Immigration & Residency in Nicosia
Cyprus offers multiple residency and citizenship routes for non-EU nationals, including the fast-track Category 6(2) Permanent Residency by investment (the "Golden Visa" — €300,000 investment + €50,000 income requirement), the income-based Category F PR (slower, no investment), 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 6(2) — Golden Visa)
The Category 6(2) Permanent Residency Programme (commonly called the "Golden Visa" fast-track route) 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 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.
Income-based Permanent Residency (Category F)
Category F is the slow-track, income-based PR route requiring NO property investment. Applicants must demonstrate a secured annual foreign income of at least approximately €9,568 (with an additional ~€4,613 per dependent), clean criminal record, and intention to reside in Cyprus. Processing takes significantly longer than Category 6(2) — often multiple years — due to a substantial backlog. Category F suits retirees and individuals with reliable foreign pension or income streams but who do not wish to make the €300,000 property investment.
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.
Firms specialising in Immigration & Residency
97 firmsMulti-practitioner firms with documented practice in Immigration & Residency, ranked by claim status, listing completeness, and client rating.
P. Angelides & Co LLC is a full-service law firm in Cyprus offering litigation and advisory services across multiple legal areas. Founded by Pavlos Angelides in 1978, the firm has over 40 years of experience and serves domestic and international clients. They emphasize client-focused, results-driven legal strategies and corporate social responsibility.
George Papantoniou & Co LLC is a Cyprus-based law firm established in 1982. They offer a wide range of legal services including corporate, immigration, commercial, litigation, family, labour, real estate, and more. The firm prides itself on over 35 years of experience and personalized client service.
Christos Patsalides LLC is a law firm based in Nicosia, Cyprus, founded in 1996. It offers legal services in litigation, insurance, real estate, media & entertainment, and family law. The firm also provides corporate and financial advisory through an associated consulting company, serving domestic and international clients as well as the public sector.
Andys Polydorou LLC is a law firm based in Nicosia, Cyprus, operating worldwide through an international network. The firm offers expertise in domestic and international legal fields, with services including corporate, litigation, trust, migration, banking, compliance, and insolvency practice.
Koushos Korfiotis Papacharalambous LLC is a Cyprus-based law firm providing legal services to domestic and international clients. They focus on delivering real-world solutions through a personal approach to help clients achieve personal and business goals. Their practice areas include litigation, arbitration, mediation, intellectual property, banking and financial services, and corporate, commercial and tax law.
Cyprus law firm with 14 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 12 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 11 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 11 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 7 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 7 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 6 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 6 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 5 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 5 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 5 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 5 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 5 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 4 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 4 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 4 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 4 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 3 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 3 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 3 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 3 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 3 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Haviaras & Philippou is a Cyprus-based law firm offering comprehensive legal services to clients globally. The firm emphasizes client-focused approach and experience in various legal fields, with offices in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Athens.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Eliades & Partners is a Cyprus-based law firm and business consultancy established in 1971. They offer comprehensive legal, tax, and business consultancy services including commercial law, banking & finance, public procurement, and insurance. The firm is client-centered and part of the GGI Global Alliance AG network.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Cyprus law firm with 2 advocates.
Elias Neocleous & Co. LLC is the largest law firm in Cyprus, with over 155 professionals across six offices. They offer comprehensive legal services across 16 practice areas, consistently ranked Tier 1 by leading legal directories. The firm is known for its client-centric approach and innovation in legal technology.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Cyprus law firm.
Independent specialists
6Lawyer / Advocate · Nicosia
Lawyer / Advocate · Nicosia
Lawyer / Advocate · Nicosia
Lawyer / Advocate · Nicosia
Lawyer / Advocate · Nicosia
🎯 Firms are ranked by claim status, listing completeness, and client ratings. Firms that have claimed their listing and provided detailed information rank higher. Claim your firm's listing →
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 6(2) (Golden Visa) 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. Category F PR is similarly indefinite once granted, subject to maintaining the qualifying foreign income and periodic renewals.
Can my family join me under Cyprus PR?
Yes. Both Cyprus PR routes (Category 6(2) investment fast-track and Category F income-based) extend to spouse and dependent children (typically under 18, or under 25 if in full-time education and financially dependent). 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.