Updated on January 5, 2025
Obtaining permanent residency in a Mediterranean country with tax preferences
Obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus is a unique opportunity for non-EU and non-EEA citizens and their families to secure legal permanent residence in Europe by investing in the country’s economy.
The Cyprus Golden Visa program offers a range of investment options and benefits for wealthy individuals. Popular choices include real estate investments and shares in local companies. Investors also enjoy the eligibility for European citizenship.
Cyprus permanent residency provides business opportunities, better quality of life prospects for families, and educational options for children.
€300,000
Minimum investment
9+ months
Processing time
Unlimited
Validity period
1
Investors and their families can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus, allowing them to live, work, and study there. The program allows for the inclusion of dependent family members, such as spouses and children.
Investors and their families can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus, allowing them to live, work, and study there. The program allows for the inclusion of dependent family members, such as spouses and children.
2
The application process for the Cyprus Golden Visa is relatively quick, taking about 9 months to complete.
The application process for the Cyprus Golden Visa is relatively quick, taking about 9 months to complete.
3
The most common way to qualify for the Cyprus Golden Visa is through a real estate investment. Investors can purchase residential or commercial property; the minimum investment threshold is €300,000.
The most common way to qualify for the Cyprus Golden Visa is through a real estate investment. Investors can purchase residential or commercial property; the minimum investment threshold is €300,000.
4
While real estate is the most common investment route, the Cyprus Golden Visa program also allows for investments in other sectors. Purchasing Cypriot securities or a company is also an option, provided they meet the minimum investment criteria of €300,000.
While real estate is the most common investment route, the Cyprus Golden Visa program also allows for investments in other sectors. Purchasing Cypriot securities or a company is also an option, provided they meet the minimum investment criteria of €300,000.
5
Cyprus offers favourable tax rates for residents, including no tax on worldwide dividends, no inheritance tax, and relatively low income tax rates. Legal entities enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the EU at 12.5%.
Cyprus offers favourable tax rates for residents, including no tax on worldwide dividends, no inheritance tax, and relatively low income tax rates. Legal entities enjoy one of the lowest tax rates in the EU at 12.5%.
6
Golden Visa holders can access Cyprus’s high-quality education and healthcare systems.
Golden Visa holders can access Cyprus’s high-quality education and healthcare systems.
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After holding a Golden Visa for usually five years, investors can apply for Cypriot citizenship, which grants them all the rights and benefits of EU citizenship.
After holding a Golden Visa for usually five years, investors can apply for Cypriot citizenship, which grants them all the rights and benefits of EU citizenship.
Over 18
With confirmed legal income of at least €50,000 per year
Without a criminal record
Not under sanctions
With a medical report and insurance
Over 18
In an officially registered marriage or civil partnership
If under 18: No specific conditions
If aged 18 to 25: Must be students, unmarried, and financially dependent on the investor
There are four investment options for applying to the Cyprus Golden Visa Program. All options require a minimum investment of €300,000. The payment must originate from outside the country. Additional expenses can include VAT, fees, and legal services.
1. Purchase of residential real estate
This option allows the purchase of one or two new properties with a total cost of at least €300,000 plus VAT. The standard VAT rate in Cyprus is 19%, but it is reduced to 5% if the investor buys the real estate solely for housing and does not plan to rent it.
2. Purchase of a commercial property
This includes offices, hotels, and stores. An investor can buy one or two properties, either new or resale, with a total investment of €300,000 or more plus VAT. In this case, VAT cannot be reduced.
3. Equity investment in a Cypriot company
An investor buys shares of a local company worth at least €300,000. The company must operate and have its office in the Republic of Cyprus, employing at least five people.
4. Purchase of the Cypriot securities
An investment of €300,000 or more should be made in units of the country’s funds in AIF, AIFNLP, or RAIF. Confirmation of the transactions costs around €1,000.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Cyprus investment program versus other Golden Visas
Cyprus offers a Golden Visa program catering to wealthy individuals looking to invest in Cypriot property, investment funds, or companies. The application process takes about 9 months.
01.
Immigration experts will explain the nuances of all investment types and advise on the most suitable option, considering the investor’s preferences.
02.
Investors must provide personal identification papers and documents confirming the sources of the invested funds. A lawyer assists with obtaining medical insurance, real estate agreements, document translation and apostille, and other legal matters.
03.
The applicant does not need to visit the island, as agents in Cyprus can submit the documents on their behalf. The government reviews the application within 2 to 4 months.
04.
The Migration service issues a letter of approval for the application.
05.
The investors must visit the island to submit their biometrics. The Cyprus permanent residence card is issued in about 40 days.
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Prospect of citizenship in 5 years after obtaining and maintaining the residence permit
Safe haven in a European country by the ocean
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free travel to the Schengen countries
Creating of a safe haven or moving to Italy
Special tax regime
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen Area
Relocation to a European country with an affordable cost of living
Tax optimisation with low rates
Investment amount — €250,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Possibility to live, study, and start a business in Greece
Prospect of citizenship in 7 years
Investment amount — €500,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Opportunity to live, study, and start a business in Spain
Prospect of citizenship in 10 years
Investment amount — €182,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries
Ability to live, study, start a business, and work in Malta
New family members can be added after the investor has received permanent residence
Investment amount — €600,000+
Visa-free entry to France and Spain
Simplified US and Schengen visas processing
Only 3-month residing a year to keep the residence permit
Investment amount — $870,000+
Moving to the USA or creating a safe haven
Opportunity to obtain US citizenship
Opening bank accounts in the USA
Investment amount — AED 2,000,000+
Residency for 10 years
Moving to the UAE or creating a “safe haven”
Tax optimisation
Opening a bank account in the UAE
Investment amount — $400,000+
Visa-free entry to Japan, Singapore, and other 100+ countries
Opportunity to obtain a US E‑2 business visa
A safe haven in a warm country by the sea
Investment amount — $200,000+
Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations
Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA
No taxes on dividends, interest, royalties, and capital gains for Dominica tax residents
Investment amount — $230,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries and the UK
Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA
Favorable investment conditions for families
Investment amount — $240,000+
Global mobility with 140+ visa-free destinations
Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA
No taxes on foreign income, dividends, and capital gains in St Lucia
Investment amount — $235,000+
Visa-free entry to the Schengen countries, the UK, and China
Eligibility for the US E‑2 business visa
No taxes on foreign income, dividends, interest, and royalties in Grenada
Investment amount — $250,000+
Global mobility with 150+ visa-free destinations
Opportunity to get a 10-year visitor visa to the USA
Possibility to become a tax resident and pay 0% personal income tax
Investment amount — $25,500+
Long-term visa to live in Thailand or create a safe haven for up to 15 years
Bonuses and privileges for visa holders
Tax optimisation
Investment amount — $130,000+
Fastest citizenship program in the world, with application processing within 1—4 months
Opportunity to get a 5-year visitor visa to the USA
Beneficial tax regime for companies for 20 years
