Can I get permanent residence in Cyprus?
It depends: EU citizens by registration; non-EU via the €300,000 fast-track investment (Reg 6(2)). EU/EEA citizens register and after 5 years of continuous legal residence acquire permanent residence. The non-EU fast-track (Regulation 6(2)) requires a minimum €300,000 (+VAT) investment. For residential property the unit must be newly built, bought directly from a developer, first sale — resales don't qualify. You must show secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad (+€15,000 spouse, +€10,000 per child), a clean criminal record, and the applicant must not work in Cyprus. In short: EU by registration, non-EU by investment.
📋 The rules
- EU citizens: register, permanent after 5 years
- Non-EU (Reg 6(2)): invest €300,000+VAT
- Housing: new, first sale (not resale)
- Income ≥€50,000 from abroad (+add-ons)
- Clean record; applicant doesn't work in Cyprus
🔓 Exceptions
- Alternative investment: company shares/funds — resale also qualifies
- Adult children: separate application, own €50,000 income
- Visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Misstatement of fund origin (the Department scrutinises SWIFT/source-of-funds) or failure to maintain the investment can lead to refusal or revocation. The €50,000 income rises by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child; processing is about 2–6 months. Beware a myth: "€300,000 in any Cyprus property gets you fast-track PR" is not for housing — for the residential route the property must be new and bought from a developer; a resale apartment doesn't qualify. Tip: for non-residential investments/funds, even resale qualifies.
📎 Official sources
- gov.cy · Civil Registry & Migration Department →
- Kyprianou · Reg 6(2) →
- Mondaq · permanent residency Reg 6(2) →
❓ Frequently asked
How do I get permanent residence as an EU citizen?
As an EU or EEA citizen you register with the Civil Registry & Migration Department and, after five years of continuous legal residence, acquire the right of permanent residence. You don't need an investment; lawful residence suffices.
What's the fast-track for non-EU?
The fast-track permanent residence under Regulation 6(2) requires a minimum €300,000 plus VAT investment in an approved category. For residential property the unit must be newly built, bought directly from a developer and a first sale. Processing takes about two to six months.
What income do I need?
You must show secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad, increased by €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each minor child. The applicant isn't allowed to work in Cyprus.
Does a resale property count?
For the residential route, no. The home must be newly built and bought directly from a developer, so a resale home doesn't qualify. For alternative investments, such as non-residential property, company shares or investment funds, even resale qualifies.
Must I visit Cyprus?
Yes. Permanent-residence holders must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to avoid losing the permit. Otherwise, the permanent-residence permit doesn't expire.
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