Cyprus permanent residency grants non-EU citizens and their qualifying dependents the right to enter and reside in Cyprus indefinitely, without the need for renewal. This status, also referred to as a Cyprus immigration permit or unlimited residency, lasts for life.
To qualify for permanent residency, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
- Reside continuously in Cyprus for five years with a valid temporary residence permit.
- Invest a minimum of €300,000 in Cyprus.
- Marry a Cypriot citizen.
- Obtain permanent employment or own a registered company in Cyprus.
The investment route provides a fast-track option, allowing residency to be secured within 2-3 months. Permanent residency can extend to the entire family.
After holding this residency for eight years, individuals can apply for Cypriot citizenship.
The legal framework for the permanent residency scheme is established under Regulations 5 and 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.
Categories of Permanent Residence Programs
Permanent residency in Cyprus is primarily categorized as follows:
- Permanent Residency by Investment
This option is available to investors who purchase property in Cyprus and receive sufficient income from abroad.
- Category 6.2 (Fast Track): Investors can obtain permanent residency by investing at least €300,000 (plus VAT) in a new residential property.
- Category F: Requires a property investment of at least €100,000 (plus VAT) and annual income from abroad sufficient to cover living expenses in Cyprus, without the need for employment or business activities. The minimum required yearly income starts at €9,568 for one applicant and increases by €4,613 for each dependent.
- Residency with the Right to Work
This allows business owners and employees of foreign companies to apply for residency under the following categories:
- Category C: For investors who work for their own company, requiring a capital investment of about €260,000 from abroad.
- Category E: For individuals with a permanent job offer in Cyprus.
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Fast-Track Procedure for Investment Residency
Investment Requirements
To qualify for residency through investment, individuals must adhere to the following conditions:
- For residential properties: Purchase a new home or two properties from a developer for a minimum of €300,000 (plus VAT), at a rate of 19% or 5% for the first personal-use property.
- For commercial properties: Acquire commercial real estate valued at a minimum of €300,000. Resale properties are acceptable.
- The sales agreement must be registered with the Land Registry, with payments made into a Cypriot bank account from abroad.
- Property under construction qualifies, and it can be purchased in the name of a company where the investor is the sole owner.
Investors looking to secure residency without real estate acquisition can choose from two options, maintaining the investment amount at €300,000:
- Buy shares or form a company based in Cyprus, requiring at least five employees.
- Invest in a Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments.
Income Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad, increasing by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each minor child.
This income can come from various sources such as salaries, pensions, dividends, and rents. The spouse’s income, when applicable, can be included in the total.
Family Members
The residency permit covers the spouse and children under 18. Adult children aged 18 to 25 can apply separately for a student immigration permit if they meet specific dependency requirements.
Additional Conditions for Residency
Applicants must comply with the following:
- Present a clean criminal record from their country of residence, updated every three years.
- Ensure they are not considered a threat to public order or security in Cyprus.
Category F Permanent Residency
Eligibility for Category F requires:
- Property purchase: While strict property purchases are not obligatory, it’s advisable to purchase property in Cyprus for flexibility.
- Income proof: Demonstrate an annual income of at least €9,568 plus €4,613 for each dependent, originating from salaries or investments.
- Bank Deposit: Maintain a balance of €15,000 – €20,000 in a Cypriot bank account.
- Family Members Only dependent children up to the age of 18 can be included in the application, and their permanent residency will lapse when they turn 18. Parents of the applicants are not eligible to apply as dependents.
It is also possible to apply for PR under Category F with a rented property; however, the Migration Department may reject such applications. Based on our experience, we recommend that applicants purchase property prior to submission for a better chance of approval.
Conditions and Restrictions of the Permanent Residency Program
Permanent residency holders are not permitted to work in Cyprus. However, they can be shareholders in a Cypriot company, enabling them to engage in business both in Cyprus and abroad and to receive dividend income.
The Cypriot permanent residence permit does not provide visa-free travel to other countries or EU member states, with the only exceptions being Romania and Bulgaria. Additionally, permanent residence holders must visit Cyprus personally at least once every two years.
Category F Only
As of August 2024, the processing time for applications under Category F cannot be estimated. Once children of the applicants reach 18 years old, they will lose their residency status.
Annual Obligations to Verify Criteria
Applicants are required to submit confirmations to the Civil Registry and Migration Department, including:
Annually:
- Proof of the initial investment.
- Evidence of health insurance, if the applicant and their family are not covered by the General Health System (GESY).
Every Three Years:
- A clean criminal record from their country of residence and country of origin.
Please note that if any of these documents are not submitted or verified, the residence permit may be revoked.
The obligation to submit proof of the necessary income level annually has been abolished.
How to Obtain a Permanent Residence Permit in Cyprus
To apply for a permanent residency permit in Cyprus, applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Copies of valid passports for the applicant, spouse, and children
- Curriculum Vitae for the applicant (CV)
- Certified Marriage Certificate (including an official translation)
- Certified Birth Certificates for children (including official translations)
- Original Criminal Record Certificate from the country of residence with an official translation
- Documents proving annual income from abroad (such as tax declarations or auditor confirmations)
- Proof of ownership or contract for the property in Cyprus
- Bank Swift for the payment of the purchase price and receipts of payment
- For Category F only: Original letter from a bank in Cyprus or bank statement showing a balance of €15,000 – €20,000
Note: Criminal Record Certificates, marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates must be translated into English and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy of the issuing country. This verification can be performed by the Cyprus Embassy of that country or with an APOSTILLE stamp.
Application Procedure
The application for permanent residency can be submitted by the investor’s lawyer, who is not required to be present during the submission. Applications are accepted solely at the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia, not at the district immigration units.
Once the application is submitted, applicants must provide a photo and fingerprints in order to have their residency cards issued upon approval. This step can be completed at any migration district unit in any city before the final approval.
Immigration Unit Addresses:
- Nicosia: Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411 Nicosia
- Limassol: Franglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, Building “D. Nikolaou,” 2nd floor, 3046 Limassol
- Larnaka: Piale Piasha 75, 6027 Larnaka
- Pafos: Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021 Pafos
- Famagusta: Eleftherias 83, Tatolos Bld, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380 Derynia
Upon approval, the lawyer will retrieve the PR cards.
Processing Time
The fast-track permanent residency by investment typically takes about two months to obtain. After approval, the lawyer can collect the cards on behalf of the investors.
As of August 2024, the processing time for applications under Category F remains unknown. Although applications are being submitted, they are not currently being processed by the immigration department.
Cyprus Government Fees
The cost of the fast-track permanent residency program is €300,000, which does not cover the following fees:
- For the applicant, spouse, and children under 18:
- €500 total
- €70 per individual for registration
- For adult children:
- €500 each
- €70 for registration
The fees are consistent for Category F permits.
Benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residency
- Valid for life and available for the whole family.
- Permanent residents who have lived in Cyprus for a minimum of eight years may apply for Cyprus Citizenship, as the previous five-year option is no longer available.
- Residency cards are processed within two months under the fast-track program.
- PR holders might qualify for Cyprus Tax residency, allowing them exemptions from global dividend income taxes, passive income, and profits from securities sales.
- Access to the General Healthcare System, entitling PR holders to free healthcare.
- Category F permits offer a flexible pathway for obtaining permanent residency with minimal investment.
Comparison of Cyprus Permanent Residency and Citizenship
| Action | Citizenship | Permanent Residence |
| Open bank account | Yes | Yes |
| Register a company | Yes | Yes, but work depends on permit type |
| Buy real estate | Yes | Permission from the Council of Ministers |
| Rent real estate to third parties | Yes | Depends on permission terms |
| Work | Yes | Depends on permit type |
| Make a contract | Yes | Yes, except for some contracts, like employment |
| Education and healthcare | Yes | Yes |
| Everyday transactions and activities, marriage | Yes | Yes |
| Travel to all EU member states | Yes | No, only Bulgaria and Romania |
| Live and work in other EU member states | Yes | No |
| Vote | Yes | No |
| Travel and return to Cyprus without formalities | Yes | Yes |
| Duty not to leave Cyprus for more than two years | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a student obtain permanent residence in Cyprus?
No, students cannot secure permanent residency in Cyprus while studying. However, they can apply for permanent residency after completing their studies, provided they fulfil the necessary criteria.
How can I obtain permanent residency in Cyprus after studying?
According to immigration regulations in Cyprus, permanent residency can only be obtained through investment programs or by acquiring a work permit.
What is the difference in permanent residency in Cyprus for EU and non-EU citizens?
EU citizens do not need to apply for permanent residency in Cyprus; they simply register after three months to receive a registration certificate. Non-EU citizens with permanent residency cannot travel visa-free to other EU countries (except Bulgaria and Romania) or the Schengen area. Additionally, permanent residency in Cyprus does not grant the right to live and work in other EU nations.
What are the requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus?
Individuals can secure permanent residency in Cyprus if they have legally resided there for five years, invested a minimum of €300,000, married a Cypriot citizen, secured permanent employment, or established a registered company with the migration department. The investment route offers a fast-track permanent residency option (category 6.2) that can be obtained in just three months.
Is permanent residency in Cyprus the same as citizenship?
No, permanent residency and citizenship in Cyprus are distinct, although they share some similarities. Both allow holders to live in Cyprus, set up a business, and access education and healthcare while adhering to human rights and non-discrimination laws. Permanent residency permits land purchases and provides limited employment rights within the Republic.
Can I travel within Europe with a Cyprus residence permit?
No, a Cyprus residence permit does not allow for travel within the European Union, except to Bulgaria and Romania. For travel to other EU member states and European countries, you must comply with their specific regulations for third-country nationals.
What is a Cyprus alien card, and what rights does it confer?
A Cyprus alien card is a registration certificate that is not recognized as a valid residence permit and does not provide any rights to reside in the country.
Can I acquire permanent residency by purchasing a property in Cyprus?
Yes, you can obtain permanent residency by purchasing a property worth at least €300,000 plus VAT. Additionally, you must demonstrate a secure income of at least €50,000 from abroad, with an extra €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child. The Category F permanent residence permit requires a secure income of €9,568 for the applicant and an additional €4,613 for each dependent, without the necessity of purchasing property, although it is recommended.
How much must I invest in property to acquire residency in Cyprus?
To be eligible for the permanent residency by investment program, you must invest a minimum of €300,000 plus VAT (19%).
Can I purchase an apartment in Cyprus and obtain citizenship?
No, buying an apartment in Cyprus will not directly lead to citizenship. However, after eight years of holding permanent residency, along with fulfilling specific other requirements, you may become eligible for citizenship.