Date: 20th March 2025
 

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 will enjoy visa-free travel within the Schengen Zone, as soon as Cyprus enters this zone. Unlike the previous 'Citizenship by Investment' programme which was discontinued in 2020, the Golden Visa does not lead directly to citizenship, but there it is a stepping stone to future naturalization.

Cyprus Golden Visa Requirements
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 child. 

In addition to the financial criteria, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Clean Criminal Record: Required from both the home country and Cyprus

• Health Insurance: Basic medical insurance for all family members

• Residency Requirement: Applicants must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years
   

Best Investment Option Is Real Estate

While there are other investment routes (investing in private limited company or buying shares in an approved regulated investment investment), 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 programme regulations. The purchase value must be €300,000 or more, excluding VAT and other taxes.

With property values in Cyprus steadily increasing, investing in real estate not only secures residency but also provides strong capital appreciation potential.The best locations for investment include the coastal cities:

• Limassol: Sought-after city for business and high-end properties

• Paphos: Favorite location for UK retirees and European investors

• Larnaca: Offers lower property prices and proximity to largest airport

• Ayia Napa/Paralimni: Vibrant location well known for beaches and resorts
   

Cyprus Golden Visa Fees, Taxes, & Cost 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 sqm of a primary residence, provided that the planning permission application was submitted before 31 October 2023 and meets the following criteria: property value is up to €350,000; total transaction value does not exceed €475,000; and total constructed internal area does not exceed 190 sqm.
  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 (depending on type of property)

 

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.

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Benefits 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 cancelling the real estate option from its Golden Visa scheme, Cyprus remains one of the most affordable and flexible programs in Europe. For serious investors seeking a secure, tax-friendly EU residency option, Cyprus offers the perfect balance of financial benefits, accessibility, and long-term stability. 
 

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, we are here to assist with every step of the process.