In short: €300,000 + VAT in new property from a developer · €50,000 a year in foreign income (+€15,000 spouse, +€10,000 per child) · clean criminal record · health insurance · decision in about 2–4 months · permit for life, with one visit every two years.
What the Cyprus permanent residence permit is
Cyprus offers non-EU nationals a permanent residence permit in return for investing in the country. The most popular route, known as the fast-track or Category 6(2) procedure under the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, is buying new residential property.
Unlike most European "golden visas", the Cypriot permit is permanent from day one. There's no two-year renewal cycle and no minimum-stay requirement beyond a single visit every two years. It covers your spouse and children, lets you live in Cyprus whenever you like, and gives you a base inside the European Union with an English-speaking legal system, low taxes and 340 days of sunshine.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | What you need (2026) |
|---|---|
| Investment | At least €300,000 + VAT in new residential property, bought from a developer (first sale) |
| Paid before applying | At least €200,000 + VAT, transferred from abroad |
| Annual income | €50,000 from outside Cyprus, +€15,000 for a spouse, +€10,000 per dependent child |
| Bank deposit | No longer required (abolished May 2023) |
| Criminal record | Clean certificate from your country of residence and of origin |
| Health insurance | Cover for you and every family member included |
| Employment | No employment by a Cypriot employer (directorships and dividends allowed) |
| Keeping it | Keep the investment, keep insurance, visit at least once every two years |
Figures reflect the rules as amended in 2023 and as we understand them in September 2026. Immigration rules change; always confirm with your lawyer before committing.
The property investment
The property rules are where most buyers, and many sellers, get it wrong. To qualify:
- It must be new. The home must be bought directly from the developer as a first sale. Resale property does not qualify.
- One or two homes. You can reach €300,000 + VAT with one home, or with two homes (houses or apartments) from the same developer. That's why buying two Rise Residences apartments from us works.
- €200,000 + VAT paid up front. At least this amount must be paid, from abroad, before you submit the application, with the sales contract stamped and lodged at the Land Registry.
- Off-plan can qualify. A home under construction can be used, as long as the paperwork and payment conditions are met. Your lawyer confirms this for your specific contract.
On VAT: new homes in Cyprus carry 19% VAT. The reduced 5% rate applies only to a buyer's main, permanent residence and has its own conditions, so most residency buyers should budget for the standard rate. We'll model the full cost for your situation before you reserve.
Income and family
You must show a secure annual income of at least €50,000 from outside Cyprus. Salary, pensions, dividends, rental income, interest and similar sources all count. Add €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each dependent child.
A family of four (two adults, two children) therefore needs €85,000 a year. Use the calculator on this page to check your own numbers.
Your application can include your spouse, your children under 18, and unmarried children aged 18–25 who are financially dependent on you and in full-time education. Since 2023, parents and parents-in-law can no longer be included.
The process, step by step
- Consultation. We talk through your family, income and goals, and introduce you to an independent immigration lawyer if you don't already have one.
- Choose and reserve a home. Pick a qualifying home (or two). A reservation takes it off the market while your lawyer runs due diligence.
- Sign and pay. The sales contract is signed, stamped and lodged at the Land Registry. You transfer at least €200,000 + VAT from abroad.
- Gather documents. Passports, criminal record certificates, proof of income, marriage and birth certificates, health insurance, all apostilled and translated where needed.
- Submit. Your lawyer files the application with the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Biometrics are taken in Cyprus.
- Approval. Typically two to four months after a complete submission. Your family's residence cards follow.
We stay involved throughout: confirming payments, providing developer documents, and making sure nothing on our side slows you down.
Keeping your permit
- Keep the qualifying property (you can't sell it and keep the permit on that basis).
- Keep health insurance in force for everyone on the permit.
- Visit Cyprus at least once every two years.
- Keep a clean record. Periodic criminal record checks apply.
A permanent EU home, a place in the sun and an asset that holds its value, all in one purchase.
