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Cyprus
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Cyprus: residency, permanent status and tax residence in the European Union
Cyprus is an EU member state with a legal system based on English common law, English as the language of business, and one of the most attractive tax regimes in the Union. Permanent residence is issued in 2–3 months, and after the statutory period of residence a route to EU citizenship opens up.
For business, Cyprus means a 12.5% corporate tax rate, the non-domiciled regime exempting dividends and interest, no inheritance tax and a broad network of double tax treaties. For families, it means English-language private schools on British curricula and one of the safest regions in Europe.
Who it suits
- Business owners moving a company or holding structure into the EU.
- IT companies relocating teams together with their families.
- Property investors who need EU status.
- Families with children – English-language teaching and British curricula.
- Remote professionals with proven foreign income.
- People living on passive income who want a warm European base.
Programmes
1. Fast-track permanent residence by investment (Regulation 6(2))
The principal route for investors. It requires the purchase of new residential property from €300,000 (excluding VAT), or an equivalent investment in commercial property, shares in a Cyprus company with genuine activity, or units in a Cyprus investment fund. You must also evidence stable income from foreign sources – from around €50,000 per year, increased for a spouse and for each child.
Status: indefinite permanent residence for the whole family. Timeline: 2–3 months. Note: the status does not allow employment in Cyprus, though you may hold shares in and direct your own company and receive dividends; the island must be visited at least once every two years.
2. Digital Nomad Visa
For remote employees of foreign companies and freelancers with foreign clients, with proven income from €3,500 per month after tax. The programme is subject to a permit quota. Status is granted for one year and can be renewed; family members receive status but no right to work in Cyprus.
Timeline: 5–7 weeks.
3. Residence through a Foreign Interest Company
The key instrument for team relocation. A Cyprus company with foreign shareholding and evidenced investment from €200,000 is entitled to bring in staff from third countries. Directors, middle managers and key specialists receive residence permits with the right to work, and their spouses gain access to the labour market.
Timeline: 2–3 months after incorporation and hiring.
4. Residence for financially independent persons
For those living on passive income who do not intend to work in Cyprus. You evidence stable foreign income and secured accommodation, whether owned or on a long-term lease. The status is renewable.
Timeline: 3–5 months.
5. Student residence
For study at Cypriot universities and colleges, including English-language programmes. We help select the institution, prepare the documents and obtain the status.
Permanent status and citizenship
Eligibility for naturalisation arises after the statutory period of physical residence on the island – as a rule seven years within the last ten, with a shorter period for certain categories. Proof of Greek language knowledge and basic knowledge of Cypriot society is required. An accelerated route applies to highly skilled employees of foreign interest companies. Exact timelines depend on your category, and we verify them at the outset, before filing.
How we work – stages
- Consultation: goal, citizenship, source of income, family composition – we choose the route.
- Roadmap: document list, timelines, budget and payment schedule.
- Document preparation: criminal record certificates, apostilles, translations, medical insurance, proof of income.
- Opening a Cyprus bank account and evidencing source of funds – a critical stage we prepare well in advance.
- The main action: the property transaction, incorporation, or the employment contract.
- Filing with the Migration Department, biometrics in Cyprus, issue of the card.
- Follow-up: renewals, tax residence and non-dom status, preparation for naturalisation.
Timelines
| Programme | Processing time | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Nomad Visa | 5–7 weeks | One-year residence, renewable |
| Fast-track PR by investment | 2–3 months | Indefinite permanent residence for the family |
| Foreign Interest Company route | 2–3 months | Residence with work rights for employee and family |
| Financially independent person | 3–5 months | Renewable residence without work rights |
Frequently asked questions
No. A Cypriot residence or permanent residence permit gives the right to live in Cyprus. Cyprus is not part of the Schengen Area, so travel to Schengen states is planned separately – we confirm the current rules during the consultation.
This status does not provide for employment. You may, however, be a shareholder and director of a Cyprus company and receive dividends. If working is the actual goal, the foreign interest company route is the right one.
To maintain investor permanent residence it is enough to visit the island at least once every two years. For tax residence and later naturalisation, physical presence requirements are considerably stricter.
Yes, rental income is permitted and taxable in Cyprus. What matters is that the qualifying investment is maintained: if you sell, it must be replaced with an equivalent asset, otherwise the status may be withdrawn.
A spouse and minor children are included in the main application. Adult children and parents are subject to separate income and study conditions, so we assess the family composition individually.
Not for residence or permanent residence – documents and procedures are handled in English. Greek is required at the naturalisation stage.
It is a tax regime for new Cyprus tax residents that exempts dividends and interest from the defence contribution for the period set by law. It requires the right structure and proof of residence, so we plan it with a tax adviser at the outset rather than after the move.
Let’s map out your route to Cyprus: [email protected] · Telegram / WhatsApp +351 910 066 171
Suggestion of the best moving option for the whole family, step-by-step plan for further actions, checklist for all necessary documents, full calculation of the cost of services without additional (hidden) payments, enormous savings of time and money
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