Cyprus Permanent Residence: €300,000 Investment Route Explained

Cyprus permanent residence for non-EU citizens runs through an expedited immigration permit for investors. You invest at least €300,000 in Cyprus and show secure income from abroad of at least €50,000 a year, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent minor child. The permit has unlimited validity, although the card is replaced every ten years, and the official estimate for examination is about two months.

It is residence, not citizenship, and it comes with conditions: you cannot take local employment (apart from directing your own investment company), you must settle within a year, and you must keep the investment. The policy is on the Migration Department page. Check the official page before you apply.

Who qualifies

You must be a third-country national with a clean criminal record, health insurance, and a plan to invest. You and your spouse must confirm you do not intend to work in Cyprus, except as directors of the company in which you invested.

Investment requirement

The applicant must invest at least €300,000 in one of four categories:

• A house or apartment bought for at least €300,000 plus VAT as a first sale from a development company
• Other real estate such as offices, shops or hotels, worth €300,000 in total, including resales
• €300,000 in the share capital of a Cyprus company with a real presence and at least five employees
• €300,000 in units of a Cyprus investment fund

Funds must be transferred from abroad, not borrowed domestically. For a house or apartment you may buy up to two units that together meet the value.

Income requirement

You must prove secure annual income of at least €50,000, which is about €4,167 a month, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent minor child. For a house or apartment purchase the income must come from abroad and be proven with a tax return from your country of tax residence, or, per the later clarification, certificates from an independent certified accountant. For other investments some income can come from Cyprus.

Documents you'll need

• Title deed or sale contract filed at the Department of Lands and Surveys, with payment receipts
• Evidence funds came from abroad
• Income proof and affidavit
• Clean criminal records from your home and residence countries
• Health insurance covering inpatient and outpatient care
• Official translations and certifications

Step-by-step application

1. Make the qualifying investment and gather proof of payment.
2. Prepare income evidence, criminal records and insurance.
3. Book an appointment and submit the application to the Migration Department in person or through an authorised representative.
4. Pay the €500 fee and €70 per person for the Aliens Registration Certificate, where needed.
5. Await the decision, which the policy estimates at about two months from a complete application.
6. Settle in Cyprus within one year of approval.

Costs and timeline

Government fees are low (€500 plus €70 per person); the investment, VAT, legal and transfer fees are the real cost.

Ongoing conditions

You must give the Migration Department annual evidence that you maintain the investment and health insurance if you are no longer covered by the national health scheme. Adults must provide clean criminal records every three years. The permit ceases if you acquire permanent residence abroad or are absent from Cyprus for two years.

Taxes once you're resident

Cyprus tax residency generally starts after 183 days. The 2026 reform made the first €22,000 tax-free and set a top rate of 35% above €72,000. Secondary sources say non-domiciled residents get relief from the defence levy on dividends, interest and rent for up to 17 years. Ask a Cyprus tax adviser.

Family members

The permit covers your spouse and children under 18. Unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who study abroad and depend on you can apply separately if you show an additional €10,000 of annual income for each.

Alternatives

• Remote worker rather than investor? See the Cyprus digital nomad visa.
• Other investor routes: the Malta Permanent Residence Programme and the Greece golden visa.
• Compare them in the table below.

Thresholds and rules change often. Each route links to its official government page: confirm there before you apply. Not legal advice.

• Read the Cyprus country guide and the guide to Limassol before choosing where to buy.