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Residence Permits in Cyprus

Cyprus offers clear legal routes to residence for non-EU families, investors, remote professionals and business owners. Pick the route that fits your income, plans and timeline. OCM coordinates the full application with licensed immigration specialists.

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Important Disclaimer

This page provides general information based on publicly available sources as of June 2026. Residence permit requirements are subject to change and must be confirmed by qualified immigration professionals before applying. OCM Real Consulting coordinates the preparation process and connects clients with licensed specialists but does not provide legal immigration advice directly.

Fast-Track Permanent Residence by Investment (Regulation 6(2))

Our most requested route for investors and property buyers. Invest at least €300,000 (plus VAT) and receive permanent residence that is valid for life, with no renewal. Your spouse and children under 18 are covered by the same application. Processing typically takes 2–6 months. Requirements include secured annual income from abroad of at least €50,000 (plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per minor child), with the funds transferred from abroad to a Cyprus bank account.

What Qualifies as an Investment

The €300,000 can take three forms: (1) new residential or commercial property from a development company, the most common route; (2) shares in a Cyprus-registered company with at least five employees and a physical office; (3) units in a Cyprus investment fund (AIF, AIFLNP or RAIF). For property, the sales agreement must be registered with the Land Registry and the funds paid to the seller's Cyprus bank account. Properties under construction qualify. Standard VAT of 19% applies to new property, and a reduced rate may apply to a primary residence. We check the rate for each property before you commit.

Cyprus passport and residence permit documents on a desk with Mediterranean view

Temporary Residence for Financially Independent Persons

For people who live on income from abroad, such as pensions, investments or remote earnings, and do not plan to work in Cyprus. The permit is granted for one year and can be renewed each year. Typical requirements: annual income from abroad of at least €24,000 (plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child), a Cyprus address by rent or ownership, valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. Processing usually takes 2–6 months.

Working Residence Permit

For people employed by a company registered in Cyprus. The permit is based on a valid employment contract and is issued for the length of that contract, with renewal tied to continued employment. We prepare the documents for both employer and employee, submit the application to the Migration Department, and support you through the renewal.

Business Immigration and Company Formation

For founders, directors and key staff who relocate with a business. We advise on company setup and on the immigration route that fits the company's activity and your role. We coordinate banking, tax registration and the residence application, so the business and the people move together. Cyprus offers a 15% corporate tax rate and a wide network of double-tax treaties, and we help you use them correctly.

Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers employed by companies outside Cyprus. The visa lets you live on the island for up to one year, renewable for a second year. Applicants show monthly income of at least €3,500 (plus €700 for a spouse and €500 per child) and valid health insurance. It is a practical first step while you decide whether to pursue longer-term residence.

Family Members

Your spouse and children under 18 can be included in the main application for permanent residence. Adult children need a separate arrangement with their own income requirements, which we review with you before you decide.

Path to Cyprus Citizenship

Permanent residents who meet the legal residence requirements can apply for Cyprus citizenship through naturalisation. Citizenship gives you an EU passport and visa-free access to 170+ countries. The criteria change over time, so we confirm the current requirements when you apply.

Benefits of Cyprus Permanent Residence

Permanent residence is valid for life and needs no renewal. To keep it, you must visit Cyprus at least once every two years. It gives you access to the General Healthcare System (GHS), the right to live and study in Cyprus indefinitely, and one application that covers the whole family. Your tax residency is separate from your immigration status and should be reviewed with a tax adviser.

Choose Your Residence Path

Book a private consultation. We review your income, plans and timeline, then recommend the route that fits you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Key information about requirements, costs, and 2026 regulatory changes.

What is the minimum investment for permanent residence in 2026? 2026
€300,000 plus VAT in new property from a developer (the most common route), or €300,000 in company shares or investment fund units. The funds must be transferred from abroad to a Cyprus bank account. Stamp duty was abolished in January 2026, which lowers the total transaction cost.
How long does the fast-track permanent residence take?
Processing typically takes 2–6 months from complete application submission. The timeline depends on how complete the documents are and on current volumes at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
What annual income is required?
Fast-track permanent residence: at least €50,000 in secured annual income from abroad, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per minor child. Temporary residence for financially independent persons: at least €24,000 a year, plus 20% for a spouse and 15% for each dependent child. Income can include pensions, dividends, rental income and fixed deposits.
What is the path from permanent residence to citizenship?
After eight years of legal residence you may apply for naturalisation, subject to the criteria in force at that time. Citizenship gives you an EU passport and visa-free access to 170+ countries.
Can I work in Cyprus with permanent residence?
Permanent residence does not by itself give the right to employment. You can own and manage a company in Cyprus, receive dividends and run a business. If you want to be employed in Cyprus, you need a working residence permit.
What are the tax considerations for new residents?
Cyprus offers a 15% corporate tax rate and a wide network of double-tax treaties. Personal tax treatment depends on your residence status and should be reviewed with a tax adviser before you move.
What happens if I sell the qualifying property?
You must replace it with another investment of equal or greater value that meets the same conditions. The replacement should be completed promptly to keep your residence status.
Can I rent out the property I bought for residence?
Yes. You do not have to live in the property. Rental income is taxable and must be declared, so confirm the current reporting rules with your adviser.
Is the Digital Nomad Visa a path to permanent residence?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa lets remote workers live in Cyprus for up to one year, renewable for a second year. It does not lead directly to permanent residence, but it gives you time to explore the country before you apply for another permit. It requires monthly income of at least €3,500.
How often must I visit Cyprus to keep permanent residence?
You must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to keep permanent residence. Immigration rules are confirmed with a licensed specialist for your case.

Related Services

Your request is private. OCM Real Consulting will contact you to understand your goals and recommend the most suitable next step.