HomePermanent Residency Permits
Dreaming of a cosy life on sunny Cyprus with European standards and a comfortable tax climate? Cyprus residency is an opportunity to live in the EU, take your business to an international level, optimise taxes, and use the services of European banks.
Our legal company will help you obtain a permanent residence permit quickly and without unnecessary hassle. We will assist in determining the suitable Cyprus permanent residency, analyse your goals, and propose the optimal plan of action. We will prepare all the necessary documents, handle negotiations with immigration services, and ensure the correctness of application processing. We provide consultations on tax matters, real estate, and the development of your business on the island.
What is a Permanent Residency Permit in Cyprus?
Cyprus permanent residency is an official status allowing foreigners to legally reside in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for an unlimited period of time. Unlike short-term visas or temporary permits, holders of a permanent residence permit do not need to obtain a new permit for staying every year.
Permanent residency (PR) in Cyprus is an official status that allows foreigners to legally reside in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus for an unlimited period of time. Unlike short-term visas (tourist, student, work) or temporary permits (renewed annually), a PR holder does not need to obtain a new residence permit each time. Below, we will examine how permanent residency differs from other types of residence permits and what rights it grants.
Permanent residency is issued in the form of a resident card, which must be presented upon exit/entry, and it serves as confirmation of permanent residency at the migration department of Cyprus. Having permanent residency does not equate a foreigner to a citizen of Cyprus: they cannot participate in elections or hold public office.
Residency in Cyprus with the status of permanent residence for an extended period is grounds for obtaining citizenship, but additional conditions and verification are required.
Simplified conditions for opening a company, participating in economic programmes, purchasing real estate. In some cases, owning property and investing in the Cypriot economy provide the right to apply for permanent residency.
Types of Permanent Residency Permits in Cyprus
Let us consider the main types of permanent residence permit offered by Cypriot migration programmes:
Permanent Residency by Investment. Foreigners investing in the economy of Cyprus (usually through the purchase of real estate) can obtain permanent residency status on the island. The minimum investment threshold is the purchase of real estate worth from €300,000. There is no requirement for Cyprus permanent residency to maintain the status.
F Visa. Eligible individuals are those who can confirm a stable income outside of Cyprus (pensioners, business owners abroad, or dividend holders). A mandatory condition for permanent residency is having an income sufficient to cover all living expenses (calculated at approximately €2,000–€2,500 per month per family).
Permanent residency for business owners and entrepreneurs. The basis for Cyprus permanent residency is the registration and operation of a business on the island, creation of jobs, and payment of taxes. It is necessary to confirm the availability of start-up capital and financial support for launching and running the company.
Permanent residence upon purchase/rental of real estate. A subcategory of investment programmes, where the emphasis is placed on the acquisition of real estate or long-term rental of housing:
- Property Investment: investments in real estate from 300,000 euros;
- Rental Contract: long-term lease as a form of confirmation.
Family reunification. This Cyprus permanent residency programme is suitable for spouses, children, or other relatives of Cypriot citizens or residents with long-term permits. Proof of family ties, financial support for the family, and suitable housing are required. The permanent residency is of a “dependent” nature, and if the primary status of the “sponsor” is lost, the reunited relative risks losing their residence permit as well.
Permanent residency for pensioners. Suitable for foreign citizens of retirement age with a stable income (pension, dividends, rent). It is necessary to prove the presence of a regular income exceeding the minimum living standards in Cyprus. An additional mandatory condition is the absence of any intention to engage in paid work within the country.
If you plan to settle in Cyprus for a long time, choosing the optimal permanent residence permit option and proper preparation of documents are crucial. Our legal company is ready to assist: we will assess your situation, select a suitable programme, and support you at all stages of the process.
Why Choose Our Legal Team?
The procedure for obtaining Cyprus permanent residency may seem complicated, especially with a lack of experience and knowledge of local regulations. Our company offers a comprehensive approach and many years of experience to help you quickly and safely complete all the formalities.
Our team has established contacts with Cypriot immigration authorities, which allows us to resolve issues more effectively and obtain up-to-date information on the latest legislative changes.
The process of obtaining a valid temporary residence permit includes the preparation of financial reports, rental or purchase agreements for housing, as well as compliance with AML regulations. We know all the nuances and will save you from bureaucratic surprises.
We handle communication with banks, notaries, translators, and government services in Cyprus. You save time and effort by focusing on your priorities.
Our team regularly informs about the status of the case, warns about additional requirements, and resolves arising issues immediately upon their occurrence.
Are You Eligible for a Cyprus Permanent Residency Permit?
Obtaining Cyprus residency is associated with fulfilling a number of requirements set by the state. It is important to study the criteria in advance, prepare a correct set of documents, and, if necessary, enlist the support of experienced lawyers.
For example, to obtain permanent residency through an investment programme, it is necessary to invest in the purchase of real estate or another government-recognised project in Cyprus from €300,000.
If investing is not considered, an alternative way to obtain permanent residency could be the F Visa status for financially independent individuals. The applicant must have a confirmed income (pensions, dividends, rent) or substantial savings that allow them to live in Cyprus without participating in the local labour market. The exact financial requirements vary, but usually range from €2,000–2,500 per month (for a family). Owning property on the island (or long-term rental) can also be an advantage.
If your spouse or parents have the status of a citizen of Cyprus (or already hold permanent residency), you can apply for family reunification. Direct relatives (children, parents) can also qualify for permanent residence, provided certain conditions are met. Proof of financial support from the person holding permanent residency or citizenship must be provided to ensure the family does not rely on state benefits.
Moreover, a mandatory requirement for all categories is the provision of a police clearance (certificate of good conduct) from the country of citizenship and the countries where they have resided in recent years. Any facts of international sanctions or financial investigations may result in a refusal of permanent residency.
Steps to Apply for a Permanent Residency Permit in Cyprus
The first stage of obtaining Cyprus residency is choosing the basis for permanent residence (PR). After this, you need to start gathering initial information. We recommend consulting with lawyers to determine the optimal path for obtaining PR.
Each category of Cyprus residency has its own checklist: proof of investments, income certificate, employment contract, marriage certificate, etc. All documents required for submission must be translated into English and notarised.
The next step is submitting an application for residency in Cyprus. Different categories of permanent residency may require submitting an application to various departments (Immigration Department of Cyprus, Ministry of Interior, consulate abroad). Often, a prior appointment is required for the personal submission of documents. Check whether it is possible to complete everything remotely or through an authorised representative.
If all the criteria are met, the authorities notify the applicant that the permit for residency in Cyprus has been approved. It is necessary to visit the relevant department, submit biometrics (photo, fingerprints), and receive the plastic resident card. In case of refusal, the applicant has the right to appeal or submit a new application after addressing the remarks.
Advantages of Holding a Permanent Residency Permit in Cyprus
Residents of Cyprus benefit from a simplified tax accounting system, including a relatively low corporate tax rate (12.5%) and the opportunity to optimise personal taxes. Another important advantage is the absence of inheritance tax.
Cyprus has concluded numerous agreements on the avoidance of double taxation (DTAA), which helps reduce the risks of paying taxes in two countries simultaneously.
By obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus, a resident gains the right to move freely and conduct activities within the borders of the EU. The country operates a modern network of banks and payment institutions, making transactions with counterparties worldwide as convenient as possible.
Owners of permanent residency can officially work as employees or develop their own business without the need for annual work visas or permits. Permanent residency grants the right to stay in Cyprus indefinitely without the need for regular renewal of short-term visas.
Mild winters, the warm Mediterranean Sea, clean beaches, and favourable environmental conditions make Cyprus attractive for living and leisure.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Secure Permanent Residency in Cyprus?
Our cooperation will begin with a detailed discussion of your goals: investments, work, family reunification. A lawyer analyses your status, financial capabilities, and timelines to determine the optimal path for obtaining Cyprus permanent residency.
We explain in detail the requirements of Cypriot migration legislation, the timeframes for application processing, and the necessary set of documents.
If you need to purchase property, arrange an investment agreement, or confirm financial independence, lawyers will offer specific steps and trusted partners (estate agents, auditors).
We prepare a complete package: criminal record certificates, financial statements, passport translations, etc. Lawyers verify the accuracy of the information to eliminate errors and discrepancies that could lead to rejection.
Our team communicates with migration departments, banking institutions (if it is necessary to open an account), and other government agencies. We ensure that documents are submitted on time and in full compliance with the requirements.
After the official submission of the application, we regularly inform the client about the progress of the review, respond to requests from government authorities, and promptly supplement the documentation package if necessary.
If for any reason a refusal is received, we analyse the grounds, file an appeal if necessary, or adjust the strategy to overcome the objections. After the approval of permanent residency, lawyers provide advice on how to maintain the status, what residence requirements may be established, and what is needed to transition to Cyprus citizenship.
If you want to simplify and speed up obtaining Cyprus permanent residency, our experienced lawyers are ready to provide a full range of services. Contact us right now, and we will help you confidently and safely achieve your goal, enjoy life on the sunny island, start a business or invest in real estate in one of the most attractive locations in the Mediterranean.
