An residency by investment programme offering a route to citizenship.
Situated in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island steeped in myth and beauty — famously known as the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite. Beyond its charm, the country offers over 300 days of sunshine each year, breathtaking coastlines, and landscapes that seamlessly blend history with modern life. The island boasts a rich cultural heritage spanning more than 11,000 years, alongside a contemporary lifestyle supported by excellent schools, universities, medical facilities, and world-class infrastructure.
As a full member of the European Union, Cyprus attracts a diverse international community and provides the comfort of European standards combined with Mediterranean warmth and hospitality.
Cyprus offers a Permanent Residency by Investment (RBI) scheme designed for individuals from outside the EU who wish to secure residency in a stable European environment. The initiative has become one of the most efficient and reputable in the region, granting applicants and their families permanent residency rights within a few months — typically between two and four.
The programme provides flexible investment options and the added advantage of greater mobility across Europe. Successful applicants can enjoy long-term security and access to an EU jurisdiction known for its safety, economic stability, and investor-friendly regulations.
Applicants may purchase up to two residential properties (such as apartments or villas) from a licensed developer as part of their first sale. At least €200,000 (excluding VAT) must be paid before submitting the application. Alternatively, investors can acquire commercial properties with a combined value of €300,000 or more, including offices, retail spaces, hotels, or similar developments — whether newly built or resale.
A qualifying applicant can invest €300,000 in the share capital of a company incorporated and actively trading in Cyprus. The company must maintain a tangible office presence and employ a minimum of five staff members locally.
Another route is to allocate €300,000 to units within a Cyprus-based collective investment scheme, such as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) or other regulated investment vehicle.
Once granted, Cyprus permanent residency is valid for life, provided the holder visits the island at least once every two years — there is no requirement for renewal.
Those choosing to make Cyprus their primary home can apply for citizenship after five years of continuous residence, while still retaining other nationalities. Cypriot citizenship automatically confers European Union citizenship, opening access to a broad range of privileges.
EU citizens can live, work, and study freely across all member states and enjoy visa-free entry to over 170 countries worldwide. Moreover, children under 18 automatically inherit citizenship, ensuring long-term family benefits.
The programme grants a permanent residence permit, meaning there is no renewal process. For the residency permit to remain valid, applicants must visit Cyprus once every two years.
Cypriot residents who are non-tax residents do not pay taxes on their worldwide income. This includes tax on dividend income and capital gains tax. Only income from assets in Cyprus, such as rental income, is liable for tax.
To be eligible for the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme, the primary applicant requirements are:
Be a non-EU national, non-EEA and non-Swiss
Be over 18 years old
Have a clear criminal record from their country of residence
– With their spouse, they possess a secure annual income of at least €30,000. This increases by €5,000 for each dependent person and by €8,000 for each applicant’s parent. This income must be derived from abroad, apart from in specific circumstances.
Family members can be included in the application. The principal investor can include:
Spouse
Children under the age of 18
Children between the age of 19 to 25, provided they are dependent, not married and students*
Dependent parents of the applicant or the spouse
Once the children obtain the residency permit, this permit is valid indefinitely even if they exceed the age of 25 and even if they do not remain unmarried and/or students and/or financially dependent on their parents.