The Cyprus Golden Visa has become one of the most attractive residency-by-investment programs in 2024 and 2025. With recent policy changes in Greece, Portugal, and Spain making their schemes more restrictive, Cyprus now offers one of the most accessible and investor-friendly Golden Visas in Europe.
Designed for non-EU investors looking for permanent residency in a business-friendly, tax-efficient environment, the Cyprus Golden Visa grants lifetime residency with a straightforward process. Unlike other EU programs, Cyprus does not require full-time residence; investors only need to visit Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain their residency status, making it ideal for those seeking European access without needing to relocate permanently.
If you’re considering securing permanent residency in Cyprus, our Golden Visa Service
What is the Cyprus Golden Visa? The Cyprus Golden Visa is a permanent residency-by-investment program that allows non-EU investors to obtain a residency permit by investing in Cyprus.
This permit grants lifetime residency rights to the applicant and their immediate family, including spouses and dependent children up to the age of 25. Holders of this visa also enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, an essential benefit for global business people and frequent travelers.
Unlike previous citizenship-by-investment schemes (which Cyprus discontinued in 2020), the Golden Visa does not lead directly to citizenship. However, it is a pathway to long-term residency in the EU and a stepping stone to future naturalization.
Cyprus Golden Visa Requirements in 2024 & 2025 To qualify for the Cyprus Golden Visa, applicants must meet specific investment and financial criteria. The minimum investment requirement is €300,000 , typically in real estate.
Applicants must also demonstrate a stable annual income from abroad, with the following minimum requirements:
€50,000 per year for the primary applicant€15,000 additional income for a spouse€10,000 per dependent childIn addition to the financial criteria, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Clean Criminal Record: Required from both the home country and CyprusHealth Insurance: Private medical insurance is mandatoryResidency Requirement: Applicants must visit Cyprus at least once every two years The Best Investment Option: Real Estate While there are other investment routes, real estate remains the most popular and reliable option for obtaining a Cyprus Golden Visa.
Investors must purchase new residential or commercial property from a registered developer, ensuring compliance with program regulations. Properties purchased for the visa must be valued at €300,000 or more, excluding VAT and other taxes..
The best locations for investment include:
Limassol: The most sought-after city for business and high-end propertiesPaphos: A favorite among retirees and European investorsLarnaca: Offers lower property prices and proximity to Cyprus’s largest airportAyia Napa: A vibrant coastal town known for its beaches and resort-style livingWith property values in Cyprus steadily increasing, investing in real estate not only secures residency but also provides strong capital appreciation potential.
For more details on real estate investment opportunities, check out our Complete Guide to Buying Property in Cyprus
Cyprus Golden Visa Cost & Fees Breakdown Government, Legal & Administrative Fees The cost of applying for a Cyprus Golden Visa depends on the number of applicants, dependents, and the property value. Government fees, legal services, and administrative charges vary accordingly.
Tax Considerations for Property Purchases Property investors should also consider the following tax obligations:
VAT: 5% or 19%. As of June 2023, Cyprus updated its VAT rules for primary residences. The reduced 5% VAT rate now applies only to the first 130 sq m of a primary residence, provided that the planning permission application was submitted before 31 October 2023 and meets the following criteria: The property value is up to €350,000. The total transaction value does not exceed €475,000. The total constructed internal area does not exceed 190 sq m. Stamp Duty : 0.15% - 0.2% of the purchase price.Ongoing Costs Annual Property Taxes: €85 - €256 per year, based on property size and location.Sewerage Tax: 0.03% - 0.035% of the property's 1980 valuation.Communal Fees: €30 - €100 per month (if property is in a gated property complex or apartment building).The Cyprus Golden Visa Application Process The Cyprus Golden Visa application process takes approximately 2-3 months from submission to approval. Here is the step-by-step process:
Select Your Investment: Most investors choose real estate due to its reliability and potential rental income.Prepare Required Documents: This includes proof of investment, secured income, a clean criminal record, and health insurance.Submit Application: The completed application is sent to the Civil Registry and Migration Department for processing.Receive Residency Permit: Once approved, the investor and their family receive permanent residency in Cyprus.Maintain Investment & Compliance: The property must be retained, and investors must visit Cyprus at least once every two years.Befits of the Cyprus Golden Visa for Non-EU Investors Business-Friendly Tax System Cyprus offers a corporate tax rate of just 12.5%, one of the lowest in Europe. Investors can also benefit from 0% tax on foreign income, dividends, and capital gains.
No Residency Requirement Unlike Portugal or Spain, Cyprus does not require investors to reside in the country full-time to maintain residency status.
EU Market Access Permanent residents can set up businesses and operate freely within the EU market.
Family-Friendly Residency The visa extends to spouses and dependent children, providing security and a future pathway to education and business opportunities within Europe.
Why Cyprus is the Best Golden Visa Option in 2025 With Greece increasing its minimum investment threshold to €800,000 and Portugal removing real estate from its Golden Visa scheme, Cyprus remains one of the most affordable and flexible programs in Europe.
Key Advantages:
Fast processing: Approval in 2-3 months No mandatory stay requirements Strong financial and business incentives If you’re looking for expert guidance, our Golden Visa Service
For serious investors seeking a secure, tax-friendly EU residency option, Cyprus offers the perfect balance of financial benefits, accessibility, and long-term stability. Apply today and secure your place in one of Europe’s most strategic locations.
