FAQ Cyprus Immigration 2020

Cyprus Investment Program

How can I get Cyprus citizenship?

There are four ways to obtain a Cyprus passport:

• By descent (heritage)
• By marrying a Cypriot Citizen
• By legally residing in Cyprus for 7 years
• Under the Cyprus Investment Program, by investing specific amounts of money in the Cyprus economy, provided you comply with the anti-money laundering checks.

Is it possible to obtain Cyprus citizenship by investment?

Yes, it is possible under the Cyprus Investment Program which requires a minimum investment of €2,000,000 plus a government donation between €100,000 – €200,000.

What is the Cyprus Investment Program?

The Cyprus Investment Program is a regulation that, amongst other things, allows people to obtain citizenship in Cyprus provided they have invested a minimum amount of funds in qualifying investments and comply with specific anti-money laundering requirements.

Can a real estate developer in Cyprus lodge my passport application?

No, under the new citizenship regulations voted in August 2020, Cypriot Developers are not regulated as a citizenship service provider.

What is the minimum investment required for Cyprus citizenship under the Cyprus Investment Program?

The minimum investment is €2,000,000 in residential property and €2,500,000 in commercial property, renewable energy, businesses in Cyprus (e.g., Cypriot innovative or technology businesses) or alternative investment funds.

What are the requirements to qualify under the Cyprus Investment Program?

There is a minimum investment of €2,000,000 plus a government donation between €100,000 and €200,000. In addition, the applicant must pass due diligence checks, which occur initially at the stage of fund transfer and then at the government level. Since banks in Cyprus conduct enhanced due diligence through unrelated international companies, once funds arrive in Cyprus, the applicant should also be able to pass government checks.

How strict are the due diligence and anti-money laundering checks in Cyprus?

For large amounts such as those required for citizenship applications, the banks conduct enhanced due diligence through international companies. They require evidence of the source and size of wealth and the funds to be used. In addition, some background checks are being made with global databases, local databases, and international authorities (such as Interpol) to make sure that the applicant did not obtain his wealth from illegal sources. The government also uses international specialized companies to verify the above.

How fast does my Cyprus passport get issued?

The Cyprus citizenship approval comes approximately in 6 months after the application is made at which stage, the applicant must provide bio-metrics and take the necessary steps for the issuance of the passport. The passport is issued 9 months after the application.

Is it difficult then to get a passport through the Cyprus Investment Program?

It is not difficult if the applicant has a clean criminal record and can prove that his source of wealth and source of income is not related to money-laundering.

Do I need to buy real estate for obtaining a Cyprus passport?

You can invest in other areas of the economy except real estate but in any case, there is a minimum requirement of buying a house of €500,000. If investing in commercial real estate, businesses in Cyprus or Alternative Investment Funds, then you would need to invest a minimum total of €2,500,000; €2,000,000 in the investment and €500,000 for the house which will be your permanent residence.

How long do I have to keep my investments?

The applicant’s permanent residence should be maintained forever or be replaced with another residence of €500,000 or more. The remaining investments should be maintained for at least 5 years but they can be replaced with the permission of the Ministry of Finance.

Is Cyprus a member of the European Union (EU)?

Yes.

If I have a Cyprus Passport, can I travel freely in Europe?

Yes, Cyprus is a European Union member and Cypriots enjoy freedom of travel in every European country as well as visa-free travel in more than 150 countries globally.

If my children have a Cyprus passport can they study anywhere in Europe?

Yes, all European Union citizens can travel, live, work, and study in every country in the European Union.

Can my parents and parents-in-law get Cyprus citizenship as well?

Yes, they can provided that they buy an extra property of €500,000 or the investor and the parents/parents-in-law buy a property of €1,000,000. In any case, the minimum investment rises by €500,000.

Permanent Residency

What are the requirements for permanent residency?

The applicant must purchase a new property worth at least €300,000 plus VAT, have a fixed deposit of €30,000 for 3 years in a bank in Cyprus.

Are there any residency requirements?

No, there are no residency requirements.

Do I have to visit Cyprus certain times per year to retain my permanent residency?

Once your PR application is approved you need to come to Cyprus within 12 months and give biometrics for the PR card to be issued. After that, you only need to come to Cyprus once every two years.

If I have a permanent residency can my children go to private or public school in Cyprus?

Yes, they can. Public schools are free. Private schools have tuition.

If I have a permanent residency in Cyprus am I eligible for the public healthcare system?

Yes, you are.

Can I work in work in Cyprus if I have a Permanent Residency?

A Permanent Residency holder in Cyprus is not allowed to work.

Can I be director or a shareholder of a company in Cyprus if I have a Permanent Residency?

A holder of a permanent residence is not allowed to work in Cyprus. Being a company director in Cyprus will be considered to be work but exceptions may be made if the director is not getting remuneration. Shareholders are not considered as working in Cyprus.

What is the difference between PR 6.2 and Category F?

Permanent Residency under rule 6.2 is granted in 3-6 months. Permanent residency under Category F takes approximately 18 – 24 months. In addition, Category F applications may be rejected under the discretion of the authorities. While PR 6.2 requires a new property of €300,000 plus VAT (typically reduced at 5%) plus a fixed deposit of €30,000 for 3 years, Category F applications don’t have fixed rules. However, the closer to the PR 6.2. minimum requirements one is, the more likely it is for his application to be accepted.

How can I obtain fast track permanent residency under rule 6.2?

You can have a look at our guide for the process and list of requirements.

Other visas

How long does the immigration department allow me to stay in Cyprus with a visitor visa?

The maximum permitted stay is 90 days.

How long can I get a temporary residence for?

While a temporary residence may be issued for up to 2 years, typically the government issues temporary residences in Cyprus (so-called “Pink-Slip”) for 1 year.

Can I renew my visitor visa or obtain another visa to stay in Cyprus after the expiry of the initial period granted by the Cyprus Immigration department?

You should renew your visa before its expiry.

How can I work in Cyprus?

You will need to obtain a work permit. This is a simple typical registration for EU citizens. Non-EU citizens must apply for work permits in Cyprus.