Cyprus Permanent Residency

There are four qualifying investment categories. The first is the purchase of up to two new residential properties with a total market value of at least EUR 300,000 plus VAT, sold by a land development company for the first time. The second is the purchase of commercial real estate such as offices, shops, or hotels with a minimum total value of EUR 300,000. The third is an investment of at least EUR 300,000 in the share capital of a Cyprus-registered company with a physical presence in Cyprus and at least five employees. The fourth is an investment of at least EUR 300,000 in units of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization of type AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF.

The primary applicant must be over 18 years old, of good character, without a criminal record, and make an investment in one of the qualifying investment options.

The spouse of the main applicant qualifies as a dependent. Dependent children of the main applicant or spouse up to 25 years old also qualify. For children between 18 and 25, proof of full-time attendance at a recognized educational institution is required.

The Cyprus Residence Permit is valid indefinitely and provides access to high-quality and affordable Cypriot healthcare and education. Holders may be granted a Multiple-Entry Schengen visa valid for up to 5 years. There is also a pathway to apply for Cyprus (EU) citizenship after an aggregate total of 7 years of continuous residence, provided the applicant has been staying in Cyprus for 12 consecutive months prior to the citizenship application. Cyprus also offers an attractive tax regime with no capital gains tax on the sale of shares or transfer of assets, no withholding tax on dividends and interest paid to non-residents, no inheritance tax, and one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at 12.5%.

Applicants must provide evidence of a secured annual income of at least EUR 50,000 sourced from outside Cyprus. An additional EUR 15,000 is required for each dependent spouse and EUR 10,000 for each dependent child included in the application.

The process begins with signing an MOU and paying a EUR 5,000 due diligence deposit to HLG, which is refundable if the applicant is found ineligible. The applicant then signs the Client Mandate Agreement with HLG, completes the application package, and arranges a first visit to Cyprus. During that visit, the applicant views and purchases qualifying properties, executes the application package before Cyprus lawyers, submits the completed application to the Ministry of Interior, and provides biometric data. The application is then processed by the Ministry of Interior. If approved, the Residence Permit is issued and collected by Cyprus lawyers.

The processing time is approximately 6 to 9 months.

Yes. The applicant must travel to Cyprus at least once to provide biometric data for the Residence Permit. After approval, the applicant is required to visit Cyprus once every 2 years, with no minimum stay required.

Yes. Applicants are required to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to make the investment. The documents required will vary depending on the source of the investment funds.

Yes. The main applicant can sponsor their legally married spouse. They can also sponsor their children if they are under 18 years old, or if older, are financially dependent on the main applicant, typically up to 25 years old provided they are students.

No. Under Cypriot PR regulations, holders are not permitted to hold another country's permanent residence following Cyprus PR approval. This may require the applicant to give up residency in any country other than Cyprus.