Permanent Residency

Residency in Cyprus
Enjoy a Higher Quality of
Life and Business

Centrally located at a nexus of trade and travel, Cyprus has become a thriving hub of business and travel. As part of the European Union and following the English system, Cyprus has a strong infrastructure and culture for strong business growth and a high quality of life.

The Benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residency

One of the lowest personal and corporate tax rates in the EU

Residency granted to the investor, spouse, dependents up to age 25, as well as parents and parents-in-law.

Permanent right to reside in Cyprus with visa‑free entry to Cyprus

Streamlined fast‑track residency process compared to many EU jurisdictions

Residency in an EU member state (Cyprus), without EU-wide residence rights

Eligibility to apply for citizenship after long-term legal residence (subject to criteria)

Strategic location of Cyprus allows easy access to Europe, Middle East, and Africa

High quality of National Health systems

High quality of international schools and universities

Mediterranean climate with an average of 320 days of sunshine

Abundance of national forests, parks, and green areas

Fantastic beaches and swimming with 60 internationally accredited Blue Flag beaches

Permanent Residency
by Investment

straightforward process, valid forever

The Cyprus Permanent Residency Permit is obtained through a simple and efficient process, with no interviews, language exams, or medical tests required. Once the criteria are met and the permit is issued, it is valid indefinitely, offering long‑term security for you and your family.

Cyprus offers a stable European environment, a strong economy, and an exceptional quality of life. The programme provides a clear investment route into an EU member state and allows eligible residents to apply for Cyprus citizenship after 7 years of actual residence.

To qualify, applicants must make a €300,000 real estate investment and demonstrate the required annual income as set by the current regulations. The application covers the investor, their spouse, and minor children, and may be extended to dependent children up to age 25, as well as the parents of both spouses.

Residency Investment Criteria

The applicant must make an investment of at least € 300,000 in one of the following investment categories:

  • Investment in a house / apartment:
    Investment in new residential property (first sale) of at least €300,000 + VAT, with the option to purchase up to two units
  • Investment in real estate (excluding houses / apartments):
    Investment of at least €300,000 in commercial real estate (e.g. offices, shops, hotels), including resale properties.
  • Investment in share capital of a Cyprus Company with activities and staff in Cyprus:
    Investment of €300,000 in a Cyprus company with physical presence and at least five employees
  • Investment in shares of Cyprus Investment Organization Collective Investments (type AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF):
    Investment of €300,000 in regulated Cyprus investment funds (AIF or RAIF)
The investment must be maintained; disposal requires immediate replacement with another qualifying investment to retain residency
 
Minimum annual income of €50,000, increasing by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per dependent, depending on the investment category.
Income may derive from salaries, pensions, dividends, rent, or interest, subject to source requirements depending on the investment type.
 

Legal Elements

Investment in a house / apartment or other real estate:

Under the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment scheme, the applicant must make a qualifying investment of at least €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable). In the case of residential property, the investment must relate to new properties purchased from a developer (first sale), with the option to acquire up to two units provided the total value meets the required threshold. The applicant must submit a duly filed sale agreement or title deed and provide evidence that the investment funds originate from abroad and are not derived from domestic borrowing. At least €200,000 (excluding VAT) must be paid prior to the submission of the application, with the remaining balance settled accordingly. The investment must be maintained for the duration of holding the permanent residence permit; in the event of disposal, it must be immediately replaced with another qualifying investment of equal or higher value. The property may be registered in the name of the applicant or in a legal entity, provided that the applicant and/or spouse are the ultimate beneficial owners.

For the purposes of paragraph 2 in relation to the purchase of a house / apartment, it is specified that:

  • The applicant may purchase up to two (2) housing units (apartments or houses), provided that the total market value meets the provisions of Section 4.1 above. In the case of a couple, the above condition applies to the couple as a whole.
  • This purchase must relate to dwellings sold by the development company to a first-time buyer; unless the purchase of the houses took place before 07/05/2013.

Purchase and sale documents related to resale of houses and have been submitted to the Land Registry before 07/05/2013 (the date of filing of the purchase and sale documents will be confirmed by the Department of Land Registry and Surveying), will be accepted for purposes of this policy.

It is noted that the properties do not have to be purchased from the same land development company.

Quality Criteria

Clean Criminal Record The applicant and spouse must provide a clean criminal record from their country of residence (or from Cyprus if already living here) and must not pose any risk to public order or safety.

Employment Restrictions Applicants and their spouses cannot work in Cyprus. They may, however, act as Directors in a company they have invested in under this policy.

Shareholding & Dividends If the investment is not in a company’s share capital, the applicant and/or spouse may still be shareholders in Cyprus‑registered companies. Dividend income is allowed and does not affect eligibility. They may also hold an unpaid Director position in such companies.

Proof of Residence in Cyprus For investments under Sections 2.1(B), 2.1(C), or 2.1(D), the applicant must show evidence of a residence in Cyprus (e.g., title deed, purchase agreement, or rental contract).

Permits for spouse and children

Family Members Included: The Immigration Permit is issued to the main applicant and covers their spouse and minor children up to 18 years old.

Separate Permits (Optional): If preferred, each spouse may apply for an individual Immigration Permit. A separate application and fee are required, but the second spouse does not need to meet the investment criteria independently.

Linked Status: If the main applicant’s Immigration Permit is cancelled for any reason, the spouse’s permit is also cancelled, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.

Permits for adult Children

Unmarried children aged 18–25 can obtain an Immigration Permit if they are:

  • full‑time students at a higher‑education institution abroad, and

  • financially dependent on the main applicant.

Application Process: Each adult child must submit a separate application and pay the corresponding fee. The parents must also show an additional €5,000 annual income for each dependent adult child.

Children Studying in Cyprus If the child studies at a higher‑education institution in Cyprus, they must first obtain a temporary residence permit as a student. After completing their studies, they may apply for an Immigration Permit under the same criteria.

Validity After Age 25 The Immigration Permit remains valid even after the child turns 25, provided they:

  • remain unmarried, and

  • are still financially dependent on their parents.

Restrictions Adult children cannot include their own spouse or minor children under this permit.

Linked Status If the main applicant’s Immigration Permit is cancelled, the adult child’s permit is also cancelled, in line with Regulation 6 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.

Permits for Parents & their spouse

The applicant’s parents and their spouse can also obtain an Immigration Permit by submitting separate applications and paying the required fee.

Income Requirement: The main applicant must show an additional €8,000 annual income for each dependent parent included.

Restrictions: Parents’ spouses and minor children cannot be added as dependents under this permit.

Linked Status: If the main applicant’s Immigration Permit is cancelled for any reason, the parents’ permits are also cancelled, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.

Application and examination procedure

Submitting the Application: Applications and all required documents must be submitted to the Department of Population and Immigration Records (TAPM), either in person or through an authorised representative.

Submitting Through a Representative: If a representative submits the application, it must be accompanied by a written authorization from the applicant, clearly stating the representative’s full details, address, and contact information.

Processing & Review: Once received, the application is processed promptly by TAPM and forwarded to the Minister of Interior through the General Director of the Ministry of Interior for final examination.

Schedules

Application Review: If all policy criteria are met and there are no issues related to the applicant’s criminal record, public order, or public security, the application is forwarded to the Minister of Interior for final consideration.

Processing Time: The examination period for a complete application is approximately 2 months from the date of submission.

Claudia Teslovan

SENIOR SALES ADVISOR 

+357 23 730777

+357 96212174

 claudia@karmadevelopers.com.cy

 www.karmadevelopers.com  |  www.karma.cy

16 Kennedy Avenue (Kapparis), Paralimni

5290, Cyprus, P.O.Box 33133

 

Yiolanda Manoli

SENIOR SALES ADVISOR 

+357 23 730777

+357 96 216928

 yiolanda@karmadevelopers.com.cy

 www.karmadevelopers.com  |  www.karma.cy

 16 Kennedy Avenue (Kapparis), Paralimni

5290, Cyprus, P.O.Box 33133

 

Georgia Masia

Senior Sales Advisor 

+357 23 730777

+357 99 212374

georgiamasia@karmadevelopers.com.cy

 www.karmadevelopers.com  |  www.karma.cy

 16 Kennedy Avenue (Kapparis), Paralimni

5290, Cyprus, P.O.Box 33133

 

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