Cyprus residency by investment (Cyprus Golden Visa)

Overview of the Cyprus residency by investment

The Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment Program (Cyprus PR) is regulated by Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations and is known as the Fast-Track Permanent Residency Programme (PR). In practice, it is commonly referred to as the “Cyprus Golden Visa”, as it is similar in purpose and structure to other European Golden Visa Programmes.

The Cyprus Golden Visa allows third-country nationals to obtain permanent residency in the Republic of Cyprus through an investment of at least €300,000 in real estate, shares of Cypriot companies, or investment funds.

A key advantage of the program is that applicants receive permanent resident status immediately, without any prior temporary residence period or yearly renewals. The applicant and included family members are issued a residence card valid for 10 years, while the status itself is permanent and lifelong.

Unlike other EU countries such as Greece, Portugal, or Spain, where similar Golden Visa programs have undergone significant changes and increased investment thresholds, Cyprus maintains flexible conditions and a fast approval process.

Benefits of investment PR

✅ Permanent residence permit with the first card valid for 10 years.

✅ Lifetime status — no need for annual renewals.

✅ The status extends to the entire family (spouse and dependent children up to 25 years old).

✅ No requirement for continuous residence — only one visit to Cyprus every two years is sufficient.

✅ Tax advantages: no wealth tax, 0% tax on dividends, and low income tax rates.

✅ Eligibility for Cyprus citizenship after 8 years of residence, allowing visa-free access to 170+ countries.

✅ The property can be rented out, generating 5–8% annual passive income.

✅ Permanent residents can open companies, become shareholders, or invest in local businesses.

Investment Options for Cyprus PR

Additional Requirements for Cyprus PR

• If investing outside the residential property sector, the investor must have housing in Cyprus (either owned or rented).
• The investor and family members cannot be employed in Cyprus, but may be shareholders and receive dividends from Cypriot companies. They may also hold director positions in such companies without a salary.

Income and Financial Criteria

• The main applicant must prove an annual income of at least €50,000, earned outside Cyprus. Additional €15,000 for a spouse; €10,000 for each dependent child.
• Income must be verified by bank statements, tax returns, or other financial documents.
• In cases where the investment is made in commercial property, Cypriot companies, or investment funds, income earned within Cyprus is allowed, provided it is officially declared and taxed in the Republic.
• If the chosen investment is residential property, all income must originate from abroad. Mortgage financing is not allowed under the PR program — the investment funds must be transferred from abroad.

Alternative Option — Category F

For investors wishing to purchase real estate in Cyprus, there is an alternative residency route under Category F, which grants PR based on property ownership. This process takes longer to review but allows purchase with a mortgage, making it suitable for those who plan to live permanently in Cyprus without meeting the Golden Visa investment criteria.  Learn more: Comparison of Cyprus PR Programs by Real Estate Purchase.

Watch on YouTube: How a Foreigner Can Buy Property in Cyprus – Taxes, Permits, Legal Checks, and Expert Advice

Timeframes and Validity of Cyprus PR

The Cyprus Golden Visa is known for its fast and straightforward procedure and simple maintenance requirements.

Processing Time and Approval

• Average processing time 6- 8 months from the submission date.
• No personal presence required — Feod Group’s licensed lawyer can submit the application under power of attorney.

Validity and Renewal

• The residence card is issued for 10 years, while the status itself is permanent and remains valid for life.
• After 10 years, the card is renewed administratively without re-evaluation.

Maintaining the Status

• A resident must visit Cyprus once every two years to maintain PR.
• The investment must remain under the applicant’s ownership; selling the property without replacement leads to cancellation.
• An updated certificate of no criminal record must be submitted every 3 years.

Family Members Eligible for PR

• Spouse;
• Children under 18 years old;
• Children aged 18–25 who are students and financially dependent.

Obtaining Cypriot citizenship for an investor

The PR program is not only a way to obtain permanent residence but also a pathway to Cyprus citizenship. Foreign nationals who hold permanent residency and have lived in Cyprus for at least 8 years may apply for naturalization.

Once granted citizenship, the investor becomes a citizen of the European Union, with full rights to live, work, do business, and travel freely across the EU. Cyprus permits dual citizenship, allowing applicants to retain their original passport. Learn more: How to Obtain Cyprus Citizenship and Passport.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining Cyprus PR by Investment

1. Initial consultation with Feod Group — analysis of the investor’s profile and source of funds.
2. Selection of investment option — residential, commercial, company shares, or funds.
3. Legal due diligence and signing of the purchase or investment agreement.
4. Preparation of a complete document package — certificates, proof of income, and bank transfers.
5. Submission of the application by a licensed lawyer to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD).
6. Application review period — typically 6–8 months.
7. Issuance of PR card — the investor and family visit Cyprus for biometric data submission and receive a 10-year residence card.

If you are considering obtaining permanent residence in Cyprus by investment, the Feod Group team provides a full range of services, from consultation and selection of a suitable investment option to application submission and receipt of the residence card.

Feod Group Legal Assistance for Cyprus Golden Visa

Feod Group is an international law firm with an office in Larnaca and over 17 years of experience in Cyprus. We combine immigration, tax, and corporate expertise to provide clients with a reliable pathway to living and doing business in the European Union.

🔹 Over the past year, more than ten families have successfully obtained Cyprus PR through our assistance.
🔹 Our Cyprus office includes lawyers, tax consultants, and investment program specialists.
🔹 We offer a personalized approach, considering each client’s goals, family circumstances, and long-term plans.

Our Services Include

• Consultations on selecting the optimal Cyprus PR or residence program.
• Opening bank accounts in Cyprus.
• Company registration and investment structuring.
• Comprehensive legal due diligence of property and developers.
• Full support of the real estate transaction.
• Development of individual tax strategies, obtaining Non-Domicile status, and tax optimization.
• Representation before the Cyprus Migration Department.

With Feod Group, you receive comprehensive support from consultation to PR card issuance.

Book a consultation at our Larnaca office or online.