Category 6(2) vs Category F Permanent Residence in Cyprus
Short answer
Both routes may give a qualifying non-EU national permanent residence in Cyprus, but they work differently. Category 6(2) requires at least €300,000 in an eligible investment category. The Migration Department publishes an examination estimate of about two months from submission of a complete 6(2) application; this is not a guaranteed end-to-end timeframe, and preparation, authority questions, biometrics and card delivery are separate or variable stages. Category F does not prescribe the same investment but relies on sufficient stable income from abroad and generally takes longer.
At a glance
Category 6(2) and Category F differ most on the investment required and on how quickly each is processed.
| Feature | Category 6(2) | Category F |
|---|---|---|
| Investment required | At least €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable) in property or qualifying assets | None |
| Secured annual income | At least €50,000, rising for dependants | A stable income from abroad, enough to live on |
| Typical processing time | Official examination estimate: about two months after a complete filing; not guaranteed | Longer, often many months |
| Working in Cyprus | No local employment; income should come from abroad | No local employment; must live on foreign income |
| Legal basis | Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations | Category F of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations |
| Best suited to | Applicants who meet all conditions and can maintain an eligible €300,000 investment | Applicants with steady foreign income and no wish to invest €300,000 |
| Family included | Spouse and dependent children can be included | Spouse and dependent children can be included |
Which should you choose?
Category 6(2)
Choose Category 6(2) if you can invest and maintain at least €300,000 in an eligible category and satisfy the income, source-of-funds and other applicable conditions.
Category F
Choose Category F if you have a stable income from abroad but do not want to make a €300,000 investment, and you can accept a longer process.
Bottom line
Category 6(2) is the investment-based expedited route, while Category F is an income-based route without the same prescribed investment. The published 6(2) estimate of about two months begins only after a complete application is submitted and is not guaranteed; pre-filing work, questions, biometrics and card delivery affect the overall timetable. Eligibility, not speed alone, should determine the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
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