The Complete Guide to the Cyprus Residency by Investment Program
The Cyprus Residency by Investment Program, commonly referred to as the Golden Visa, is a government initiative that grants foreign investors and their families the opportunity to obtain a residence permit in exchange for significant investment in the country’s economy. This program aims to attract foreign capital and foster economic growth.
Why Cyprus?
Obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus is a profitable investment, allowing you to grow your financial capital through property rentals and enter new markets. This status also gives you the right to live in a country with a mild climate, stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and over 300 days of sunshine per year. Cyprus offers a high quality of life at a relatively affordable cost, allowing for an excellent lifestyle with the chance to save for the future.
As a global leader in investment migration, Astons provides comprehensive services, from initial consultation to complete management of investment and residency applications.
Benefits of Permanent Residence in Cyprus
• Lowest income tax rate in Europe – 12.5%
• Opportunity to own a business in Cyprus (and receive dividends)
• Eligibility for citizenship in 5 years
• Permanent residency approval in up to 2 months
• No requirement to live in Cyprus – only one visit required every two years
• Remote registration – only one in-person visit is needed for biometric verification
• Permanent residence permit (automatically renewed every 10 years)
• Lowest crime rate in the EU
• High-quality international schools and university branch campuses for children
• Plenty of things to do, places to explore, delicious food to eat, and ALL the art and history
Investment Opportunities for Permanent Residence in Cyprus
Real Estate from €300,000
Purchasing one or more properties qualifies you for permanent residency in Cyprus for yourself and your family. Real estate purchases must be on the primary market with a minimum investment of €300,000 (excluding VAT). Properties can be bought through a company registered in the applicant's name and/or jointly with a spouse, with full ownership rights.
Commercial Properties from €300,000
Permanent residency can also be obtained through the purchase of commercial real estate, such as offices, shops, or hotels, totaling a minimum of €300,000 (excluding VAT).
Business Investments from €300,000
For business investments, the company must:
• Be registered in Cyprus and conduct activities within the country;
• Have an office in Cyprus and employ at least five people;
• Allow the investor and their spouse to be shareholders of a Cypriot-registered company and receive dividends.
Investment in Funds from €300,000
Investing in Cyprus investment funds (AIF, AIFLNP, or RAIF) is another route to permanent residency.
Required Documents for Permanent Residency in Cyprus
To apply for a Cyprus residence permit, you must submit the following documents:
1. Certificate of no criminal record
2. Health insurance certificate
3. Valid foreign passport copy
4. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
5. Birth certificates of children (if applicable)
6. Documentation confirming annual income from outside Cyprus
7. Cyprus bank transfer confirmation
8. University enrollment confirmation (for dependent children aged 18-25)
Key Steps of the Application Process
The application process with Astons is straightforward and consists of four main steps:
1. Contract Signing
After a free preliminary due diligence check (1 day), you sign the contract at one of their offices or remotely.
2. Document Preparation
They assist in obtaining police clearances, completing government forms, and arranging notarization, translation, and apostille of all necessary documents, which they then send to our Cyprus office.
3. Application Review
The application is submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. A visit to Cyprus is not required at this stage.
4. Issuance of Residence Permit
Upon approval by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, you will receive your residence permit.
If you are considering investment in Cyprus, Aston's team of professionals is ready to provide you with a property overview and end-to-end legal and immigration support.
- Log in to post comments