Famagusta-cyprusThe Cyprus Golden Visa program offers a path to permanent residency for non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who make qualifying investments, such as purchasing property or starting a business in Cyprus.

This visa allows individuals to live, work, and study in Cyprus. After a few years, it can also lead to European citizenship and a Cyprus passport through the naturalization process.

To qualify, applicants must meet specific investment requirements, including a minimum property purchase. Once approved, they can enjoy the benefits of permanent residency and future citizenship opportunities.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the Cyprus Golden Visa, including its requirements and how to apply.

This is more of what will be covered:

What is the Cyprus Golden Visa Program?

The Cyprus Golden Visa program is an immigration scheme that offers permanent residency to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals who make a qualifying investment in Cyprus. This program, also known as the Cyprus Investment Visa or the Cyprus Investoo Visa, allows individuals to live, work, and study in Cyprus while benefiting from its favorable lifestyle, healthcare, and business opportunities.

Qualifying investments for the Cyprus Golden Visa 2025 include:

  • Purchasing real estate worth at least €300,000.
  • Investing in shares of a business that employs at least five people.
  • Contributing to a Cyprus Collective Investment Organization.

Once approved, investors and their families receive Cyprus permanent residency status. This status does not require continuous residence in Cyprus, but applicants must visit the country at least once every two years to maintain their residency. The program provides a fast track to permanent residency with minimal stay requirements, making it an attractive option for investors looking to relocate to Cyprus.

Benefits of the Cyprus Golden Visa

  • Low investment: The Cyprus Investment Vosa has one of the lowest real estate investments required in Europe, with the potential for return on investment (ROI).
  • Family inclusion: The program covers the applicant’s spouse, dependent children, and unmarried adult children who are studying.
  • Geographical advantage: Cyprus provides easy access to the EU, the Middle East, and Africa, opening up opportunities for business expansion and growth.
  • Tax optimization: The non-domiciled program offers the option to optimize your tax situation, reducing tax liabilities.
  • Citizenship pathway: After residing in Cyprus for seven years with a Golden Visa, applicants can apply for citizenship and obtain a Cypriot Golden passport.
  • Residency maintenance: No need to live in Cyprus full-time, but applicants must visit at least once every two years to maintain residency.
  • Exit flexibility: Investors can sell their property after five years, provided they maintain an investment worth at least €300,000.
  • Lifestyle benefits: The program allows applicants to live, work, and study in Cyprus while enjoying access to quality healthcare, education, and a high standard of living in a warm climate with English as the main language.

Eligibility Requirements for the Cyprus Golden Visa

In May 2023, Cyprus introduced new rules for the Golden Visa, updating the requirements for dependents and proof of income. These changes set the new eligibility criteria for permanent residency.

  • Applicants must invest at least €300,000 in one of the approved investment options.
  • The main applicant must have a secured annual income of at least €50,000, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per dependent child. This income must come from abroad and may include salaries, pensions, dividends, interest, or rental income. It must be proven through a tax return declaration from the applicant’s country of tax residence, and the spouse’s income can also be considered.
  • Applicants must provide a clean criminal record from their home country and any country where they have lived in recent years.
  • Evidence of accommodation in Cyprus (where investment is commercial spaces, company shares or investment funds, per above).
  • While there is no minimum stay requirement, the applicant must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain residency.
  • A complete declaration of intention not to work in the Republic is required, except for being a company director.

Who qualifies as a dependent?

  • Spouses and children under the age of 18 (same-sex marriage not yet recognized).
  • Children between 18-25 if:
    • Are students in a Cyprus tertiary education institution;
    • Are unmarried;
    • Bring documents to prove student status;
    • Apply separately for a student visa;
    • The parents satisfy the income requirements

Since May 2023, applicants must provide proof every year to the Civil Registry and Migration Department to show they meet stricter rules:

  1. The investment is maintained
  2. That he/she maintains the same required income that is defined for him/her and his/her dependents
  3. That he/she still retains an active insurance policy for him/her and his/her dependents
  4. The applicant must submit a clean criminal record certificate from himself/herself and dependents from their country of origin and from the Republic of Cyprus.

Investment Options for the Cyprus Golden Visa

These are the main routes to qualify for the Cyprus Golden Visa.

Buy a Residential Property

One way to gain permanent residency in Cyprus is by investing €300,000 (excluding VAT) in a residential property. At least €200,000 plus VAT must be paid before applying. The funds must come from abroad, not be borrowed in Cyprus, and be deposited in a local bank before reaching the seller’s account.

Buy a commercial property

To qualify for a commercial property real estate investment, the investor must buy a property such as an office, shop, hotel, or a similar development with a minimum value of € 300,000 – excluding VAT. The property or properties purchased can be resold.

Invest in a share capital of a Cypriot Company

To establish a business in Cyprus, the company must have a physical presence and employ at least five Cypriot or EU citizens. Investors can own shares and manage the company, with either them or their spouses serving as unpaid directors. By investing €300,000 and meeting the employment requirement, investors gain full control over their business and can benefit from dividend income.

Invest in the Cyprus Investment Fund Association

To qualify for the Cyprus Golden Visa, investors must invest €300,000 in a fund registered in Cyprus as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), UCITS, or Registered Alternative Investment Fund (RAIF). The fund must be regulated by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and have a physical presence in Cyprus. Applicants must also obtain a certificate from the fund confirming their investment amount to ensure compliance with Cypriot regulations.

Cyprus Golden Visa Document Checklist

The documents you need for your application depend on your investment choice for permanent residency. Authorities may ask for extra documents if needed. It’s best to get help from an immigration expert to understand all the requirements.

In general, the following documents are needed for the Cypriot Golden Visa:

  1. Application form – Completed and signed Golden Visa application.
  2. Valid passport – Copies of passports for the applicant and any dependents.
  3. Curriculum vitae (CV) – A detailed CV showing your education and work experience.
  4. Proof of investment – Contract of sale or title deed for the purchased property in Cyprus, OR Bank transfer receipts showing a minimum investment of €300,000.
  5. Proof of funds source – Bank statements confirming where the investment funds came from. Employment contract (if applicable).
  6. Annual income proof – Documents showing an annual foreign income of at least €50,000 (plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child). Acceptable proof includes tax returns or bank statements.
  7. Criminal record certificate – Original certificate from the applicant’s country of residence. Must be officially translated into English and required for applicants 16 and older.
  8. Marriage certificate (if applicable) – Certified and officially translated into English.
  9. Children’s birth certificates (if applicable) – Certified copies with proof of dependency (e.g., school enrollment letters).
  10. Health insurance – Coverage proof for all family members.
  11. Passport-sized photos – Recent photos for each applicant.
  12. Statement of intent – A signed declaration stating that the applicant will not work in Cyprus except as a company director.

Legalizing documents

All documents must be officially translated into Greek or English. If your country is part of the Apostille Convention, an Apostille stamp is required; otherwise, it must be legalized by both your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Application Timeline for the Cyprus Golden Visa

Month 1

Submit application to the Cypriot government

Month 2

Invest and get your application approved by the Cypriot authorities

Month 3

Acquire your Cyprus residence permit

Year 7

Apply for a passport

Step-By-Step Application Process for the Cyprus Golden Visa

  • Choose your investment: Determine the type of investment that aligns with your goals and meets the criteria for residency in Cyprus.
  • Make the required investment: Upon submitting your application, ensure you’ve invested at least €200,000 as part of the process.
  • Prepare your documents: Gather all necessary documentation to support your application and ensure everything is in order.
  • Complete the application form: Fill out the application form accurately and thoroughly to avoid any delays.
  • Open a local bank account: Set up a bank account in Cyprus to manage your investment and other financial transactions.
  • Submit your application: Submit your completed application, along with all required documents, to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
  • Pay the application fee: Ensure that the application fee is paid as part of your submission process.
  • Await approval: Once your application is submitted, wait for the official approval. This step is crucial to moving forward with your investment.
  • Receive confirmation: If your application is approved, you will receive a letter confirming your chosen investment route. Proceed with the investment according to the approved plan.
  • Complete biometric requirements: Once approved, travel to Cyprus to complete your biometrics and obtain your permanent residence permit, which is valid for 10 years.
  • Maintain your residence: To keep your residency status active, visit Cyprus at least once every two years.

How to Obtain Cyprus Citizenship

Cyprus Golden Visa holders who maintain their residency for a period of seven years are eligible for citizenship application, provided they have held their investment and stayed in the Republic for a consistent year before their application.

Individuals must submit their application to the relevant Cypriot authorities and prove that they possess a clean criminal record. Applicants must pass a Level B1 Greek Language examination to obtain the Cyprus Golden Visa.

Spouses and dependents are also eligible for citizenship applications, which can be passed down to future generations. The Cypriot passport gives its holders the right to travel visa-free across 168 countries and enables them to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union.

How Much Does the Cyprus Golden Visa Cost?

To qualify for the Cyprus Investor Visa and obtain permanent residency, applicants must invest at least €300,000 in Cyprus. This investment must be made using approved options specified by the Cypriot government. In addition to the investment, applicants should also consider various fees and costs, including:

  • Application Fee: €500 for the main applicant (includes the spouse).
  • Additional Fees: €500 for each dependent aged 18 or older.
  • Alien Registration Certificate (ARC): €70 per person.
  • Translation & Notarization: Documents may need translation and notarization, depending on the country of origin.
  • Apostille/Legalization: Required based on document origin.

Property-Related Costs

  • VAT: The standard rate is 19%, but a reduced 5% VAT applies to new residential properties if eligibility conditions are met.
  • Stamp Duty: 0.15%–0.2%.
  • Property Transfer Fees: 3%–8%.
  • Legal & Other Fees: Additional costs may apply based on the transaction.

Cyprus Golden Visa Taxes

In Cyprus, you can become a tax resident by meeting either of the following conditions:

  • Spend 183 days or more in Cyprus within a calendar year or
  • Qualify under the 60-day rule, which requires:
    • Spending at least 60 days in Cyprus
    • Having Cyprus as your main base for business or employment
    • Owning or renting a permanent residence in Cyprus
    • Not being a tax resident in any other country

Domicile

For tax purposes, you are considered domiciled in Cyprus if you have a Cypriot domicile of origin (based on birth and family ties) unless you’ve lived outside Cyprus for at least 17 of the past 20 years, or even without a Cypriot domicile of origin, you can acquire a domicile of choice if you’ve lived in Cyprus for more than 17 years out of the past 20 years.

While the Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment doesn’t automatically make you a tax resident, if you meet the residency conditions, Cyprus offers a favorable tax regime.

Tax Optimization

Details

Non-Domicile (Non-Dom) Tax Status

Individuals not domiciled in Cyprus (lived outside Cyprus for 17 of the last 20 years) benefit from exemptions on Special Defence Contribution (SDC) tax, including:

Exemption from Special Defence Contribution (SDC) tax, including:

- No taxation on dividends, interest, or rental income (except minimal income tax)

- Attractive for high-net-worth individuals with global investments

Personal Income Tax Exemptions

- First €19,500 of annual income is tax-free

- Foreign income (e.g., pensions) taxed at lower rates, with 5% tax on foreign pensions over €3,420

- Income tax exemptions for new residents:

- 50% exemption on income over €100,000 for the first 17 years

- 20% exemption (up to €8,550) for the first 7 years

No Wealth Tax or Inheritance Tax

No wealth or inheritance taxes, making it favorable for estate planning.

Capital Gains Tax Exemption

No tax on profits from selling securities (e.g., shares or bonds).

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cyprus Golden Visa

What is the Cyprus Golden Visa?

The Cyprus Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that grants permanent residency to non-EU nationals who invest at least €300,000 in real estate or other eligible assets. It allows the investor and their family to live in Cyprus and travel freely within the EU Schengen Zone. The visa is typically processed within two months and includes dependents.

How much investment is required for the Cyprus Golden Visa?

The Cyprus Golden Visa program offers non-EU citizens the opportunity to gain permanent residency and potential citizenship by making a qualifying investment of at least €300,000 in Cyprus.

Can I include my family members in my Cyprus Golden Visa application?

Yes, you can include your family members in your Cyprus Golden Visa application. Eligible dependents include your spouse and children under 18. Adult children up to 25 can also be included if they are financially dependent on you and studying. Since May 2023, parents and in-laws can no longer be added as dependents.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Cyprus Golden Visa?

There are ample benefits to acquiring residency in Cyprus, including the right to live in Cyprus freely, as well as the right to travel visa-free to all of Europe, Norfolk Island, the Virgin Islands, and the Caicos Islands. You also have the possibility of obtaining EU citizenship after seven years. A key perk to take note of is that as a resident in Cyprus, you are covered by the country’s national healthcare system, which is free.

Is obtaining Cyprus citizenship possible?

Yes, obtaining Cyprus citizenship is possible through descent, marriage, or naturalization. Citizenship by descent is available if at least one parent is Cypriot. Spouses of Cypriot citizens can apply after three years of marriage and cohabitation. For naturalization, you must legally reside in Cyprus for at least seven years (or five years if you are a high-skilled professional) and meet language and integration requirements.

How long does it take to obtain a Cyprus Golden Visa?

It takes around three months for your Golden Visa application to be approved, making it one of the fastest programs to process your permanent residence permit.

Do I have to visit Cyprus to maintain my Golden Visa?

Yes, you need to travel to Cyprus for at least one day every two years in order to maintain your investment.

What are some other popular golden visa programs?

Some other programs include Golden Visa Greece, Golden Visa Portugal, and Golden Visa Spain.

What is a Cyprus Golden passport?

The Cyprus Golden Passport was a citizenship by investment program that allowed foreign investors to obtain Cypriot citizenship in exchange for a significant financial contribution. It granted full EU citizenship without a residency requirement. The program was terminated in 2020. However, Cyprus still offers a Golden Visa that provides permanent residency through investment.

What is the Cyprus Golden Visa requirements?

The Cyprus Golden Visa program provides non-EU citizens with a straightforward path to permanent residency and eventual citizenship in Cyprus through a qualifying investment of €300,000. To be eligible, you must be a non-EU, non-EEA, or non-Swiss national, over the age of 18, and possess sufficient legal funds to make the investment. This program not only offers a secure future in Cyprus but also opens the door to the benefits of living in the European Union.

Can I work in Cyprus with a Golden Visa?

No, the Cyprus Golden Visa program does not permit the applicant or dependents the right to work in the republic. You will also be required to prove you have sufficient income while residing in Cyprus.

Is the Cyprus or Greece Golden Visa program better?

Those looking into EU citizenship by investment programs may wonder about whether the Greece or Cyprus permanent residence program are better? Both programs offer many benefits, however, with the newly changed Greece citizenship by investment program Cyprus may be the better choice to secure permanent residency as it is cheaper and quicker. Applicants should always consider their long-term goals when deciding on investment programs.