The Cyprus Golden Visa is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU/EEA Nationals to gain immediate permanent residency by making a qualifying investment. The Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department administers the program, which requires a minimum investment of 300,000 in real estate and proof of a minimum income of €50,000 from abroad
This is not a citizenship by investment program, but it’s easy to assume because Cyprus once had an investment-based citizenship program that has now been closed. However, the residency by investment program stands out because it gives you instant permanent residency with a low investment in a thriving real estate market, in a country located in the best possible position. It is an Eastern Mediterranean country, at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, so perfect for doing business across borders.
From a professional perspective, we at Global Citizen Solutions believe the Cyprus Golden Visa is a gem among the many European programs. It can be the perfect option for someone who is business-oriented, looking to establish a base in Europe, and take advantage of its strategic positioning.
This guide will take you through everything about the Cyprus residency by investment program, from eligibility requirements and documents to the application process and more.
Cyprus Golden Visa: Key Takeaways
Cyprus Golden Visa: 2026 Quick Facts
| Minimum Investment | €300,000 (excluding VAT) |
| Minimum Income Requirement | €50,000 per year (+ €15,000 for spouse, €10,000 per child) |
| Decided by | Decided by Civil Registry and Migration Department |
| Processing Time | 2-4 months |
| Residency Type | Permanent residency (lifetime validity) |
| Citizenship Eligibility | Not included and not guaranteed |
| Family Inclusion | Spouse and children up to 25 years old |
| Stay Requirement | Visit Cyprus once every 2 years |
| Investment Options | Real estate, company shares, or investment funds |
What is the Cyprus Golden Visa Program?
The Cyprus Golden Visa, also known as the Permanent Residence Program, is a residency by investment program that allows non-EU nationals and their families to live in Cyprus permanently. You can qualify by investing at least €300,000 through approved investment routes, such as property or a Cyprus-based company. As an interested applicant, you are also required to prove a minimum annual income of €50,000 from abroad.
The Cyprus permanent residency by investment program is one worth considering because it gives you and your qualifying family members permanent residency for life. You can also benefit from tax regimes like the Cyprus Non-Domiciled Tax program. Through this program, you get to set up your European footprint in a country at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Whether you are looking for more business opportunities or a Mediterranean escape, Cyprus ticks all the boxes.
Investment Options for the Cyprus Golden Visa
The Cyprus residency by investment program can lead you to Permanent residency through a few investment options.
1. Buy a residential property
One of the most well known investment options is the real estate one. You can qualify by investing at least €300,000 (excluding VAT) in a new residential property. You need to pay at least €200,000 plus VAT before applying. The funds have to come from outside the country and be transferred through a local bank.
2. Buy a commercial property
Another real estate option for investors who are looking at the commercial side of property investment is investing least €300,000 (excluding VAT) in commercial real estate. These properties can also be resold later which is a major plus for investors who prioritize flexibility.
3. Invest in the share capital of a Cypriot company
If real estate is not part of your investment portfolio, you can choose to invest least €300,000 in a Cyprus-based company. The company has to have a physical presence and employ at least five Cypriot or EU citizens. You can own shares, manage the business, and earn income through dividends.
4. Invest in an approved Cyprus investment fund
If you want a more hands off investment then there is also the option to invest €300,000 in a regulated Cyprus investment fund, such as an AIF, UCITS, or RAIF. The fund should be approved by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and based in Cyprus. You must provide proof of your investment.
Benefits of the Cyprus Golden Visa
- Low investment: 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, which opens up opportunities for business expansion and growth.
- Tax optimization: The Cyprus non-domiciled tax program helps reduce your tax burden by offering 0% SDC on dividends and interest for qualifying tax residents.
- 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, 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.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualifying investment | Applicants must invest at least €300,000 in one of the approved investment options. The investment must meet the conditions applicable to the selected investment category. |
| Annual income | 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. The income must come from abroad and can include salaries, pensions, dividends, interest or rental income. |
| Criminal record | Applicants must provide a clean criminal record from their home country and any country where they have lived in recent years. |
| Accommodation in Cyprus | Applicants must provide evidence of accommodation in Cyprus where the investment is in commercial spaces, company shares or investment funds, as applicable. |
| Residence requirement | There is no minimum stay requirement, but applicants must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain their residency. |
| Declaration of intent | Applicants must provide a declaration confirming their intention not to work in Cyprus, except as a company director. |
Who can be included as dependents?
- 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
Ongoing requirements (after approval)
Since May 2023, applicants are required to provide proof every year to the Civil Registry and Migration Department to show they meet stricter rules:
- The investment is maintained
- That he/she maintains the same required income that is defined for him/her and his/her dependents
- That he/she still retains an active insurance policy for himself/her and his/her dependents
- 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.
Cyprus Golden Visa Document Checklist
The documents you need for your application depend on your investment choice for permanent residency. It is possible for the Cypriot authorities to ask for extra documents if needed. It’s best to get help from an immigration expert like Global Citizen Solutions, to get help at every step of the way and fully understand all the requirements.
| Document | What it should demonstrate |
|---|---|
| Completed application form | A completed and signed Cyprus Golden Visa application. |
| Valid passport | Identity and nationality of the main applicant and any dependents. Provide copies of valid passports. |
| Curriculum vitae (CV) | The applicant’s education and professional experience. |
| Proof of investment | Evidence of the qualifying investment, such as the property sale contract or title deed, or bank transfer receipts showing the required €300,000 investment. |
| Proof of source of funds | Evidence showing where the investment funds came from, such as bank statements and, where applicable, an employment contract. |
| Proof of annual income | Evidence of the required annual foreign income of €50,000 for the main applicant, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child. Tax returns or bank statements may be used as evidence. |
| Criminal record certificate | An original criminal record certificate from the applicant’s country of residence. It must be officially translated into English and is required for applicants aged 16 and over. |
| Marriage certificate | Where applicable, a certified marriage certificate that has been officially translated into English. |
| Children’s birth certificates | Where applicable, certified birth certificates together with evidence of dependency, such as school enrolment letters. |
| Health insurance | Proof of health insurance coverage for the applicant and eligible family members. |
| Passport-sized photographs | Recent passport-sized photographs for each applicant. |
| Statement of intent | A signed declaration confirming 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
Step-By-Step Application Process for the Cyprus Golden Visa
01/ Preparation and eligibility check with Global Citizen Solutions
Before starting the Golden Visa process, begin by checking if you meet the requirements. The best way forward is to talk to one of our professionals at Global Citizen Solutions to review your profile and get a plan tailored to you.
02/ Choose and complete your investment
After ticking all the eligibility boxes, you will then need to fulfill the investment you have chosen. This is done before submitting your application.
03/ Prepare and legalize your documents
One of the most important steps is to make sure all your documents are correct, legalized, and translated. The process of collecting documents can take time, so make sure you have birth certificates, marriage certificates, police clearance certificates, and any other required paperwork early.
04/ Submit your application
If you work with Global Citizen Solutions, we will act as your legal representative and submit your application to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus. You will also pay the €500 government fee at this stage.
05/ Get approval and provide biometrics
After your application is approved. It will be time for you and your family to travel to Cyprus for your biometrics. This needs to be done within one year of approval. Each person will also pay €70 for the Alien Registration Certificate (ARC).
06/ Receive your residence permit
After your biometric appointment, your residence permit card will be issued in about 40 days. This gives you permanent residency in Cyprus.
Citizenship Boundaries
- You must live in Cyprus for 7 years within a 10-year period
- You must live there full-time for the last 12 months before applying
- During that final year, you can only be away for up to 90 days total.
- Pass a Greek language test: B1 level
- Pass the civic knowledge test
How much does the Cyprus Golden Visa cost?
These are the official government fees from the Civil Registry and Migration Department associated with the Cyprus residency by investment program.
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| VAT | 19% on new property. A reduced 5% rate is available for a qualifying primary residence, subject to conditions. | 5% applies to your first primary home. 19% is the standard rate for other properties |
| Government application fee | €500 on submission. | One-time fee covering the main applicant, spouse, and minor children |
| Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) | €70 per person, where one is not already held. | Required registration fee for each applicant |
| Property transfer fees | Normally not payable on a new property purchase subject to VAT. | Small tax based on the property purchase value |
Cyprus Golden Visa Taxes
When you have permanent residency through the Cyprus Golden Visa, you won’t be recognized as a tax resident yet. Your tax residence depends on how many days you spend in Cyprus. You can qualify under the two tests below:
- 183-day test: More than 183 days in Cyprus in a calendar year.
- 60-day test: This is an alternative for internationally mobile people, but all four of these conditions must be met in the same year:
- spending at least 60 days in Cyprus
- Not spending more than 183 days in any other single country.
- Have a Cyprus business, employment, or directorship that is not terminated during the year.
- Have a permanent home in Cyprus, owned or rented.
Tax benefits for residents and non-residents in Cyprus
| Tax Optimization | Updated Details (Cyprus 2026 Rules) |
|---|---|
| Non-Domicile (Non-Dom) Tax Status | The program lasts for 17 tax years starting from your first year as a Cyprus tax resident. You can extend it twice, for five years each, by paying €250,000 per extension. Dividends and interest are exempt from SDC, but you still need to pay income tax, GESY, and any foreign taxes. Rental income is now exempt from SDC for everyone. |
| Personal Income Tax Thresholds (2026) | 0% to €22,000; 20% to €32,000; 25% to €42,000; 30% to €72,000; 35% above |
| Capital Gains Tax | A 20% tax applies to immovable property in Cyprus and to shares in companies where at least 20% of their value comes from Cyprus property. Most securities are exempt from this tax. |
| No Wealth or Inheritance Taxes | Inheritance tax, wealth tax and annual property tax are not charged. |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory 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.
