Your Complete Guide to Cyprus Residency by Investment 2025

Cyprus’ Residency by Investment program lets non-EU citizens secure permanent residency within six months by investing at least €300,000 in real estate, company shares, or regulated funds.

The program now requires a minimum annual income of €50,000 (plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child) after removing parents and parents in law from the list of eligible dependents in 2023.

Residency is granted for life, with only a short visit to Cyprus every two years to keep it active.

While it doesn’t yet offer Schengen access, it opens the door to EU stability, low taxes, and a high quality of life, making it one of the most attractive long-term bases in the Mediterranean.

Overview of Cyprus Residency by Investment

The Cyprus Residency by Investment (RBI) program offers a straightforward path to secure permanent residency for the investor and their family.

Unlike temporary permits, this status has no expiry date as long as you maintain your investment and meet the basic residency requirements.

Program benefits and EU advantages

While Cyprus is not yet part of the Schengen Area, it’s an EU member state, which means your residency is recognized within the bloc.

This offers political stability, investor protection under EU law, and the option to apply for citizenship after eight years of residence.

You also enjoy Cyprus’ competitive tax regime, strong banking sector, and easy access to Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Take a look at “Upcoming Schengen Countries List: New Member States” for a breakdown of the 2025 Schengen expansion, including the official addition of Romania and Bulgaria, and insights into what’s next for future candidates like Cyprus.

Key features and processing timeline

• Minimum investment: €300,000 in real estate, company shares, or regulated investment funds

• Annual income requirement: €50,000+, plus €15,000 for spouse and €10,000 per child

• Processing time: Around six months from application to approval

• Residency validity: Lifetime (visit Cyprus at least once every two years)

• Family coverage: Spouse and children under 18; unmarried dependent children aged 18–25 if in higher education

Historical context and program stability

Cyprus has offered investor residency since 2020, originally focusing on real estate buyers.

The program has evolved to tighten due diligence and diversify investment options.

The current RBI program is stable, transparent, and widely used by investors seeking a secure EU foothold without mandatory relocation.

Investment Requirements for Cyprus Residency by Investment

To qualify for Cyprus permanent residency in 2025, you need both a qualifying investment and proof of sufficient annual income.

The program is structured to attract genuine, long-term investors who can contribute to the local economy while maintaining financial independence.

Minimum Investment Threshold

The required investment is €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable). You can choose from the following approved categories:

Residential Real Estate

• Purchase of new (brand-new) houses or apartments worth at least €300,000.
• You may buy up to two properties from different developers, as long as the total value meets the threshold.
• Off-plan properties are eligible, even if delivery is in the future.
• If purchased jointly with a spouse, the combined value must meet the minimum requirement.

Commercial Real Estate

• Includes offices, shops, hotels, or mixed developments.
• Both new and resale properties are allowed.

Cyprus Company Shares

• Investment in share capital of a Cyprus-registered company with a physical presence on the island.
• The company must employ at least five people locally.

Units in Regulated Investment Funds

Purchase of units in AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF funds licensed in Cyprus.

Annual Income Requirement

• Minimum €50,000 for the main applicant
• Additional €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child
• If you invest in residential property, the income must be entirely from outside Cyprus
• For other investments, part of the income may be from within Cyprus but must be taxable in the country

Ongoing Obligations

To keep your residency active, you must:

• Maintain your investment
• Submit annual proof of holding it and a valid health insurance policy
• Provide updated criminal record certificates for yourself and dependents every three years

These requirements were last updated May 2, 2023, raising the income threshold and removing parents and parents-in-law from the list of eligible dependents, changes still in force for 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for Cyprus Residency by Investment

The Cyprus RBI program is designed for financially independent individuals who can invest responsibly and meet the government’s due diligence standards.

The rules apply not only to the main applicant but also to family members included in the application.

Main Applicant Requirements

• Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• Aged 18 or older
• Able to make the qualifying €300,000+ investment from funds transferred from abroad
• Able to prove a clean criminal record and lawful source of funds
• Must not intend to work in Cyprus (except as a company director in their own invested business)
• Must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain residency

Dependent Family Members

• Spouse — fully included under the same application
• Children under 18 — automatically covered
• Children aged 18–25 — must be unmarried, financially dependent, and enrolled in higher education. They can later keep their permit for life even after finishing studies
• Parents and parents-in-law are no longer eligible under the 2025 rules

Clean Criminal Record

• Certificates required from both the country of origin and the country of current residence (if different)
• Must be renewed every three years for all adult family members

Source of Funds Verification

• The investment amount must be transferred from outside Cyprus, typically via bank transfer
• Applicants must provide tax statements, bank confirmations, and/or auditor certificates proving the legality of their funds
• The government applies strict anti–money laundering checks to all incoming capital

These eligibility checks make the Cyprus program more selective than many older “golden visa” schemes, helping ensure its stability and compliance with EU expectations.

Benefits of Cyprus Citizenship

EU Freedom of Movement

Once you become a Cypriot citizen, you gain full EU rights. This means you can live, work, and study in any EU or EEA country, while also having access to public healthcare and education systems across the bloc.

Your citizenship also gives you the right to relocate family members under EU free movement rules, making it a powerful asset for both personal and professional mobility.

Global Visa-Free Travel

A Cypriot passport offers extensive travel freedom, with visa-free oraccess to more than 175 countries. These include the Schengen Area, the UK, Canada, Australia, and much of Asia and Latin America, making it one of the most practical passports for frequent travellers and business professionals.

Business Opportunities

For entrepreneurs and investors, Cypriot citizenship provides direct access to the EU single market. You can establish and operate businesses throughout Europe without additional licensing restrictions, and benefit from stronger banking relationships and investment opportunities across the EU.

Tax Advantages

Cyprus is known for its competitive tax environment, with a 12.5% corporate tax rate, no inheritance tax, and an extensive network of double-taxation treaties. Non-domiciled residents can also enjoy exemptions from tax on worldwide dividends and interest income for up to 17 years.

A Note on Schengen Access

While the permanent residency permit does not currently allow visa-free travel within the Schengen Area, Cyprus is actively working toward joining it. If successful, this would significantly enhance the program’s appeal for both residents and citizens.

Application Process and Timeline

Initial Assessment

• Preliminary review of your eligibility, including investment plans, income, and background.
• Often done with the help of a licensed immigration advisor or law firm to prevent delays.

Document Preparation

• Personal ID (passport copies, birth/marriage certificates).
• Proof of income and source of funds.
• Criminal record certificates from your country of origin and residence.
• Investment-related contracts and payment proofs.
• Certified translations for documents not in English or Greek.
• Apostille or consular authentication where required.

Investment Selection

• Choose between real estate, company shares, or regulated fund units.
• For property purchases, sign a contract of sale and pay part of the purchase price before application submission.

Application Submission

• File the complete application with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
• Pay the €500 government fee plus €70 for each dependent.

Residency Approval

• Government conducts due diligence and verifies investment and income criteria.
• Processing typically takes about six months.
• Permit is valid for life, provided the investment is maintained and you visit Cyprus at least once every two years.

Cyprus Investment Options Comparison

Real Estate vs. Business Investment

Real estate remains the most popular choice for Cyprus Residency by Investment. It offers tangible security, the potential for rental income, and the ability to select properties in prime locations that can appreciate over time.

In contrast, business investment can deliver higher returns if the company grows successfully, but it carries more operational and market risk. Businesses require active oversight, whereas real estate is generally more passive once purchased.

Return on Investment Analysis

Residential properties in Cyprus can yield rental returns of 3–6% annually, with long-term capital appreciation potential driven by tourism, expat demand, and limited supply in certain areas.

Commercial properties can generate higher rental yields, but they are more sensitive to market cycles. Business and fund investments depend heavily on performance, a well-managed Cyprus-based company in sectors like tech, shipping, or tourism can generate significant returns, while funds offer diversification but with management fees that reduce net gains.

Risk Assessment

Real estate risks include fluctuating property values, potential oversupply in certain segments, and maintenance costs. Business investments carry operational risks, dependency on management quality, and exposure to local market conditions.

Fund investments are subject to market volatility, liquidity constraints, and regulatory oversight quality. While Cyprus’ legal system is based on English common law and investor protections are strong, due diligence is essential in all cases.

Exit Strategies

For real estate, you can sell the property after a set period, provided you maintain another qualifying investment to keep your residency. Business investors can sell their shares or exit via buyouts or mergers, though this depends on the company’s performance and liquidity.

Fund investments can be redeemed based on the fund’s terms, which may limit withdrawals to specific intervals. Strategic planning for an exit should be done at the time of investment to avoid unexpected residency issues later.

Living in Cyprus

Quality of Life

Cyprus combines a relaxed Mediterranean pace with modern infrastructure. The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, mild winters, and a mix of cosmopolitan cities and tranquil coastal towns.

Safety levels are high, crime rates are low, and English is widely spoken, making daily life easier for newcomers. The cost of living is moderate, more affordable than most Western European countries, but slightly higher than Eastern Europe.

Education System

The education system includes public schools, private institutions, and international schools offering British, American, and other curricula. International schools are popular with expatriate families and provide high-quality instruction at fees generally lower than in the UK or US.

Cyprus also has universities in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, many offering English-taught programs that attract international students.

Healthcare Benefits

Residents have access to both public and private healthcare. The public system operates under the General Healthcare System (GESY), offering low-cost care to registered residents.

The private sector delivers faster access and a wider range of services. RBI applicants must have health insurance unless they are covered by GESY.

Business Environment

Cyprus offers a pro-investment climate with a corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU, and a legal system based on English common law.

Its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa makes it a natural hub for shipping, tourism, financial services, and emerging tech sectors.

The government actively encourages foreign investment with various incentives for international entrepreneurs.

Cyprus vs Other CBI Programs

European Programs Comparison

• Cyprus offers lifetime permanent residency with a single qualifying investment and no full-time residency requirement.
• Portugal and Greece grant renewable permits that must be periodically renewed, with some minimum stay requirements.
• Cyprus does not yet have Schengen access, while Portugal and Greece do.
• Processing is generally faster in Cyprus, and ongoing compliance is minimal.

Investment Requirements

• Cyprus: Minimum €300,000 investment; options include new residential property, commercial property, Cyprus company shares, or regulated funds.
• Greece: Minimum €250,000, primarily in real estate.
• Malta: Higher thresholds for residency, starting from €455,000 plus government contributions and fees.
• Cyprus offers broader investment categories compared to Greece’s mostly real estate-focused program.

Processing Times

• Cyprus: Around 4-5 months.
• Greece: 3–4 months, but timing can vary by region.
• Portugal: 24+ months due to application backlogs.
• Cyprus’ timeline is among the most predictable in Europe.

Program Benefits

• Cyprus: Low taxes, straightforward inclusion of dependent children up to age 25, and citizenship eligibility after 8 years.
• Portugal: Citizenship after 5 but requires minimum physical presence.
• Greece: No direct citizenship route without long-term residence of 7 years.
• Cyprus appeals to investors seeking a permanent base with minimal residency obligations.

Due Diligence Process

Background Verification

• Applicants and all adult dependents must provide clean criminal record certificates from both their country of origin and current country of residence.
• These certificates must be renewed every three years to maintain residency.
• Cyprus authorities cross-check information with international databases to ensure compliance with security and anti–money laundering laws.

Financial Assessment

• Applicants must prove the legal source of funds used for the €300,000+ investment.
• This involves providing tax statements, bank records, and/or auditor confirmations from the applicant’s home country.
• All funds must be transferred from abroad into Cyprus, typically through a bank account in the applicant’s name.

Investment Validation

• The government verifies that the selected investment meets RBI program requirements.
• For property purchases, authorities confirm that the property is eligible (e.g., brand-new residential property or qualifying commercial asset) and that the purchase price and payment proof meet the threshold.
• For company shares or fund units, officials confirm the entity’s registration, physical presence, compliance with employment rules, and regulatory licensing.

This multi-layered due diligence process ensures that only credible investors with legitimate funds and a clean record are approved, protecting the program’s reputation and aligning it with EU standards.

Legal Framework and Regulations

Current Laws

The Cyprus Residency by Investment program operates under the Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, which sets the criteria for granting permanent residency to non-EU nationals through investment.

The law clearly defines eligible investment categories, income requirements, and the conditions for maintaining residency status.

Recent Changes

The most recent update came into effect on May 2, 2023, and remains valid in 2025. Key amendments included:

• Raising the minimum annual income requirement from €30,000 to €50,000 for the main applicant.
• Increasing additional income thresholds to €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per dependent child.
• Removing parents and parents-in-law from the list of eligible dependents.
• Maintaining stricter annual and tri-annual verification obligations for investment and criminal record checks.

Future Outlook

Cyprus is working toward joining the Schengen Area, which would significantly increase the travel benefits of its residency permit. While no formal date is set, government statements and EU discussions suggest that accession remains a priority.

Future program adjustments are expected to focus on reinforcing due diligence and possibly updating eligible investment categories to attract diversified capital.

The regulatory structure and recent tightening of requirements have made the Cyprus RBI program more secure and compliant with EU standards, ensuring its long-term stability as a credible investment migration route.

FAQs on Cyprus Residency by Investment

1. How much do I need to invest to get Cyprus residency in 2025?

You need to invest at least €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable) in qualifying options such as new residential property, commercial property, Cyprus company shares, or units in regulated investment funds. You also need to meet the minimum annual income requirement of €50,000, with additional amounts for a spouse and children.

2. Does Cyprus residency give me Schengen access?

Not yet. As of 2025, Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area. However, the country has applied for membership, and joining would make the residency permit far more powerful for travel within Europe.

3. Can I get Cyprus citizenship through investment?

There is no direct citizenship-by-investment route in 2025. You can apply for citizenship by naturalisation after living in Cyprus for seven years (or five in exceptional cases) plus an additional year of continuous stay.

4. Can I work in Cyprus with a residency by investment permit?

You cannot take up paid employment in Cyprus under this permit, but you may work as a director in your own invested company and receive dividends from it.

5. Can I include my parents or in-laws in my Cyprus residency application?

No. Since May 2023, parents and parents-in-law are no longer eligible dependents under the program. Only a spouse, children under 18, and unmarried dependent children aged 18–25 in higher education can be included.

References

Ministry of Interior, Cyprus. (2025). Immigration permit categories for third‑country nationals by investment (Aliens and Immigration Regulations, Regulation 6(2)) [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://www.moi.gov.cy/dmmip/md.nsf/All/361EAF60051B5A42C22587D500444A9C?OpenDocument

Ministry of Interior, Cyprus. (2025). Announcement: Monitoring requirement, maintenance of investment, criminal record submission, and health insurance under RBI program. Retrieved from https://www.moi.gov.cy/MOI/cr/cr.nsf/All/2D17EC8440147846C2258B5C00268478?OpenDocument

Ministry of Finance, Cyprus (through official registry). (2025). Registry notice: Cyprus Investment Program terminated as of November 1, 2020 [Webpage]. Retrieved from https://cipregistry.mof.gov.cy/en/

Ministry of Interior, Cyprus. (2025). Asylum and migration overview 2024 [PDF report]. Retrieved from https://www.moi.gov.cy/moi/CRMD/emnncpc.nsf/All/CCE5FA993B60EF9DC2258CC2003DFD65/%24file/2024_EMN_AMO_2.pdf?OpenElement=

Republic of Cyprus. (2024). Medium-Term Fiscal Structural Plan (2025–2028) [PDF report]. Retrieved from https://www.gov.cy/app/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/MTFSP-CY_FINAL.pdf