Passports and Residency
All roads lead to the EU.
You too can become a resident of the European Union. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Starting November 1, 2020, Cyprus stopped issuing passports in exchange for property investments on the island. More information about this decision can be found here.
Residency, however, is a different story. In order to become a resident of the Republic of Cyprus, the applicant needs to own a property that is worth EUR 350,000 and prove that this property is their main place of residence.
Residents of the Republic of Cyprus may stay and live on the island indefinitely. They may enter and leave the country without any restrictions, both in normal and exceptional times, e.g., during pandemics or other circumstances.
Please note that residency status does not grant a work visa. To receive a work visa, you have to file a specific application with the relevant authorities.
Temporary residency can also be obtained through the following channels:
- By establishing a company and owning it.
- By establishing a company and hiring foreign and local employees while providing evidence that the initial capital used to establish the company (EUR 171,000) originated in an external source, i.e., a source that is not taxable in Cyprus.
Immigration permits:
You may file an application for an immigration permit based on one of the following categories, as described in Regulation 5 of the “Regulations for Immigrants and Foreign Nationals.” An immigration permit will not be granted unless the Immigration Control Council recommends that the Minister of Interior Affairs grants said permit, and unless they confirm that the applicant falls under one of the following categories:
Category A:
The applicant is a self-employed person who is expected to engage in agriculture/raise cattle/poultry/fish in the Republic of Cyprus, and they own a suitable tract of land or possess a permit to purchase land and has EUR 430,000 in capital. The aforementioned activity will not adversely affect the Republic’s economy in general.
Category B:
The applicant is a self-employed person who intends to engage in mining operations in the republic, if they have suitable permits and possess EUR 350,000 in capital, and the aforementioned operation will not adversely affect the Republic’s economy in general.
Category C:
The applicant is a self-employed person who intends to engage in commercial operations in the republic, assuming that they have suitable permits and possess EUR 260,000 in capital, and the aforementioned operation will not adversely affect the Republic’s economy in general.
Category D:
The applicant is a self-employed person who intends to engage in a free profession or in science in the republic, if they have the training and certification needed in the Republic. They must also possess proper sum of money.
Category E:
The applicant has received a permanent job offer in the Republic, and that position does not represent undesirable competition with local businesses.
Category F:
The applicant regularly earns a high annual salary that enables them to maintain adequate living conditions in Cyprus without having to engage in trade or any business operations. The annual income will amount to at least EUR 9,568.17 (individual applicant) and at least EUR 4,613.22 for any other dependent person. However, the Immigration Control Council may prescribe additional amounts. Most immigration permit applicants fall under this category, and they are usually for retired people.
The permit application must be filed with the Population and Immigration Registry Department, on Form M.67. Each application must be supported by certificates and documents depending on the relevant category. Category F applicants must present original documents that specify their income.
Candidates that are staying abroad may file an application directly with the local authority as stated above, or through the local consulate in the country in which they are staying. Every application is reviewed by the Immigration Control Council and submitted to the Minister of Interior Affairs, with comments and recommendations regarding the decision.
If the candidate does not live in Cyprus, the immigration permit will be automatically cancelled if they fail to acquire a permanent residence in Cyprus within a year of the application’s approval. The immigration permit will also be revoked if the applicant purchases a permanent place of residence in another country or has been away from Cyprus for two years.
