Cyprus Golden Visa & Investment Programmes

Golden Visa Cyprus

Cyprus previously offered two programs through real estate investment. One for permanent residency and one for citizenship. The citizenship program is now closed but the residency program is still operational. The residence investment scheme is fast and efficient at granting a residency permit. Cyprus is a full member of the European Union and English is widely spoken on the island.

Contact our advisors for further details.

Permanent Residency Cyprus

Applicants can secure permanent residency in Cyprus through investment in real estate. The programme is one of the fastest and simplest investor visa programmes in Europe. It requires investment of just €300,000 into property to gain the Cyprus residency permit. The residency visa is granted within two months and covers the whole family. It includes parents of both the main applicant and spouse plus dependent children up to the age of 25. It is valid for life and can be passed down to dependents and spouse.

The permanent residency programme offers ease of travel throughout the European Union and requires just one visit to Cyprus by all family members once every two years. The investment may be made by a company for which the main applicant and spouse are beneficial owners. The investment can be in to a maximum of two properties provided they reach the €300,000 permanent residency limit. The properties purchased must be brand new.

Citizenship by Investment Cyprus

The Cyprus citizenship investment program is now closed. When operational until 2020 the program offered the quickest, most assured route to citizenship of a European country through an investment of €2.0 million in real estate. It is no longer possible to acquire citizenship in Cyprus through the purchase of real estate or by any other investment means.

Why Cyprus?

Cyprus has a very favourable tax regime for individuals and companies residing there. Over 80% of the country speaks English and there are excellent education facilities including several UK universities with campuses on the island. Cyprus has the lowest crime rate in Europe and is the 5th safest country in the world. There is a high standard of educational institutions and healthcare facilities. Cyprus is strategically located at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa. Cyprus hopes to join the EU Schengen zone at some point. Property acquired is freehold, there is a low property tax and there is reduced VAT on property of just 5% (subject to conditions).

Cyprus Residency & Citizenship by Investment FAQ’s

Does Cyprus have a Golden Visa program?

Yes. Cyprus offers a Golden Visa program, granting non-EU investors and their families EU permanent  residency through qualifying investments.

What is the minimum investment for the Cyprus Golden Visa?

The minimum investment is €300,000 in one of the approved investment options including real estate investment.

What are the Cyprus residency by investment requirements?

Investors must:

• Purchase eligible property (€300,000+) or other approved assets
• Provide proof of stable income (€50,000+ annually)
• Hold valid health insurance
• Have a clean criminal record

What are the main benefits of Cyprus’ Golden Visa program?

Cyprus’ Golden Visa offers:

• Permanent EU residency for investors and family members
• Pathway to Cypriot citizenship after 7 years
• Minimal minimum stay requirements to maintain status
• Favourable tax regime for non-domiciled residents
• Residency can be passed down to future generations

What countries allow visa-free travel with a Cyprus passport?

A Cyprus passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 189 destinations, including the Schengen Zone, UK, Canada, UAE, and Singapore.

Can family members be included in the application?

Yes. The program covers spouses, children under 25, and parents of both the main applicant and spouse. It is valid for life and can be passed down to dependents.

Can I get Cyprus residency by investing in real estate?

Yes, investing in real estate remains a  popular route under Cyprus’s Permanent Residency by Investment Program. To qualify, non-EU nationals must invest at least €300,000  in new residential or commercial property.

Is the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment program still open?

No, Cyprus closed their direct Citizenship by Investment program back in 2020. The permanent residency program can lead to Cyprus citizenship though, providing investors meet the naturalisation laws.