Immigration & Residency in Cyprus
Cyprus offers multiple residency and citizenship routes for non-EU nationals, including Permanent Residency by investment (Category F), the 60-day tax residency rule, Digital Nomad Visa (up to 3 years), and Employment-based visas. Since 2020, the previous Cyprus Investment Programme (citizenship-by-investment) has been discontinued. Immigration advisory firms navigate application requirements, documentation, and ongoing renewals.
Permanent Residency by investment (Category F)
The Category F Permanent Residency Programme grants indefinite residency to non-EU nationals investing €300,000 (excluding VAT) in a new residential property or authorised Cyprus investment (real estate, business capital, funds, or CySEC-supervised structures). Requirements include annual income of at least €50,000 from foreign sources (increasing €5,000 per dependent), clean criminal record, and health insurance. Processing time is typically 2-4 months.
PR holders can live in Cyprus indefinitely with rights extending to spouse and dependent children. Physical presence requirement is one visit every two years to maintain status. PR does not automatically confer citizenship; separate naturalisation applies after 7 years of legal residence.
Employment and work permits
Non-EU nationals seeking employment in Cyprus require work permits. Standard employment permits are tied to specific employers and roles. The EU Blue Card is available for highly qualified professionals with employment contracts above threshold salaries. Startup Visa allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish and operate innovative businesses in Cyprus. Family reunification permits are available for spouses and dependent children of permit holders.
For EU/EEA nationals, no work permit is required — registration with Migration Department within 4 months of arrival is standard for stays beyond 3 months.
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in 2021, the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa allows non-EU nationals working remotely for foreign employers or as self-employed service providers to reside in Cyprus. Requirements include monthly net income of at least €3,500, comprehensive health insurance, clean criminal record, and remote work arrangement. Initial residence permit is issued for 12 months with renewal for an additional 24 months (36 months total).
Tax residency and non-dom benefits
Immigration and residency are distinct from Cyprus tax residency. Individuals meeting either the 183-day or 60-day rule become Cyprus tax residents. Non-EU nationals establishing Cyprus tax residency can access the significant non-dom tax benefits including 17-year SDC exemption on dividends and interest — see our non-dom advisory page for details.
Choosing an immigration advisor
Cyprus immigration matters are typically handled by law firms with immigration practices, corporate services providers, or specialist immigration consultants. For tax-integrated planning (combining residency and tax structuring), advisors with combined immigration and tax expertise deliver better outcomes than single-focus providers. Verify credentials — Cyprus does not have a specific immigration consultant licensing regime, so track record and client references matter most.
Top-rated firms offering this service
6 firmsIndependent firms with proven client reviews in Immigration & Residency, ranked by rating.
Antonis Lappas
Certified Public Accountant
📍 Limassol
Christakis Nikitas
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📍 Limassol
Nikitas Charalampous
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📍 Famagusta
Maria Ioannou
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📍 Paphos
Marios Ioannou
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📍 Famagusta
Stavros Ioannou
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📍 Paphos
Global network members
12 firmsAdonis Theocharides
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalAntranic Keremidjian
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalAraik Markarian
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalKalopetrides P. & Co.
📍 Nicosia
Kyriaki Theocharous
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📍 Nicosia
BKR InternationalKyriakos Tramountanellis
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📍 Nicosia
BKR InternationalLoucas H' Vasiliou
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📍 Nicosia
BKR InternationalNareg Tavitian
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalPhivos Theocharides
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalRenos Pashias
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalTherapon Mafkas
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📍 Nicosia
Reanda InternationalCostas Yiasemides
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📍 Nicosia
BKR InternationalWhere these firms are located
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Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a Cyprus passport?
No. The Cyprus Investment Programme (citizenship-by-investment) was discontinued in November 2020. Cyprus citizenship is now only obtainable through naturalisation after 7 years of legal residence, marriage to a Cypriot citizen (3 years), or Cypriot descent.
How is Cyprus PR different from Cyprus tax residency?
PR (Permanent Residency) grants legal right to reside in Cyprus. Tax residency determines where you're taxed. They're independent — a PR holder may not be Cyprus tax-resident (if not meeting day-count rules), and a Cyprus tax resident may not need PR (e.g. EU nationals).
Does Cyprus PR expire?
Cyprus Category F PR is granted for indefinite duration. The permit itself must be renewed periodically (typically every 10 years), and holders must visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain status. Loss of status occurs if the underlying investment is disposed of below threshold, or long-term absence exceeds allowances.
Can my family join me under Cyprus PR?
Yes. Category F PR extends to spouse and dependent children (typically under 18, or under 25 if in full-time education). Adult dependent children can be included under specific documentation requirements. Parents of the applicant may join through separate parent PR applications with additional financial requirements.
What is the Digital Nomad Visa income requirement?
Applicants must demonstrate monthly net income of at least €3,500 from remote work sources (foreign employer or self-employed clients). Higher amounts required for dependents (spouse +20%, each child +15%). Income must be verifiable through employment contracts, bank statements, or client agreements.
Can I work locally in Cyprus on a Digital Nomad Visa?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa is specifically for remote work for foreign entities. Local Cyprus employment or client work would require conversion to a standard work permit. This is a strict condition — non-compliance can lead to visa cancellation.