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European investment residence

Cyprus Permanent Residency

Buy a new-build home and show a stable income to obtain permanent residence in an EU member state directly.

Reviewed by Oscar Yip · Updated October 2026

Policy watch: on 24 September 2026 the Cyprus government announced it will tighten the investment permanent residency scheme before joining Schengen; details have not yet been published. The current rules still apply for now — subject to the latest official announcements.

Programme overview

Cyprus’s investment permanent residency programme lets non-EU nationals obtain a permanent residence permit directly by buying a new-build home, with no temporary residence first. Applicants must show a stable annual income from abroad.

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InvestmentEUR 300,000 (plus VAT)
StatusPermanent residence directly
Stay requirementVisit at least once every two years
FamilySpouse and dependent children

Summary

Cyprus permanent residency requires a new-build home worth at least EUR 300,000 (plus VAT), bought from a developer, with the full EUR 300,000 (excluding VAT) paid before applying from funds transferred from abroad. You must also show a stable annual income from abroad (EUR 50,000 for the main applicant, plus EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each child).

Key benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residency

  • Permanent residence in one stepYou receive a permanent permit directly, with no temporary stage and no periodic re-application.
  • One visit every two yearsVisit Cyprus at least once every two years to keep your status; no need to relocate.
  • Relatively quick processingOnce the file is complete, processing generally takes about two to six months.
  • Spouse and children includedYour spouse and children under 18 can be included; dependent children aged 18–25 studying abroad can apply in their own right.
  • EU member, English widely spokenCyprus is an EU member state where English is widely used and the legal system is based on English common law.
  • No automatic tax residencePR alone does not make you tax resident; if you later become tax resident but non-domiciled, dividends and interest are generally exempt from defence contribution.

Why Global Immigrate for Cyprus Permanent Residency

families approved
10+
approval rate
100%
offering this programme since
2019

Carefully selected qualifying assets

We shortlist properties, funds and investments against the official rules and our own criteria, so they qualify and also make sense as investments.

GI Group overseas property team

GI Group’s overseas property team helps you find, negotiate and buy — and later manage lettings.

Clear, transparent fees

All service fees and third-party costs are set out in writing before you sign — no hidden charges — and our refund terms are explained clearly.

Planning beyond immigration

GI Group’s teams can handle pre-immigration tax, asset allocation, your children’s education and overseas property at the same time, so the arrangements never conflict.

Requirements

Investment options

Choose one of the following options; the other requirements are listed below.

  1. Option 1EUR 300,000New-build home
    • Plus VAT
  2. Option 2EUR 300,000Commercial property
    • Office, shop or hotel; may be resale
  3. Option 3EUR 300,000Share capital in a Cypriot company
    • The company must employ at least 5 people
  4. Option 4EUR 300,000Cypriot collective investment fund

Applicants generally need to meet the following:

  • A stable annual income from abroad: EUR 50,000 for the main applicant, plus EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each child
  • The full EUR 300,000 (excluding VAT) paid before applying, from funds transferred from abroad
  • No criminal record, and a visit to Cyprus at least once every two years

Our three guarantees

Full service-fee refund if refused

Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.

No extra charge for further documents or resubmission

If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.

Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing

Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.

Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.

Free Cyprus Permanent Residency brochure

Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.

Application process

  1. Assessment and property search1–2 monthsWe shortlist qualifying new-build developments.
  2. Purchase1–2 monthsSign the sale contract and make the payments.
  3. ApplicationPer schedulingSubmit the permanent residence application and supporting documents.
  4. Permanent residenceUsually about 2–6 monthsOnce approved, receive your permanent residence permit.

Pathway to PR and citizenship

  1. Permanent residenceUsually about 2–6 months

    Cyprus permanent residence for you, your spouse and children under 18 directly, with no renewals; a child’s permit generally ends at 18, and dependent children aged 18–25 studying abroad can apply separately.

    Keeping permanent statusVisit Cyprus at least once every two years; keep the investment (with annual proof), keep health insurance (unless covered by GESY) and provide a clean criminal record certificate every three years

  2. Cypriot citizenshipAfter about 8 years of lawful residence in total

    PR does not lead directly to citizenship; you apply separately by naturalisation for an EU passport. You need Greek at B1 and basic knowledge of Cypriot political and social life, plus good character, suitable housing, stable means and the intention to live in Cyprus permanently.

    Residence for citizenshipThe 12 months before applying in Cyprus continuously (no more than 90 days away in total), plus at least 7 years in total in the 10 years before that

General information only; requirements follow each country’s latest rules and can vary with your circumstances.

Cyprus Permanent Residency client stories

More client stories

Compared with other options: Europe & Latin America Residency

See the Europe & Latin America Residency overview
ProgrammeInvestmentStatusTypical timelineBest for
Portugal Golden Visa (Fund Investment)EUR 500,000 (qualifying fund)Residence; permanent residence after five yearsUsually about 1.5–3 yearsEU residence without relocating
Greece Golden VisaFrom EUR 250,000 (by area)Five-year residence, renewable; PR after 5 years living thereDepends on processingSchengen residence through property
Cyprus Permanent ResidencyThis programmeEUR 300,000 (new-build home)Permanent residenceUsually about 2–6 monthsPermanent residence in an EU country directly
Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP)Buy from EUR 375,000 or rent, plus government fees of EUR 99,000Permanent residenceDepends on due diligenceThree generations wanting EU permanent residence
Panama Qualified Investor Permanent ResidencyNew-build property from USD 300,000Permanent residenceStatutory processing about 15 + 30 working daysPermanent residence in the Americas through US-dollar assets
Paraguay Investor Permanent ResidencyFrom USD 70,000 (real estate USD 200,000)Permanent residenceGenerally about 3–4 monthsA lower-cost permanent residence in South America

Cyprus Permanent Residency FAQ

Does it have to be a new home?

Yes. The property must be a new-build home sold by the developer for the first time.

Do I need to live in Cyprus?

No need to relocate, but you generally need to visit at least once every two years to keep your status.

Can I work?

Permanent residence itself does not include the right to take up employment in Cyprus, but you can hold company shares, act as a director and receive dividends.

When can I apply for citizenship?

Cyprus has ended citizenship by investment; naturalisation generally requires about seven years of lawful residence and Greek language ability (B1).

Sources

GI GroupAfter your new status: tax, succession, education and overseas property

Your tax residency, asset structure and succession arrangements matter most before you move. GI Group can handle tax planning, asset management and wealth succession, your children’s education overseas, and buying a home or investment property in your new country.

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