Cyprus Residency by Investment

Introduction

The Cyprus residency by investment programme from Prosperous Living Investment (PLI) assists investors in obtaining permanent residence rights in a European Union member state through the Golden Visa programme — a pathway to EU residence without the need for an employer sponsor.
Minimum investment of €300,000 in new real estate, corporate shares or investment funds, with a minimum annual overseas income of €50,000, covering the entire family in a single application. Processing time of 6–9 months, with no residency requirement. EU citizenship pathway after 8 years.
Introduction to Cyprus residency by investment

Programme Overview

Investment level

Minimum €300,000 EURO (new real estate, corporate shares, or investment funds). Capital must be transferred from abroad into Cyprus.

Processing time

From 6 to 9 months from the submission of a complete application.

Benefits

Permanent resident in an EU member state — live and study in Cyprus without time limits, with residence card renewal every 10 years.

Residence requirement

No frequent residency requirement. Only need to visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years to maintain permanent residence rights.

Family

Includes spouse and children under 18 in the same application. Unmarried children aged 18 to 25 who are students may apply for permanent residence separately.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for Cyprus citizenship after 8 years of legal residence, including 12 months of continuous residence prior to application.

Cyprus permanent residence benefits

Permanent EU residence
Permanent residence rights in a European Union member state without the need for an employer or any form of sponsorship. Investors have full control over their immigration pathway.
Living and studying
Permanent residents can live and have their children attend high-quality international schools in Cyprus. English is a common language, medical services are advanced, and the cost of living is lower than in most EU countries.
EU citizenship pathway
After 8 years of legal residence, investors are eligible to apply for Cyprus citizenship through naturalisation. A Cyprus (EU) passport offers visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
Cyprus permanent residence benefits
Attractive tax incentives
Cyprus has no inheritance tax, net wealth tax, or gift tax. Corporate tax is 12.5%. The Non-Dom regime exempts dividends and interest from tax with only 60 days of residency per year.
Profitable real estate
Investors have the right to rent out their property and receive passive income. After 5 years, they may sell and purchase replacement property, provided they maintain a minimum investment of €300,000 EURO to retain permanent residence rights.
Schengen prospects
Cyprus is in the process of joining the Schengen Area. Once completed, Cyprus permanent residents will be able to travel freely throughout all 29 Schengen countries without a visa.

Residency by investment pathway

Real estate investment - Cyprus

Real estate investment

Purchase one or two new properties from a developer with a total value of at least €300,000 EURO (excluding VAT). Both residential and commercial properties are eligible. This is the most popular form, accounting for the majority of Cyprus Golden Visa applications. Investors are permitted to rent out the property to generate passive income. Includes spouse and children in the same application. Must be purchased before submitting the application.
Corporate shares

Corporate shares

Minimum investment of €300,000 EURO in the share capital of a company registered and operating in Cyprus, with at least 5 employees. Investors may serve as directors of the company they have invested in but may not receive a salary in Cyprus. Must own or rent a home in Cyprus (no minimum property value).
Collective investment funds

Collective investment funds

Minimum investment of €300,000 EURO in collective investment funds (AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF) licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Suitable for investors who prioritise portfolio diversification and do not wish to manage real estate directly. Must own or rent a home in Cyprus.

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Programme requirements

Lawful source of funds

Proof of the legal origin of the entire investment capital. Capital must be transferred from abroad into Cyprus. Accepted sources of funds include business income, salary, sale of assets, or inheritance.

Investment level

Minimum €300,000 EURO for new real estate (excluding VAT), corporate shares, or investment funds. Investors must maintain the investment to retain permanent residence rights.

Income from abroad

Minimum annual income of €50,000 EURO from abroad. Add €15,000 EURO for a spouse and €10,000 EURO for each dependent child. Accepted sources of income include dividends, pensions, rental income, or salary from abroad.

Residence in Cyprus

If investing in residential real estate, the requirement is already met. If investing in commercial real estate, corporate shares, or investment funds, one must own or rent a home in Cyprus (no minimum value).

Education and language

No requirement for English or Greek language proficiency, academic degrees, or maximum age limits when applying. No business experience required.

Background

No criminal record. Not banned from entering EU countries or the United Kingdom. Not on any international sanctions lists. Criminal record certificates must be updated every few years.

Implementation process

Obtain Cyprus permanent residence for the whole family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Consultation and selection

PLI specialists assess financial eligibility, personal profile, and family size. Consultation on selecting the most suitable investment form: real estate, corporate shares, or investment funds. PLI connects with reputable developers and partners in Cyprus. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Prepare documentation and submit application

PLI coordinates with Cyprus lawyers to prepare the application file proving the legal source of funds and supporting documents. Complete the investment (sign purchase agreement, transfer funds, pay VAT). Submit the application to the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department. Duration: 4–8 weeks.

Approval and certification

The Civil Registry and Migration Department of Cyprus reviews applications, conducts due diligence, and grants approval. Investors receive an official immigration certificate. Processing time is 6–9 months.

Provide biometrics and receive residence card

Within 1 year of receiving the certificate, the investor and their family must visit Cyprus to provide biometric data (fingerprints, portrait photos) and receive their permanent resident card. Duration: 2–4 weeks.

Apply for Cyprus citizenship (optional)

After 8 years of legal residence (including 12 continuous months prior to the application, without leaving Cyprus for more than 90 days during that year), the investor is eligible to apply for Cyprus citizenship. Basic Greek language proficiency and knowledge of Cyprus society are required. The EU passport provides visa-free travel to over 170 countries.
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Prosperous Living Investment is with you from the first assessment to the day residence or citizenship is granted — transparent, professional and entirely personal.

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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the Cyprus residency by investment programme. If you require more detailed consultation, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

€300,000 EUR for new property from a developer (excluding VAT), shares in a company with at least 5 employees, or collective investment funds licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission. Investment capital must be transferred from abroad into Cyprus. Programme conditions as announced by the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Standard processing time is 6 to 9 months from the submission of a complete application. Once approved, investors have one year to travel to Cyprus to provide biometrics and collect their residence card.

The main application includes the investor, their spouse, and children under 18. Children aged 18 to 25 who are unmarried and studying at a foreign university may submit a separate permanent resident application (additional proof of €10,000 EUR income per year per child is required).

There is no requirement for permanent residence. The investor only needs to visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years to maintain permanent resident status. The investor may continue to live and work in Vietnam.

Permanent residents under the Golden Visa are not permitted to work for a salary in Cyprus. However, the investor may own a business, serve as a director of the company they have invested in, rent out property, and receive dividends. A declaration not to work for a salary must be signed upon application.

The investor must maintain a minimum investment of €300,000 EUR to retain permanent resident status. If the property is sold, a replacement property of equivalent value must be purchased. If the investment is not maintained, permanent resident status will be revoked.

Yes. After 8 years of legal residence in Cyprus (including 12 continuous months prior to the application, without leaving Cyprus for more than 90 days during that year), the investor is eligible to apply for citizenship. Basic Greek language proficiency and knowledge of Cyprus society are required. The EU passport provides visa-free travel to over 170 countries.

Cyprus has no inheritance tax, net wealth tax, or gift tax. Corporate tax is 12.5% — among the lowest in the EU. The Non-Dom (Non-Domiciled) regime exempts dividend and interest income from tax, requiring just 60 days per year of residence in Cyprus to qualify for tax residency.