In short
Cyprus's "golden visa" is permanent residence under Regulation 6(2). You invest at least €300,000 (excluding VAT) in new residential property, other real estate, a Cypriot company with at least 5 employees, or Cyprus investment funds, and show secure income of €50,000 a year (+€15,000 for a spouse, +€10,000 per child). The target processing time is about 2 months. The permit is permanent, the card is replaced every 10 years, and you must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years. It does not give Schengen rights, and citizenship needs 8 years of real residence.
Cyprus investment residence: key facts
Last verified 28 September 2026| Investment permanent residence | Regulation 6(2): at least €300,000 (excl. VAT) in new residential property, other real estate, a Cypriot company with 5+ staff, or Cyprus investment funds# Source: Chambers: amendments to the permanent residency by investment criteria (2023) · Philippou Law: Cyprus permanent residence by investment, Regulation 6(2) · M. Hadjitofi: revised permanent residency by investment scheme |
|---|---|
| Investment route income | €50,000 a year + €15,000 for a spouse + €10,000 per child; from abroad for the residential-property option# Source: Chambers: amendments to the permanent residency by investment criteria (2023) · Philippou Law: Cyprus permanent residence by investment, Regulation 6(2) |
| Family covered | Spouse, children under 18 and unmarried full-time students aged 18–25; parents need their own investment since 2023# Source: Chambers: amendments to the permanent residency by investment criteria (2023) |
| Investment route processing | Target about 2 months from a complete application# Source: Koufettas Law: Cyprus PR by investment (fast-track 6.2) |
| Investment route presence | Visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years; card replaced every 10 years; yearly proof of investment, income and health insurance# Source: Koufettas Law: Cyprus PR by investment (fast-track 6.2) · Philippou Law: Cyprus permanent residence by investment, Regulation 6(2) · Chambers: amendments to the permanent residency by investment criteria (2023) |
| Schengen | Not a full member (Sep 2026) — a Cypriot permit gives no Schengen travel rights; accession was due to go to the EU Council in September 2026# Source: Cyprus Mail: Cyprus hoping for Schengen decision "as soon as possible" (4 Sep 2026) · GK Law Firm: Cyprus and the Schengen Area in 2026 |
| Citizenship | 8 years (7 of the last 10 + the final 12 months continuous), Greek B1 and the "Knowledge of Contemporary Cyprus" exam; dual citizenship allowed# Source: KPMG Cyprus: revised rules for citizenship based on years of residence · European Commission: Cyprus new citizenship legislation (2024) |
| Citizenship by investment | Ended 1 November 2020# Source: Ministry of Interior (gov.cy): naturalisation due to years of residence |
| Non-dom | Non-domiciled residents pay no defence contribution on dividends and interest for up to 17 of 20 years; from 2026 an optional €250,000 per 5 years extends it# Source: Global Citizen Solutions: Cyprus non-dom tax residence · Evidentrust: Cyprus non-dom after 17 years — €250,000 option |
| Public healthcare (GESY) | For permanent residents and employees; holders of a visitor permit usually need private insurance# Source: New to Cyprus: GESY 2026 — who can register |
Not American?
Canadians, Australians, Brits and other non-EU citizens: the same rules apply
The investment route is the same for every non-EU investor, so Canadians, Australians, New Zealanders and Brits apply exactly as described here. Only a few points differ:
- Canada
- Australia
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- Japan
- South Korea
- + other visa-free countries
| Short stays | 90 days in any 180-day period. |
|---|---|
| Home-country tax | US citizens remain taxable in the US on worldwide income; most other nationals who move are taxed only where they live. |
| Tax treaty with Cyprus | Cyprus has about 65–70 tax treaties, including with the US, Canada and the UK. |
| Documents from abroad | Need an apostille; the US, Canada (since 11 Jan 2024), the UK, Australia and NZ issue them.Source: HCCH: Apostille Convention status table |
At a Glance
Cyprus Investment Residence in Numbers
Why Cyprus
Why Investors Choose Cyprus Permanent Residence
Cyprus's investment route (Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations) gives a permanent permit, a target processing time of about 2 months, English as a working language, and — if you actually move — attractive tax rules for non-domiciled residents. The important caveat: Cyprus is in the EU but not yet in Schengen, so the permit gives no extra Schengen travel rights.
One Investment. Permanent Residence.
Permanent permit · visit every 2 years · about 2-month target
The permit does not expire; the card is replaced every 10 years. You need to visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years, and each year you show that the investment is kept, the income continues and health insurance is in place.
Family Covered. Non-Dom Rules Available.
Spouse · children under 18 · students up to 25
One application covers your spouse, children under 18 and unmarried full-time students aged 18–25 who depend on you. Parents need their own investment since 2023. If you become tax resident, non-dom status means no defence contribution on dividends and interest for up to 17 of 20 years — US filing obligations remain.
2026 Investment Options
Qualifying Investments
Every option needs at least €300,000 (excluding VAT), proof of secure income of €50,000 a year, a clean criminal record and health insurance. The criteria were tightened in May 2023.
| Investment route | Minimum & key notes |
|---|---|
| New residential property €300,000+ excl. VAT | A new (first-sale) house or apartment bought from a developer. Resale homes do not qualify. VAT is added — 5% if it qualifies as your main residence, otherwise 19%. The €50,000 income must come from abroad. |
| Other real estate €300,000+ | Offices, shops, hotels or similar, or a combination. Resale properties qualify. |
| Share capital of a Cypriot company €300,000 | Investment in a company based and operating in Cyprus that employs at least 5 people. |
| Cyprus investment funds €300,000 | Units in a Cyprus investment organisation of collective investments (AIF, AIFLNP or RAIF). |
| Income requirement €50,000/yr + family | Secure annual income of €50,000, +€15,000 for a spouse and +€10,000 per child. For the new-residential route it must come from abroad; for other routes income taxed in Cyprus can count. |
A permanent EU residence permit, one visit every two years, English as a working language and a path to citizenship if you move — with one important caveat: Cyprus is not yet Schengen.
Step by Step
The Application Process
Choose and check your investment (months 1–2)
With your Cypriot lawyer, pick the qualifying investment and run due diligence — title and planning status for property, operations and the 5-employee rule for a company, or the fund's eligibility. Get a Cypriot tax number and bank account, gather income proof (€50,000 + family amounts), an apostilled FBI background check and health insurance for the family.
Apply to the Migration Department
Make the investment and file the application with the Migration Department with proof of investment (title deed or contract, share or fund documents), income evidence, criminal records, passports, health insurance and family documents. The target is a decision about 2 months after a complete application.
Permit, yearly proof and the path to citizenship
Once approved you receive a permanent residence permit; the card is replaced every 10 years. Visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years and send yearly proof of investment, income and insurance. If you become tax resident you can register as non-domiciled. Citizenship requires 8 years of actual residence, Greek B1 and an exam on contemporary Cyprus.
Why Partner with Us
Our End-to-End Service
US and Cypriot specialists
Advisers who know the Cypriot criteria and the US side — FBAR for Cypriot accounts, FATCA and how the US–Cyprus treaty and non-dom rules interact.
Full-service support
From route selection and due diligence through tax number, bank account, income documents and the Migration Department application to permit collection.
Trusted local network
Vetted Cypriot lawyers, developers, fund managers and tax advisers with international experience.
Transparent process
Clear steps, regular updates and no investment commissions — our incentive is your successful permit.
Critical for Americans
What US Investors Must Know
Cyprus is not in Schengen
A Cypriot permanent residence permit does not give you longer stays in France, Italy, Germany or other Schengen countries — you keep the same 90 days in any 180 your US passport already gives you. Cyprus's accession was due at the EU Council in September 2026; check the status when you apply.
Non-dom helps in Cyprus — the IRS still taxes you
Non-dom status removes Cyprus defence contribution on dividends and interest, but the US taxes its citizens on worldwide income. The US–Cyprus treaty (in force since 1986) contains a saving clause, so relief comes mainly through foreign tax credits. Get cross-border advice before relying on it.
New homes only — and VAT on top
The residential option requires a new home bought from a developer, with VAT added (5% if it is your main residence and qualifies, otherwise 19%). Commercial property can be resale.
Document your income carefully
You must show secure yearly income of €50,000 plus family amounts — and for the residential route it must come from abroad. Pension statements, Social Security letters and regular investment income are relevant.
Citizenship needs real residence
The permit only needs a visit every 2 years, but citizenship needs 8 years of actual residence (7 of the last 10 plus the final 12 months), Greek B1 and an exam. Cyprus's citizenship-by-investment programme ended in November 2020. Directories like LocalVouch can help you find vetted, English-speaking Cypriot immigration lawyers.
Cyprus investment residence is right for you if
- You want permanent EU residence without moving now, and don't need Schengen travel rights.
- You can invest €300,000 and show €50,000 a year of secure income plus family amounts.
- You want to cover your spouse and dependent children under one application, with only a visit every 2 years required.
- You may later move to Cyprus and use its non-dom rules — after US tax advice.
The route is efficient, but success depends on a correctly chosen investment, complete income documents and yearly compliance. We connect you with trusted experts in Cyprus for every step.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does the Cyprus golden visa give citizenship?
No. It gives permanent residence. The citizenship-by-investment programme ended in November 2020. Citizenship is possible through naturalisation after 8 years of actual residence, Greek B1 and the "Knowledge of Contemporary Cyprus" exam.
Is Cyprus in the Schengen Area?
Not yet. Cyprus is a full EU member, but as of September 2026 it is not a full Schengen member, so a Cypriot permit gives no Schengen travel rights beyond the standard 90 days in any 180.
How long does the Cyprus investment residence take?
The target is about 2 months from a complete application; biometrics and card issue can add time.
Who is included in the application?
Your spouse, children under 18 and unmarried full-time students aged 18–25 who depend on you. Since May 2023 parents and parents-in-law need their own investment.
How often must I visit Cyprus?
At least once every 2 years. You also send yearly proof that the investment is kept, your income continues and your health insurance is valid.
Cyprus
Everything about moving to Cyprus
Investor visas · other countries
Golden and investor visas in other countries
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