For non-EU buyers, a home in Cyprus can be much more than a property. Through the Cyprus permanent residency by investment programme, buying a qualifying new home can give you and your family the right to live on the island permanently, with the sunshine, safety and lifestyle that come with it.
Here’s a simple guide to how the programme works and why it’s one of the most attractive residency options in Europe.
What is permanent residency by investment?
The programme is officially known as the Immigration Permit under Regulation 6(2). It allows non-EU nationals to obtain permanent residence in Cyprus by buying a new residential property worth at least €300,000 plus VAT.
Unlike many residency schemes in Europe that need renewing every year or two, Cyprus grants a permit with no expiry date, as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
The key benefits
• Permanent from day one: Your residence permit doesn’t need renewing, so you have long-term security without repeated applications.
• A home for your family: Your spouse and dependent children can be included, subject to the requirements below.
• No minimum stay: You don’t have to live in Cyprus full-time. You only need to visit the island at least once every two years to keep your residency.
• A base in the European Union: Cyprus is an EU member state with a stable economy, a legal system based on English law, and English widely spoken in daily life and business.
• A safe, family-friendly lifestyle: Cyprus offers low crime, international schools, quality healthcare and a warm, welcoming community.
• A fast-track process: Applications are handled through a dedicated fast-track procedure, much quicker than standard residency routes.
• A route to citizenship: Permanent residents who live in Cyprus for eight out of ten years and meet the naturalisation requirements, including Greek language and civic knowledge tests, can apply for Cypriot citizenship.
What you need to qualify
The property
• A new residential property (an apartment or house) bought directly from the developer as a first sale, worth at least €300,000 plus VAT. You can also buy up to two new properties if their combined value reaches this amount.
• The funds must be transferred to Cyprus from abroad.
• The property is your home in Cyprus. It must be used as the residence for you and your family, and it cannot be rented out.
• A significant part of the purchase price must be paid when you apply. Your lawyer will confirm the exact amounts and payment schedule.
A secure annual income from abroad
You’ll need a secure annual income of at least €50,000, which can come from a salary, pension, dividends, deposits or rental income from abroad. Income earned in Cyprus doesn’t count towards this.
Other requirements
• A clean criminal record from your country of origin and your country of residence
• Health insurance for you and your family
• Proof of where your investment funds came from
• Confirmation that you won’t take up employment in Cyprus
Including your family
Your family can share your residency, but each additional family member raises the requirements:
• Spouse: Your required annual income increases by €15,000, and your spouse also needs a clean criminal record.
• Children under 18: Your income requirement increases by €10,000 for each child.
• Children aged 18 to 25: They can be included if they’re unmarried, financially dependent on you and studying full-time at university. Each one adds €10,000 to the income requirement and is assessed under separate conditions.
• Parents and parents-in-law: They’re no longer eligible to be included under this programme since the 2023 changes.
Example: A couple with two young children would need to show a secure annual income from abroad of at least €85,000 (€50,000 + €15,000 + €10,000 + €10,000).
How long does it take?
• Choosing your property and buying: usually a few weeks to a few months, depending on the property and how quickly the paperwork and payments are completed
• Application review: the official target is about two months for a complete application. In practice, most applicants receive a decision within two to six months, depending on how complete their file is and how busy the authorities are.
• After approval: you’ll attend a biometrics appointment and receive your residence card, which is renewed periodically while the permit itself stays permanent
Submitting a complete, well-prepared application is the best way to avoid delays, which is why working with an experienced team and a qualified lawyer makes such a difference.
Keeping your residency
After approval, you’ll need to:
• Keep your qualifying property
• Visit Cyprus at least once every two years
• Submit proof each year that you still own your investment, along with health insurance for your family
• Provide updated clean criminal records when requested
Why now is a good time
In September 2026, the Cyprus government announced plans to tighten the programme ahead of the country joining the Schengen Area. No new rules or dates have been published yet, but changes such as higher investment thresholds are being discussed. Buyers who are considering Cyprus may want to explore their options under the current terms. Speak to your lawyer about how any future changes could affect you.
Choosing the right home
Your residency property will be your family’s home in Cyprus, so the location matters. Limassol offers city living by the sea with excellent international schools. Paphos combines history, nature and coastline, from Kato Paphos to Peyia and the Akamas. Larnaca offers a calm lifestyle close to the island’s main airport.
Read our guide: Buying property in Cyprus: where to start
Good to know
• Permanent residency is not citizenship. It also doesn’t yet give visa-free travel within the Schengen area, as Cyprus isn’t currently part of Schengen.
• Residency and tax residency are separate, so being a permanent resident doesn’t automatically make you a Cyprus tax resident.
• Programme rules can change, so always confirm the latest requirements with a qualified immigration lawyer before you buy. We can introduce you to trusted legal professionals.
Let us help you start your journey
Finding a new home that qualifies for permanent residency and suits your family’s lifestyle is easier with the right team by your side. Contact us, and the LC Cyppro Realty team will help you find qualifying new properties across Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca, connect you with trusted legal advisors, and guide you from your first viewing to the day you receive your permit. With experience in the Cyprus market since 1995, we’re here to make the process simple.
← All articles