Investment opportunities for getting a Cyprus permanent residency

Investment opportunities for getting a Cyprus permanent residency

Todays other news
The current controls come to an end on March 31...
The agency is also seeking other partnerships in Portugal...
The investment was supposed to be for a city centre...
The first one is in Manchester - but will the...
Grainger is selling its low-yield stock and pinning its hope...


The Cyprus Permanent Residence for Investors is a popular programme among foreign nationals. It aims to attract people willing to invest on the island and contribute to the economy and cosmopolitan environment. A minimum of EUR 300,000 and a minimum annual income of EUR 50,000 grant a permanent residence permit and the right to live, study and receive healthcare in Cyprus. The application process is short; you can gain residence in two months.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cyprus Permanent Residence by investment programme is a gateway to a beautiful Mediterranean location with a stable and pro-business environment.

  • To gain permanent residence, you must satisfy minimum requirements and visit Cyprus at least once every two years. You must also continue to maintain the investment.

  • The permit covers your spouse and children.

  • There are three main opportunities for investment under the programme: real estate, shares in a company or investment in alternative investment funds. 

Cyprus is a prime destination

The Cyprus permanent residence programme is an excellent choice for many reasons, including:

  • A cosmopolitan community featuring numerous expats. English is spoken everywhere, and all official documents and sites have an English version.

  • A strong network of legal, financial, AI and other professional services.

  • A pro-business environment that attracts local and international investors. Cyprus is an entrepreneurship-driven country.

  • Social, financial and political stability due to EU membership.

  • A safe environment with low crime and a family-friendly orientation.

  • Excellent education and healthcare. With a permanent residence permit, you can participate in the General Health System (GeSy) for inexpensive care.

  • Low cost of living.

  • Mild climate, sunshine throughout the year, closeness to the sea and beautiful surroundings. 

  • Relaxed lifestyle and short distances.

What are the requirements?

Eligible individuals must invest EUR 300,000+ in real estate or shares (see below) and have a minimum annual income of EUR 50,000+. 

The permanent residence covers spouses and children. However, an additional annual income of EUR 15,000 is required for the spouse, and another EUR 10,000 is required for each dependent child. 

You and your spouse must have a clean criminal record from your country of origin and your country of residence (if different).

Additionally, there are verification requirements. The clean criminal record for you and your spouse must be verified every three years. Each year, you must show that you maintain the investment and, if you still need to register with GeSy, have health insurance.

There is no residence requirement, but you must maintain the investment and visit Cyprus at least once every two years.

Investment opportunities

Investment opportunities for the Cyprus permanent residence programme fall under three categories: real estate, shares and alternative investment funds.

Real estate investment

To get permanent residency in Cyprus, the applicant must:

  • Buy residential real estate, such as a house or apartment, newly built by a developer, worth at least EUR 300,000 plus VAT.

OR,

  • Buy other real estate types of at least EUR 300,000, such as offices or a hotel. This property can be a resale.

Real estate is a secure investment in Cyprus. Data from the Department of Lands and Surveys and RICS (the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors) show that property value and demand are rising for all property types. The sales contracts for October 2022 were 1,171, while they were 1,306 for October 2023. The number of foreign buyers is steadily increasing in 2023, with TCNs (third-country nationals) exceeding buyers from the EU. 

Moreover, the Cyprus real estate market contains outstanding luxury options, such as:

  • sea-view villas

  • penthouses and apartments in high-rise buildings

  • condos and villas in boutique resorts. 

Despite global challenges, the Cyprus luxury property market is robust. An investor buying luxury property will secure a tranquil and exclusive lifestyle. If they decide to leave the island later, they can sell the property for profit. Cyprus is a highly desirable location, and demand for prime residences is steady.

Investment in shares

To get permanent residency in Cyprus, the applicant must invest in:

  • Share capital of at least EUR 300,000 in a newly registered company in Cyprus,

OR,

  • An increase in the share capital worth at least EUR 300,000 of an existing company registered in the Republic. The company must be based and operate in Cyprus, have a proven physical presence on the island, and employ at least five people.

The Cyprus entrepreneurial environment is thriving. The economy is business-centred, while the government has set up initiatives and structures that help businesses. The Cyprus Companies Law is based on the British, among the most successful, innovative and practical companies legislation globally.

Alternative Investment Funds

To get permanent residency in Cyprus, the applicant must invest at least EUR 300,000 in units of a Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments in the form of:

  • AIF (Alternative Investment Funds)

  • AIFNLP (Alternative Investment Fund for Limited Number of Persons)

  • RAIF (Registered Alternative Investment Funds).

The applicant must submit, among other documents, titles or other proof of the purchased units and a confirmation by the CySec (Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission) for the setup of the funds.

CySec is Cyprus’s regulating authority for alternative investment funds, cooperating closely with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). CySec exercises firm control over investments in Cyprus, securing an ordered regulation of affairs. Cyprus is a fast-growing European alternative investment fund centre, and such funds are generally considered a good investment choice.

Is there a right to work?

Permanent residence by investment does not give you the right to work in Cyprus. You can, however, take the position of unpaid Director in a company you have invested in. Also, you can receive dividends from the company where you have contributed to increased share capital.

How about fees?

You will need to pay a fee of EUR 500 for the application and a fee of EUR 70 for each person’s alien registration certificate (ARC) if they don’t have one already.

The Bottomline

Investment opportunities for getting a Cyprus permanent residence permit fall into three categories: real estate, company shares and alternative investment funds. Cyprus is a prime location for business persons, retirees, or people who wish to relocate in a stable and safe environment. The quality of life, economy, and business opportunities make a strong background for all types of investment.

Disclaimer 

This post serves as a general and introductory guide to the investment opportunities for permanent residency in Cyprus. It does not give personalised advice, suggest or guarantee that any type of investment or any particular investment of your choice will work and make a profit. All investments carry a risk, sometimes a very high risk. For personal advice, you must seek the services of a professional. This post takes, carries or accepts no liability whatsoever.

Tags:

Share this article ...

Recommended for you
Related Articles
Spain’s draconian new tax is already spooking British investors...
The Budget has forced a revision of forecasts for the...
Prices and sales volumes will grow in 2025 despite the...
Recommended for you
Latest Features
The current controls come to an end on March 31...
The agency is also seeking other partnerships in Portugal...
The investment was supposed to be for a city centre...
Sponsored Content
As the property industry shifts towards sustainable practices, Inspired Property...
Are you concerned about rising interest rates and their potential...
In the ever-evolving landscape of property investment, staying ahead of...

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here