The Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme offers non-EU nationals the opportunity to obtain permanent residence through a qualifying investment.

It is an attractive option for investors and families seeking long-term security, a Mediterranean lifestyle and a base in an EU Member State, without being required to live permanently in Cyprus.

Key Benefits

• Permanent residence for the successful applicant and eligible family members.
• No requirement to reside permanently in Cyprus.
• Applicants must visit Cyprus at least once every two years.
• Access to high-quality private healthcare and education.
• A structured application procedure for qualifying investors.
• The opportunity to combine residency planning with property investment.

Permanent residency does not automatically provide Cyprus tax residency or an unrestricted right to work in Cyprus. These matters should be reviewed separately with qualified legal and tax advisers.

Main Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, the principal applicant must generally meet the following requirements:

• Make a qualifying investment of at least €300,000, plus VAT where applicable.
• Demonstrate a secure annual income of at least €50,000.
• Provide an additional €15,000 of annual income for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
• Provide a clean criminal record certificate.
• Maintain appropriate health insurance.
• Demonstrate that the investment funds originate from lawful sources.

Which Family Members Can Be Included?

The application may include:

• The applicant’s spouse.
• Dependent children under the age of 18.
• Unmarried children between 18 and 25 who are students and financially dependent.
• Children with disabilities, subject to the applicable conditions.

Each application is assessed individually, and additional supporting documents may be required.

Which Property Investments Qualify?

The most popular route is the purchase of new residential property with a minimum value of €300,000, excluding VAT.

The property must generally be purchased directly from a development company and can include a new apartment, penthouse or villa. Resale residential properties do not normally qualify under this investment category.

Other eligible investment categories may include commercial real estate, qualifying Cyprus companies and approved investment funds.

Application Process

The process generally includes the following steps:

1. Select a qualifying investment.
2. Complete the required legal and property checks.
3. Sign and deposit the sale agreement with the Cyprus Land Registry.
4. Provide evidence of payment, income and source of funds.
5. Prepare the required personal and family documents.
6. Submit the application to the competent Cyprus authorities.
7. Complete the required biometric registration following approval.

Processing times may vary depending on the application and the supporting documentation submitted.

Maintaining Permanent Residency

To maintain the permit, applicants must continue to meet the programme’s requirements, including:

• Keeping the qualifying investment or replacing it with another eligible investment.
• Maintaining the required annual income.
• Holding valid health insurance where applicable.
• Visiting Cyprus at least once every two years.
• Renewing the physical residence card when required.

Find a Qualifying Property with NESTIS Living

Choosing the right property is an important part of both the residency application and the investment itself.

NESTIS Living provides access to a wide selection of new apartments, penthouses and villas across Cyprus. We help buyers compare suitable properties, locations, prices, VAT considerations and delivery timelines while coordinating with their appointed legal and immigration advisers.

Contact NESTIS Living to explore properties that may qualify for the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information only and does not constitute legal, immigration, tax or investment advice. Programme requirements may change. Applicants should obtain professional advice and confirm the latest criteria with the competent Cyprus authorities before proceeding.