In line with the Cypriot government’s intention to increase foreign investment and to help its economic development, Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations allows the Ministry of Interior to issue residence permits to applicants from non-European countries who intend to invest in the Republic.
Financial Criteria
The applicant is required to invest at least €300.000, in one of the following categories:
- Investment in residential property/ies (excluding re-sale): An amount of at least €300,000 (plus VAT) should be invested and should be deriving from abroad. Proof of the payment of the amount of €300,000 (excluding VAT) should be submited as part of the application. The applicant can invest in up to two (2) units. The property to be acquired must meet the needs of the size of the family of the investor(s). Where the acquisition of the property/ies took place over 1 year prior to the submission of the application, the investor will need to submit a recent Search Certificate issued by the Land Registry Department.
- Investment in other property (including re-sale of properties), excluding residential properties: An amount of at least €300,000 (plus VAT, if applicable) be invested in purchase of shops and/or offices and/or hotels and/or developments of similar nature or the combination of such. Proof of the payment of the amount of €300,000(excluding VAT) should be submited as part of the application. Where the acquisition of the property/ies took place over 1 year prior to the submission of the application, the investor will need to submit a recent Search Certificate issued by the Land Registry Department.
- Investment in the share capital of a company registered in Cyprus, with activities and personnel located in Cyprus: An amount of at least €300,000 to be invested in the share capital of a company, registered in the Republic of Cyprus, based and operating in the Republic. Said company should have a proven physical presence in Cyprus and should be employing at least five (5) individuals. The Company must produce a business plan including its financial targets, which should be submited.
- Investment in shares of a Cyprus Collective Investment Organisation (forms of AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF): The investor must submit a Memorandum of the Fund or a Business Plan.
The main applicant must also be able to demonstrate a secured annual income of at least €50,000. The said income may derive from employment income, dividend distribution, pensions, rents etc.
The amount of income will increase, in accordance with the number and type of dependent family members to be included in the application, as follows:
- Spouse – €15,000
- Underage children up to the age of 18 – €10,000 per individual
- Adult children (between the ages of 18 and 25, economically dependent on the investor, who are enrolled as students in a higher-educational institution) – €10,000 per individual
- Ascendants are exempted from the criteria in obtaining the permanent residency as dependents of the Investor
Other Terms and Conditions
The following documents should be submited as part of the application:
- Clean criminal record of the main applicant (and their spouse);
- Declaration confirming that the main applicant (and their spouse) do not intend to work in Cyprus or receive any employment-related income from Cyprus; and
- Proof of accommodation in Cyprus, i.e. title deed, purchase or rental agreement (applicable only where the investment has been made under criteria 2, 3 or 4). The property to be acquired/rented must meet the needs of the size of the family of the investor(s).
Dependent Family Members
The Immigration Permit is initially issued to the main applicant and it extends to their spouse and underage children.
The following family members may be benefited from the investment of the main applicant, however, separate
application(s) should be submited:
- Adult, unmarried children, between the ages of 18 – 25 years old, who are students abroad and financially dependent on the main applicant, at the time of submission of the application.
- Adult, non-dependent children of the investor. Where the Investor wishes for their adult, non-dependent, children, to be eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence Permit, the investment to be made should be a multiple of the number of said children. The adult non-dependent children, must also be able to prove a personal, secure annual income of at least €50,000. The amount of income will increase, in accordance with the number and type of their dependent family members to be included in the application, as follows:
- Spouse – €15,000
- Underage children – €10,000 per individual
Further Information
The estimated time for the examination of each application is approximately four (4) months.
The main applicant (and their spouse) must warrant that they do not intend to work in the Republic of Cyprus. However, in case the investment is made under criteria 3, then they can be appointed as Directors in the Company in which they have chosen to invest.
In any case, the main applicant (and/or their spouse) may be the shareholders in any Company/ies registered in Cyprus and are allowed to receive dividend income by such Company/ies. Furthermore, in such cases the applicant may also hold the position of a Director in a Company without receiving any payment.
The investor must submit annual proof of remaining compliant with the requirements of the respective provisions.
If the Investor sells their investment but does not replace it with another of an equal or higher value that meets the conditions mentioned above, their permit may be cancelled as per Regulation 6 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.
If the Investor invests in the residential property option – Criteria 1, his income must come entirely from abroad. When using the other investment options (Criteria 2, 3 or 4) i.e. investment in commercial realty, company shares or investment units, the income can come from sources within Cyprus and as long as it is taxed in the Republic.
The investor can apply for citizenship atier 5 years of actual stay in Cyprus. The equivalent number of days of stay which must be completed is 1825 (5×365). The last year before applying, the applicant needs to be living continuously in Cyprus with short trips being accepted.
The Investor must personally visit Cyprus at least once every two years in case of frequent travels.
Why Cyprus?
Cyprus offers many key benefits to foreign investors and their dependent family members who are looking for a destination that offers high quality standards of living,
- Strategic location between continental Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa
- Favorable tax regime
- High quality of life, a safe and secure living environment, excellent English schools and advanced health care
- Mild Mediterranean climate, business environment and Culture
- One of the most popular tourist destinations in the region famous for its hospitality
Cyprus is a great place to live!
The information provided by CRS is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional or formal legal advice. You should not act or refrain from acting based on any information provided above without obtaining legal or other professional advice.