While the direct Cyprus Citizenship by Investment program remains suspended, the Permanent Residency program is the premier route for investors in 2025. Learn the updated requirements
The path for investors to secure a future in Cyprus has evolved. While the well-known Cyprus Investment Programme (CIP) was suspended in 2020, the nation continues to welcome foreign investment through its highly attractive Permanent Residency Program, often referred to as the Cyprus Golden Visa.
For global investors seeking a secure footing in the European Union, this program is the definitive pathway in 2025. It grants the right to live in Cyprus indefinitely and provides a clear, structured route to obtaining Cypriot citizenship through naturalization over time.
This guide provides the latest, most accurate information for 2025.
The Cyprus Permanent Residency Program (Golden Visa) 2025
The “Golden Visa” program allows non-EU nationals to obtain a permanent residence permit in Cyprus with a one-time investment. The process is efficient, with permits typically issued within six months.
Key Investment Requirements for 2025:
An investor must make a minimum investment of €300,000 (plus VAT) in one of the following categories:
- Residential Real Estate: Purchase one or two new residential properties from a development company. Resale properties do not qualify for this option.
- Commercial Real Estate: Purchase commercial properties such as offices, shops, or hotels. This can include new or resale properties.
- Shares in a Cypriot Company: Invest in the share capital of a Cyprus-based company that has a physical presence and employs at least five people.
- Units in Cypriot Investment Funds: Invest in units of a Cyprus Investment Organisation of Collective Investments (e.g., AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Secure Annual Income: The main applicant must demonstrate a secure annual income of at least €50,000 originating from abroad. This amount increases by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
- Clean Criminal Record: Applicants must provide a clean criminal record certificate from their country of residence.
- No Employment in Cyprus: The main applicant and their spouse are not permitted to be employed in Cyprus, though they may be directors in the company in which they have invested.
The Path to Cyprus Citizenship in 2025
Holding a permanent residence permit is the first step toward citizenship. An investor can apply for Cypriot citizenship through naturalization after meeting specific residency requirements.
- Residency Requirement: To be eligible, an applicant must have resided in Cyprus for a total of seven years (2,555 days).
- Continuous Presence: In the year immediately preceding the application, the applicant must have remained continuously in Cyprus (absences of up to 90 days are permitted).
- Language & Culture: Applicants will also be assessed on their basic knowledge of the Greek language and understanding of Cypriot society.
Important Note: The previous five-year fast-track option for investment PR holders is no longer available in 2025. The seven-year timeline is the current standard.
A Look Back: History of the Cyprus Investment Programme (2013-2020)
For historical context, it’s useful to understand the program this new system replaced. The legal basis was established under subsection (2) of section 111A of the Civil Registry Laws (2002-2013), empowering the Council of Ministers to grant citizenship. The program underwent several key changes before its suspension on November 1, 2020, including adjustments to investment amounts, mandatory donations, and increased regulatory oversight to enhance transparency. While this program is now closed, its legacy shaped the robust and transparent residency program available today.