For years, Cyprus was one of the few European countries where investors could obtain citizenship through real estate investment. However, the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment program has been abolished, meaning it is no longer possible to directly buy Cyprus citizenship. Despite this, many investors still search for ways to acquire Cypriot nationality other means.
If you’re looking for a secure real estate investment that provides permanent residency with a pathway to citizenship, the Cyprus Golden Visa Program is your best alternative. This guide clarifies how you can obtain citizenship in Cyprus and explains the investment options available today.
Understanding Your Options The Myth of Buying Cyprus Citizenship Historically, Cyprus allowed wealthy individuals to acquire an EU passport by investing in real estate or other assets. However, due to concerns over misuse and pressure from the European Union, the Cyprus government permanently abolished the Citizenship by Investment (CIB) program in November 2020.
Despite this, misleading information still circulates online, making some believe that purchasing property in Cyprus grants automatic citizenship. This is false. We strongly advise investors to be cautious, as no direct citizenship-by-investment option exists, and any service claiming otherwise is not legitimate.
What Can You Get Instead? While you can’t buy citizenship, Cyprus offers a lifetime permanent residency option through the Cyprus Golden Visa Program, which is one of the most attractive residency schemes in Europe. This provides you with a pathway towards citizenship through naturalisation, which we will cover shortly.
The Cyprus Golden Visa: Permanent Residency Through Real Estate Investment The Cyprus Golden Visa grants lifetime permanent residency through a minimum investment of €300,000 in real estate, businesses, or investment funds. It offers flexible residency requirements, allowing holders to maintain status with just one visit to Cyprus every two years. The visa also provides visa-free travel within the Schengen zone and serves as a pathway to citizenship after meeting legal residency requirements.
For a complete breakdown of the costs and eligibility criteria, check out our Cyprus Golden Visa 2025: Costs & Requirements guide, and if you're looking for a comprehensive step-by-step process on securing permanent residency, we recommend you read out Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment Guide .
How to Obtain Cyprus Citizenship While direct citizenship by investment is no longer available, there are still legal pathways to Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation. These include:
Naturalisation by Residency : The fast-track process allows skilled workers to obtain EU citizenship in just 3 years, provided they have legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately before the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt this requirement. A standard route is also available, requiring 8 years of legal residence over a 10-year period.Citizenship by Marriage : If you are married to a Cypriot citizen, you may apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and legal residence in Cyprus.Citizenship by Descent : Individuals with Cypriot parentage or ancestry may be eligible for citizenship through descent.Cypriot citizenship grants full EU rights, including the ability to live, work, and study anywhere in the European Union, along with visa-free travel to 174 countries.
If you are considering moving to Cyprus and obtaining this lucrative EU passport, the Cyprus Golden Visa is the perfect way to start your path towards naturalisation, either via the 3-year skilled worker track or the 8-year standard route.
To learn more about obtaining EU citizenship through Cyprus, visit our Cyprus Citizenship Service .
Who Should Consider the Cyprus Golden Visa? The Cyprus Golden Visa is ideal for non-EU investors who:
Want EU market access both with or without full relocation Seek wealth protection and tax advantages Prefer a flexible residency program with minimal physical stay requirements Wish to secure a Mediterranean lifestyle for their family If citizenship is your long-term goal, you can work towards naturalisation after meeting the legal residency requirements.
Conclusion While Cyprus no longer offers direct citizenship by investment, the Cyprus Golden Visa remains a valuable option for securing permanent residency with a clear pathway to citizenship. This program provides tax benefits, EU market access, and a high quality of life, making it an attractive choice for investors and families alike.
If you’re looking for a strategic and secure residency option in the EU, the Cyprus Golden Visa is your best route forward.
For expert guidance on your application, visit our Cyprus Golden Visa Service today.