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Golden visa for Cyprus: Requirements & benefits
To obtain the Cyprus Golden Visa, we recommend that you read our comprehensive, up-to-date guide for this year
If you’re looking to secure European residency without years of delays, investing in the right country can make the process much faster. Cyprus is one of the most appealing options. As an EU member state, it offers permanent residency from the outset, rather than requiring you to spend years renewing temporary permits. Even better, once granted, the status is permanent for life, setting Cyprus apart from many other residency-by-investment programs in Europe.
In this guide, we’ll explain how the program works, who is eligible to apply, the investment options available, the costs involved, and the tax and lifestyle benefits of becoming a resident in Cyprus.
What is the Cyprus Golden Visa?
Cyprus’s Golden Visa, officially known as the Permanent Residency by Investment Program (under Regulation 6.2), allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in the country. It is also referred to as the Cyprus Permanent Residency Permit by Investment.
How does the Cyprus Golden Visa work?
It is one of the fastest ways to obtain permanent residency in Cyprus. Once all the required documents are submitted, the application is usually approved in about three months. Unlike the former Citizenship by Investment Program, which required a €2 million investment and has been discontinued, this program grants permanent residency, not citizenship.
Duration and renewal of the permit
Once granted, permanent residency does not need to be renewed. However, to keep the permit, applicants must maintain their qualifying investment and continue to meet the minimum income requirements.
Benefits of the Golden Visa in Cyprus
Find out here about the benefits of obtaining the Golden Visa in Cyprus:
Permanent residency with no expiration date
The permit has no expiration date, which greatly simplifies long-term planning compared to other European programs.
Mobility and life in the EU
Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 1 May 2004. Although it is not yet part of the Schengen Area, the government plans to join in 2026, which could allow visa-free travel across Schengen countries for residents. In the meantime, residents already have access to Cyprus’s education and healthcare systems.
Inclusion of family members
The program allows the principal applicant to include their spouse, minor children, or dependents, and, in some cases, their parents, in the same application.
The path to citizenship through the Cyprus Golden Visa
After living in Cyprus for at least five years under the investment residency program, holders may become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship. This is shorter than the standard naturalization route, which generally requires seven years of residence.
Tax benefits
Permanent residents in Cyprus may benefit from a favorable tax system, including exemptions on certain types of foreign income.
Who is eligible to apply for the Golden Visa in Cyprus?
The program is designed for non-EU citizens who want to establish a financial or residential base in Europe. The most common applicants include:
- Business owners and investors looking to diversify their assets into European investments.
- People who receive passive income from abroad (pensions, dividends, rental income) and wish to move to a country with a pleasant climate and high quality of life.
- Families seeking access to European education and healthcare for their children.
- Investors interested in the Cypriot real estate or financial sector as a gateway to the EU.
It’s important to note that the investor and their spouse are not allowed to take paid employment in Cyprus under this permit. However, they can serve as unpaid directors or hold shares in local companies.
Requirements for obtaining the Cyprus Golden Visa
The main requirements for obtaining the Cyprus Golden Visa include:
Required documentation
Required documents include a completed MIP1 application form, copies of valid passports for all applicants, a brief CV of the main applicant, and proof of the investment. Applicants must also provide a criminal record certificate and proof of accommodation in Cyprus.
Financial requirements
The main applicant must show a stable annual income from abroad. For the passive income route (Category F), the minimum required is $10,400 for the main applicant, plus at least $5,000 for each dependent. For the $325,000 investment route, some sources indicate a minimum annual income requirement of around $54,000, although this can vary depending on the category selected.
Background checks and security screenings
All applicants must go through due diligence checks, which verify the source of funds and criminal background in line with EU anti–money laundering regulations.
Investment maintenance
The invested capital can only be recovered once the residence permit expires or is voluntarily given up, so the investment must be kept for as long as the residency status is maintained.
Requirements by country of origin
For applicants from outside the EU, the process is essentially the same in terms of required documents and investment amounts, since the program applies the same conditions to all non-EU nationals.
Passports, police clearance certificates, and proof of income must be translated into English or Greek, and may need to be apostilled or legalized depending on where they were issued.
Types of investments to obtain the Cyprus Golden Visa
There are four ways to obtain the Cyprus Golden Visa, all requiring a minimum investment of $340,000:
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Features |
| Residential real estate | $340,000 + VAT | New housing, up to two units |
| Commercial real estate | $340,000 + VAT | Offices, hotels, retail spaces |
| Shares in a Cypriot company | $340,000 | Companies with actual business operations and local employees |
| Investment funds | $340,000 | Approved AIF, AIFLNP, and RAIF |
Real estate investment
It allows you to buy one or two new properties for a total of $340,000 plus VAT. Rental returns can reach up to about 7%. However, renting the property means paying 19% VAT when buying, while the reduced 5% VAT only applies if the home is your main residence and you don’t rent it out.
Business investment
Cyprus allows investment in commercial real estate such as offices, shops, and hotels, as well as investment in the share capital of Cypriot companies with genuine business activity.
Investment in funds
You can also invest in funds such as AIFs, AIFLNPs, and RAIFs that meet the program requirements, although they usually come with additional management fees and higher market risk.
Risks and considerations
The purchase must be fully funded with your own capital, not through a mortgage. In addition, the funds remain tied up for as long as you keep your residency status.
Taxes for Golden Visa holders in Cyprus
The main taxes to consider are as follows:
Tax and immigration residency
Holding a residence permit does not automatically make you a tax resident in Cyprus. In most cases, you become a tax resident by spending more than 183 days a year in the country, or under the 60-day rule if you meet certain additional conditions.
Income tax
Permanent residents may benefit from exemptions on worldwide income, including dividends and capital gains, making Cyprus an attractive jurisdiction for investors with passive income from abroad.
Property taxes
For new properties, the standard VAT rate is 19%, with reduced rates of 9% or 5% depending on the situation. For resale properties, no VAT is charged; instead, transfer fees apply based on the market value using a progressive scale.
Costs of the Golden Visa in Cyprus
In addition to the minimum investment of $340,000, you should budget for:
- Government fees: Related to filing the MIP1 application and issuing residence cards.
- Legal costs: Fees for attorneys or consulting firms specializing in investment immigration.
- Administrative expenses: Translation and legalization of documents, especially for applicants from Latin America.
- VAT or transfer taxes: Depending on whether you choose a new or resale property.
- Maintenance expenses: Ongoing costs associated with maintaining the qualifying investment and meeting the program’s income requirements.
How do I apply for a Golden Visa in Cyprus?
To apply for a Golden Visa in Cyprus, the process typically involves the following steps:
Preparing for the investment
Choose your preferred investment option (real estate, business, or investment funds) and make sure it meets the program’s minimum investment and eligibility requirements.
Gathering documents
Gather the completed MIP1 application form, valid passports, the main applicant’s CV, proof of annual income, and legalized criminal record certificates.
Submitting the application
Applicants submit the application to the Cypriot Immigration Service, usually with the help of a local attorney who acts as a liaison.
Review by the authorities
The authorities conduct due diligence checks and verify the source of the funds before approving the application.
Obtaining the permit
The entire process typically takes about three months from submission to receiving the permanent residence card.
How can I get internet access when I arrive in Cyprus?
When relocating, having internet from day one is essential for everything from finding housing to opening bank accounts and meeting with lawyers. Holafly’s monthly plans are a convenient option for people moving to Cyprus, offering coverage in over 160 destinations, unlimited data, and hotspot capability. This makes it easy to handle immigration paperwork, stay in touch with your legal advisor, and keep connected with family without needing a local SIM right away.
Frequently asked questions about the Cyprus Golden Visa
The minimum investment is $340,000 (plus VAT for property purchases), through one of four approved routes: residential real estate, commercial property, company shares, or investment funds.
You don’t need to live in Cyprus full-time, but you must keep your investment and meet the minimum income requirements. However, if you want to become a tax resident, you do need to spend a certain number of days in the country.
No. The visa holder and their spouse may not engage in paid employment, although they may serve as unpaid directors or shareholders of companies.
Approximately three months from the date the complete documentation is submitted.
Yes, after five years of continuous residence, you can apply for citizenship, compared to the seven years required through the standard route.
Not yet, although the country has begun the process of joining in the near future, which could facilitate the mobility of its residents within Europe.
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