Cyprus permanent residency in 2026

Cyprus offers a compelling opportunity for international investors to secure Permanent Residency through property investment, with a minimum threshold of €300,000 — a distinctive programme within the European Union. This guide outlines the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and key steps involved in the Permanent Residence application process.

Benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residency

• Permanent Residency with No Expiry eliminates the need for renewal.
• Minimal Residency Obligations by spending just two days in Cyprus every two years.
• The entire application can be completed without the need to visit Cyprus.
• Spouses and children under 25 can be included in the application.
• Cyprus offers attractive tax incentives for individuals with passive income and enterprises.
• After seven years of residency, investors may apply for Cypriot citizenship.

Cyprus Permanent Residence by Investment

Cyprus grants a Long-Term Residence Permit to international investors who purchase property worth €300,000 or more (plus VAT). Investors may acquire one or multiple properties, provided the combined value meets the minimum threshold.

To qualify for the Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme, investors are required to purchase property that falls within the following categories:

• One or two residential units purchased directly from a developer.
• The number of bedrooms must align with the needs of the investor’s family. If the property does not meet this requirement, proof of an additional property for living purposes (owned or rented) must be provided.
• New or resale commercial properties, including offices, retail spaces, hotels, or a combination of such assets.

When purchasing property in Cyprus, the standard VAT rate is 19%. However, for buyers acquiring their first and only residential property on the island, a reduced VAT rate of 5% applies, offering a compelling incentive.

The readiness status of a property is not a prerequisite for PR eligibility — whether purchasing at the excavation stage or during construction, flexibility remains a key advantage.

Properties acquired under the reduced VAT scheme are not permitted to be leased, distinguishing this programme from similar initiatives across other European markets.

Submitting an application for Cyprus Permanent Residency (PR) can be seamlessly completed online, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to the island. Leave your request to connect with Tranio’s dedicated experts and get a tailored selection of properties suited to your strategy.

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Cyprus Permanent Residency Application Process

Securing Permanent Residency in Cyprus through property investment involves key steps outlined below:

1. Determine preferences such as property type (commercial or residential), budget, location, and additional considerations. Identify a shortlist of suitable properties, with the option to arrange in-person viewings or conduct virtual tours.
2. Finalise and sign the sale-purchase contract for the chosen property.
3. Compile the necessary documents, including certified translations into Greek, to support the application.
4. Submit a deposit, typically ranging from 30% to 40% of the property’s value.
5. Settle the remaining balance, with a minimum investment threshold of €300,000 required to qualify for Permanent Residency. Full payment must be completed prior to application submission.
6. Lodge the application and supporting documents with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
7. Within one year of application approval, visit Cyprus to provide biometric data.

Applicant Eligibility Criteria

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Have no criminal convictions or sanctions.
• Demonstrate a stable annual income sourced outside Cyprus, amounting to €50,000 for the primary applicant, plus an additional €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per minor child (spousal income may be included).
• Have no intention of engaging in employment in Cyprus, except in a managerial capacity within a company.

Eligible family members may apply for Permanent Residency alongside the primary applicant, including:

• Spouse.
• Minor children.
• Unmarried children under 25, provided they are students outside Cyprus and financially dependent on the applicant.

For adult children not meeting the above criteria, inclusion requires an additional investment of €300,000 per child, accompanied by evidence of their own annual income of at least €50,000.

Timelines and Costs of Cyprus Permanent Residency

Processing times for Cyprus Permanent Residency (PR) have recently extended due to a surge in application volumes. Currently, applicants can expect to receive their residency card within 5 to 9 months.

The cost of securing Permanent Residency comprises the following expenses:

• VAT at 19% (or a reduced rate of 5% for the purchase of a sole residential property).
• Legal fees starting from €5,000.
• €500 registration duty for residential property.
• €500 government fee for application submission.
• €70 registration fee for third-country nationals.

The transaction and PR application process can be completed entirely online, without the need to visit Cyprus. A single trip to the island is required only to submit biometric data, which can be scheduled within one year following application approval.

Required Documents for Cyprus Permanent Residency

• A valid passport with at least two years’ remaining validity, accompanied by notarised copies of all relevant pages.
• Proof of property ownership (or, if not yet issued, a signed sale-purchase agreement and evidence of payment).
• Bank statements verifying a consistent annual income from abroad of at least €50,000 for the primary applicant, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per minor child;
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• A certificate confirming the absence of a criminal record.
• Notarised copies of marriage and birth certificates (if applying with family members).
• A formal declaration from the applicant and spouse confirming no intent to undertake employment in Cyprus.
• A concise résumé outlining the applicant’s background and intentions for residing in Cyprus.

Additional documents may be requested based on the advice of an immigration lawyer. For a comprehensive list, please refer to the official website of the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Cyprus Permanent Residency F-Type Visa

Under Cyprus legislation, individuals with substantial passive income — sufficient to sustain a comfortable lifestyle on the island without the need for employment — may also qualify for Permanent Residency under Category F.

The minimum annual income required is €9,568 for the applicant, plus an additional €4,613 per dependent. The Civil Registry and Migration Department notes that this category predominantly attracts retirees.

To secure Permanent Residency under Category F, applicants must substantiate their income and provide evidence of accommodation in Cyprus, such as a rental agreement or proof of property ownership. However, this type of Permanent Residency will be revoked if the holder is absent from Cyprus for a continuous period of two years.

Alternative Ways to Get Cyprus Permanent Residency

• Acquire shares in actively operating Cypriot companies valued at €300,000 or more.
• Invest a minimum of €300,000 in Cypriot mutual funds.
• After three years of marriage, including at least two years residing in Cyprus, a foreign spouse may apply for either PR or citizenship directly.