Cyprus Golden Visa

Cyprus Permanent Residence (Golden Visa)

Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment (Regulation 6(2) / Golden Visa)

Experience the unparalleled lifestyle and strategic advantages of Cyprus with our expert guidance on the Fast-Track Permanent Residence Program, widely known as the Cyprus Golden Visa (Regulation 6(2)). This sought-after scheme offers non-EU citizens and their families an efficient pathway to secure permanent residency in a thriving EU member state.

With its robust economy, excellent quality of life, and strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus presents a compelling destination for discerning investors seeking long-term stability and growth. Our dedicated team of immigration lawyers is here to provide seamless support, ensuring a smooth and successful application process from start to finish.

What is the Cyprus Golden Visa (Permanent Residence Permit)?

The Cyprus Golden Visa program, officially known as the Permanent Residence Permit under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, grants non-EU investors and their immediate families the right to permanently reside in Cyprus. This program is designed to attract foreign capital by offering a direct route to permanent residency through qualifying investments, primarily in real estate or investment funds. It’s a fast-track option, significantly reducing processing times compared to other residency categories.

Key Benefits of the Cyprus Permanent Residency Program

Fast-Track Processing: Obtain your permanent residency permit in approximately 2-3 months.
Permanent Status: The permit is valid indefinitely, offering long-term security for you and your family.
Family Inclusion: Your spouse and dependent children (up to 25 years old if students) can be included in your application.
Minimal Residency Requirements: Only one visit to Cyprus every two years is required to maintain your permit.
Pathway to Citizenship: Eligibility to apply for Cypriot citizenship by naturalization after 8 years of legal residency within a 10-year period.
EU Member State Benefits: Enjoy the stability and security of living in an EU country, with excellent healthcare, education, and a high quality of life.
Favourable Tax System: Potentially benefit from Cyprus’s attractive tax regime, including no tax on dividends, interest, or inheritance for tax residents.
Strategic Location: Cyprus serves as a business hub with excellent connectivity to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Cyprus Golden Visa Requirements in 2025: Investment Criteria

To qualify for the Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment program in 2025, applicants must make a minimum investment of €300,000 (plus VAT, where applicable) in one of the following categories, with funds sourced from abroad:

Investment in New Residential Property (House or Apartment):
- Purchase a brand-new house or apartment from a registered development company in Cyprus.
- The purchase price must be at least €300,000 + VAT.
- Reduced VAT: A reduced VAT rate of 5% may apply for the first property purchased for personal, primary residence, subject to certain conditions. Standard VAT is 19%.
- You may purchase up to two (2) housing units (houses and/or apartments) provided the total value meets the €300,000 + VAT threshold.
- Payment Requirement: An initial payment of at least €200,000 + VAT of the purchase price must be proven upon application submission. The full amount must be paid within the agreed timeframe.
- The title deed or sales agreement must be in the name of the applicant or their spouse.
Investment in Other Immovable Property (New or Resale):
- Purchase of commercial properties such as offices, shops, hotels, or other real estate investments, or a combination thereof, for a total purchase value of at least €300,000 + VAT.
- Unlike residential properties, these can be either new or resale.
Investment in Share Capital of a Cypriot Company:
- Invest at least €300,000 into the share capital of a company that is duly registered, factually based, and conducts its main business activities within the Republic of Cyprus.
- The company must have a proven physical presence in Cyprus and employ at least five (5) individuals.
- Note: The applicant can be appointed as an unpaid Director in this company.
Investment in Units of a Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments (AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF):
- Invest a total value of at least €300,000 into investment shares/units of a collective investment organization regulated by CySEC (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission).

Financial and Personal Criteria for the Cyprus Golden Visa

Beyond the investment, applicants and their family members must meet specific financial and personal requirements:

Secured Annual Income: The main applicant must demonstrate a secured legal annual income of at least €50,000.
- This amount increases by an additional €15,000 for the spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
- The required income must primarily be sourced from abroad.
- For investments in categories 1B, 1C, and 1D (non-residential property, company shares, funds), the required annual income (or part of it) can be derived from sources within the Republic of Cyprus.
Clean Criminal Record: A clear criminal record certificate is required for the applicant, spouse, and all adult dependants from their country of origin and any country of residence for the past ten years. This must be maintained throughout the residency.
Declaration of Non-Employment: The applicant and their spouse must sign a declaration confirming their intention not to undertake any form of employment in Cyprus, except for acting as an unpaid Director in a company they’ve invested in under the scheme. This applies to adult dependants too.
Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive health insurance coverage in Cyprus is required for all applicants.
Proof of Funds Origin: Documentation proving that the investment funds originated from abroad must be provided. It is not permissible to use funds from within Cyprus or borrowed from within Cyprus for the investment.

Eligibility for Family Members

The Cyprus Golden Visa scheme is highly inclusive for families:

Spouse: The applicant’s spouse can be included.
Dependent Children: Minor children (under 18) are covered. Unmarried children between 18 and 25 can also be included if they are financially dependent on the main applicant and are full-time university students in Cyprus or abroad.
Important Note: As of recent changes, the parents and parents-in-law of the applicant are no longer covered under the main application and would need to qualify independently.

Maintaining Your Cyprus Permanent Residence Status

To maintain your Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit (Golden Visa), certain conditions must be met:

Visit to Cyprus: The permit holder must visit Cyprus at least once every two years.
Maintain Investment: The qualifying investment of €300,000 must be maintained.
Annual Verification: Annually, you must submit evidence that you maintain the investment and hold a valid health insurance certificate (unless you are a beneficiary of the General Healthcare System – GESY).
Triennial Criminal Record Check: Every three years, a clean criminal record certificate from your country of origin/residence must be submitted.
No Permanent Residence Abroad: You must not acquire permanent residence in another country.
Absence from Cyprus: Absence from Cyprus for a continuous period of two years may lead to the revocation of the permit.

Application Process and Timeline for Cyprus Golden Visa

The application for the Cyprus Golden Visa is a streamlined process designed for efficiency:

Initial Consultation & Due Diligence: Our legal team conducts a preliminary assessment of your eligibility and gathers necessary information.
Investment & Documentation: Execute your chosen investment and prepare all required personal and financial documents. All documents must be officially translated into English or Greek and apostilled/certified.
Application Submission: The application (Form MIP1) and supporting documents are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of the Interior.
Review and Approval: The application is reviewed by the Ministry of the Interior.
Biometrics & Issuance: Upon approval, all applicants must visit Cyprus within one year to provide biometric data for the issuance of their Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) cards. Residence cards are typically issued within 30 days thereafter.

The official processing time is approximately 2-3 months from the date of submission.

Why Choose Our Law Firm for Your Cyprus Golden Visa Application?

Navigating the complexities of immigration law requires expertise and precision. Our law firm, based in Limassol with a deep understanding of the Cypriot legal landscape, specializes in immigration services. We offer:

Experienced Immigration Lawyers: Our team has a proven track record of successful Golden Visa applications.
Personalized Service: We provide tailored advice and support, guiding you through every step of the process.
Comprehensive Assistance: From due diligence and document preparation to investment advice and submission, we handle all aspects of your application.
Up-to-Date Knowledge: We stay abreast of the latest changes in Cyprus immigration policies to ensure your application meets all current requirements.