden Visa.

Main requirements

• investment of at least €300,000 in a Cyprus company;
• the company must be incorporated and actively operating in Cyprus;
• the company must maintain a physical office in Cyprus;
• the company must employ at least five staff members;
• the applicant may be the founder, shareholder, and director of the company but may not receive a salary.

Benefits of the program

• permanent resident status in Cyprus;
• a residence card valid for 10 years, with subsequent renewal;
• the right to own a Cyprus company and receive dividends;
• the possibility of obtaining Permanent Residence for eligible family members;
• no obligation to reside permanently in Cyprus. To maintain the status, it is sufficient to visit the country once every two years.

The €300,000 investment must be made directly into a Cyprus company and comply with the program requirements. During the initial consultation, our specialists assess your project, evaluate whether your business meets the eligibility criteria, and help you choose the most appropriate investment structure.

Option 2: Cyprus Residence Permit through a Foreign Interest Company (FIC)

This option is designed for entrepreneurs who intend not only to own a business but also to actively manage a company in Cyprus. The applicant establishes a Cyprus company, invests at least €200,000 in its operations, after which the company obtains Foreign Interest Company (FIC) status. Based on this status, the owner may apply for a Residence Permit as the director of their own company. This route is commonly referred to as the Entrepreneur Residence Permit in Cyprus.

Main requirements

• investment of at least €200,000 in the company;
• registration of a company with Foreign Interest Company (FIC) status;
• a director’s monthly salary of at least €2,500.

Benefits of the program

• a Cyprus Residence Permit with the right to work in your own company;
• the opportunity to act as the founder, shareholder, and director of the company;
• Residence Permits for eligible family members;
• a Residence Permit valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal;
• the opportunity to apply for Permanent Residence and, eventually, Cyprus citizenship, provided the applicable legal requirements are met, including the accelerated naturalisation route available to highly qualified professionals.

Which Cyprus Business Immigration Program Is Right for You?

Both programs provide a pathway to obtaining residence in Cyprus through business. However, they are designed to meet different objectives. Choosing the right option begins with answering several important questions:

• Do you plan to actively manage the company or simply invest in a business?
• Do you want to work officially in your own company?
• Are you planning to relocate to Cyprus permanently or only visit periodically?
• Where are you currently considered a tax resident?
• Are you planning to obtain Permanent Residence or Cyprus citizenship in the future?
• Would you like to include your family members in your residence application?

Cyprus Permanent Residence through Business Investment is best suited to investors who wish to obtain permanent resident status, own a business, and generate investment income without the need to relocate permanently to Cyprus or work for the company.

Cyprus Residence Permit through a Foreign Interest Company (FIC) is the ideal solution for entrepreneurs planning to relocate to Cyprus, actively manage their business, work within their own company, and eventually qualify for Permanent Residence or Cyprus citizenship.

For this reason, selecting the most appropriate program should begin with professional advice. We assess each client’s goals, business model, tax residency, asset structure, and family circumstances before recommending the solution that best supports both their immediate needs and long-term plans.

Business Immigration for EU Citizens (Yellow Slip)

The immigration programs described above are intended for non-EU nationals.

If you are a citizen of an EU or EEA Member State, you have the right to live, work, and establish a business in Cyprus under the EU freedom of movement rules. Instead of applying under the residence programs described above, EU nationals are generally required to register their right of residence and obtain a Registration Certificate, commonly known as the Yellow Slip.

Although the relocation process is more straightforward for EU citizens, establishing a business in Cyprus still involves important considerations, including company incorporation, tax residency, social insurance registration, banking, corporate structuring, and ongoing compliance with local regulations.

Feod Group supports both EU and non-EU entrepreneurs, providing comprehensive guidance throughout every stage of relocating to Cyprus, establishing a business, obtaining the appropriate residence status or registration, and building a compliant and efficient corporate and tax structure.

Why clients choose Feod Group

Business immigration cases rarely involve immigration matters alone. In practice, entrepreneurs also need to establish a company, open bank accounts, determine their tax residency, prepare applications for family members, and ensure that their business operates efficiently from day one.

That is why it is important to work with a team that understands every aspect of the process – not only immigration procedures but also the broader business and tax considerations involved in relocating to Cyprus.

Feod Group provides comprehensive support for business immigration projects. Our specialists combine expertise in immigration, corporate structuring, and international taxation, allowing clients to receive coordinated support throughout the entire process from a single experienced team.

Our Advantages

Comprehensive Support in One Place

Clients benefit from a single team of specialists who coordinate every stage of the process – from company incorporation and bank account opening to obtaining Residence Permits for the entire family and supporting the ongoing operation of the business.

Extensive Experience Supporting Entrepreneurs

We understand that obtaining a Residence Permit is only one part of the process. Equally important is ensuring that your business is properly structured, operates efficiently, and complies with Cyprus legislation.

Permanent Office in Cyprus

Our permanent office in Larnaca enables us to work efficiently with government authorities, banks, and other organisations across Cyprus, ensuring prompt and practical support for our clients.

Communication in Your Preferred Language

We provide services in English, Ukrainian, Russian, and Greek. We explain even the most complex matters clearly, making the entire process straightforward and comfortable for our clients, without language barriers.

What Our Support Includes

Every project is unique. However, in most cases, we assist our clients at every stage of establishing a business in Cyprus and obtaining residence status.

Our support includes:

• initial assessment of your project and selection of the most suitable immigration program;
• support with company incorporation in Cyprus;
• assistance in obtaining Foreign Interest Company (FIC) status;
• preparation of corporate documentation;
• assistance with opening corporate and personal bank accounts;
• preparation of the application package for a Residence Permit or Permanent Residence;
• guidance throughout the application process with the immigration authorities;
• assistance with Residence Permit applications for a spouse and children;
• advice on tax residency matters;
• ongoing business and corporate support.

Over the years, Feod Group has successfully supported more than 100 business immigration cases in Cyprus, assisting both entrepreneurs entering the Cyprus market for the first time and clients already living on the island who were changing their immigration status. This practical experience enables us to anticipate the challenges that may arise at every stage of the process and provide effective, tailored solutions.

Get an Individual Consultation

We will help you identify the most suitable Cyprus business immigration program and answer your questions regarding residence status, company incorporation, tax residency, and every stage of the application process.

Request a free consultation, and one of our specialists will contact you shortly.

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