Residence Permit in Cyprus

Why obtain a residence permit: Cyprus and its advantages

There are many reasons why migrants are interested in obtaining a Cyprus residence permit. Let’s look at the most notable advantages of this country:

• The island is located in the Mediterranean region. It has a mild climate and comfortable living conditions, with warm weather throughout most of the year.
• Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU) and pays special attention to the development of its economy. The country offers broad business opportunities for those interested in starting their own company or investing in existing firms.
• A high standard of living is one of Cyprus’s important advantages: a residence permit provides access to modern education and healthcare systems, while crime levels remain low.
• The country has attractive tax rates, as well as opportunities for tax benefits.

Another notable advantage is the procedure for obtaining U.S. and Schengen visas. If foreigners hold a Cyprus residence permit, they can apply for these visas without returning to their home country.

Options for obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus

Today, the Republic of Cyprus offers many programs that allow migrants to obtain a residence permit. For example, legalization options are available for:

• investors;
• self-sufficient individuals;
• digital nomads;
• employees;
• students;
• close relatives of Cypriot citizens.

There are many ways to legalize your stay in Cyprus: our lawyers will explain how to obtain a residence permit during a personal consultation. As an example, let’s review the details of each legalization path mentioned above.

Residence permit in Cyprus for investors

Thanks to this program, foreigners can apply for permanent Cyprus residence. To avoid annulment of the document, investors must visit the country at least once every two years.

Residence permits in Cyprus are available to foreigners over 18 years old who have no criminal record or restrictions on entering EU countries or the UK. In addition, migrants must undergo a medical examination to prove the absence of dangerous diseases, such as HIV, syphilis, etc.

The applicant’s spouse and parents, as well as their children, can also apply for a Cyprus residence permit:

• minors;
• children up to 25 years old, if they are financially dependent on the migrant parent.

If you need a residence permit, Cyprus offers four legalization options for investor migrants. Depending on your goals and capabilities, you can choose to purchase:

• residential property;
• a commercial property;
• securities of local companies;
• shares in Cyprus investment funds.

Any of these investment options requires an applicant to invest at least €300,000. You may purchase multiple properties or combine real estate with securities, as long as the total investment is at least €300,000.

Real estate purchases deserve special mention. You may acquire either a completed property or one that is still under construction. However, note that buying resale property does not qualify under this program.

Residence permit in Cyprus for self-sufficient individuals

If you are interested in Cyprus, a residence permit can be obtained not only through investments but also simply by having a source of income — provided it is located outside the country. In this case, migrants can apply for a visitor residence permit. It does not give foreigners the right to work in Cyprus, but it allows them to stay in the country legally.

The migrant may also include close family members in the application — their spouse and minor children. If a child is already 18 years old, they cannot be included in the application.

The main requirement for the applicant is to have a stable monthly income of at least €2,000, originating from abroad. The income can come from:

• salary;
• pension;
• rental payments;
• dividends;
• interest on deposits (only from foreign banks).

The required income amount increases by:

• 20% if the spouse is included in the application;
• 15% for each minor child.

To obtain a residence permit in Cyprus under this program, the applicant must also:

• Rent or purchase real estate in Cyprus.
• Provide health insurance for all family members.

This type of residence permit is valid for one year. It can be renewed multiple times by applying at least one month before its expiration. At each renewal, the migrant must have at least €6,000 in their personal bank account, with proof provided via a bank statement.

Residence permit in Cyprus for digital nomads

This migration program allows foreigners earning at least €3,500 per month (after tax) to apply for a Cyprus residence permit. Work can be carried out remotely under an employment contract or as self-employed.

In all cases, the employer must be registered abroad. Moreover, the applicant cannot be a citizen of an EU country.

Migrants may include their spouse and children under 18 in the application. However, these dependents cannot work or open a business in Cyprus.

The Cyprus residence permit is issued for one year and can be extended for an additional two years.

Residence permit in Cyprus for employees

If a foreigner secures employment in a local company, they may apply for a residence permit. The company must have foreign capital, and the migrant must not be a citizen of an EU member state. An employment contract with the employer is required, and the minimum salary must be €2,500 (before tax).

Additionally, if the migrant is applying for a managerial position, they may request residence permits for their spouse and children (under 18). However, the application for legalization must be submitted by the employer, not the migrant themselves.

This type of residence permit is valid for one year and can be renewed. However, its total duration cannot exceed four years. This restriction does not apply to certain categories, such as journalists or professional athletes.

Residence permit in Cyprus for students

Foreigners admitted to study at a local university may apply for a Cyprus residence permit. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually for the duration of the study program.

This type of residence permit also gives students the right to work, provided that:

• The migrant is studying at a public educational institution.
• Total working hours do not exceed 20 hours per week.

Cyprus residence permit for family reunification

A foreigner who marries a Cypriot citizen can apply for a residence permit immediately after marriage. At the same time, the migrant may include their parents and children under 18 in the application.

If you are interested in this type of residence permit in Cyprus, our legal experts at Incluence will explain how to obtain it. Importantly, after 4–5 years, you may apply for citizenship, which will fully legalize your status in Cyprus. Contact us for a personal consultation if you have additional questions.

Required documents for obtaining a Cyprus residence permit

Depending on the chosen legalization option, different documents may be required. The most commonly requested documents include:

• Completed application form.
• Income declaration — required for some programs, such as investment-based residence permits.
• Applicant’s biography.
• Passport of the migrant and their family members (if included in the application).
• Proof of permanent residence in Cyprus.
• Criminal record certificate — required for all applicants.
• Certificates of marriage and children’s birth.
• Health insurance.

Cyprus: obtaining a residence permit with professionals

If you plan to move to Cyprus, there are many ways to obtain a residence permit. However, there is always a risk of rejection by the authorities. Contact Incluence experts to minimize risks and ensure the legalization process goes smoothly.

Submit an application on our website if you need a Cyprus residence permit: the cost depends on various factors and is determined individually for each client. Reach out to our experts in any convenient way if you have questions or require a personal consultation.