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Cyprus Residency & Lifestyle in 2025

Mediterranean sunshine, EU stability, and a business-friendly tax system. Cyprus blends island living with global mobility, making it a rising hub for investors, entrepreneurs, and families seeking opportunity and quality of life.

As the island prepares to join the Schengen Area by 2026, the value of Cypriot residency is set to rise sharply. Combined with its favourable non-domicile tax regime, competitive real estate market, and strong international connections, Cyprus is positioning itself as one of the most strategic relocation destinations in Europe today.

Coastal view of Cyprus
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What Sets Cyprus Apart?

Blending Mediterranean island charm with EU legal and financial stability, Cyprus has evolved from a lifestyle destination into a serious hub for global mobility. Its English Common Law–based system, competitive tax regime, and strategic location between Europe, the Middle East, and Africa make it unique among European destinations.

Residency options range from the fast-track Permanent Residency by Investment program to retiree pathways, digital nomad permits, and startup visas. With the non-domicile tax regime, one of the EU’s lowest corporate tax rates, and Schengen membership expected by 2026, Cyprus offers a rare mix of lifestyle, financial advantages, and global connectivity.




16th
Global Passport
39th
Safety Ranking
43rd
Digital Nomad Index
76.5
Healthcare Score


Cyprus Residency Pathways

Detailed breakdown of options for non-EU nationals—from investors and retirees to nomads, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals.

Good to know: Cyprus offers both fast-track and standard residency categories. Regulation 6(2) Permanent Residency requires a €300k property or qualifying investment plus €50k annual income, with decisions in as little as 4–6 months. Other routes, such as Category F or the Digital Nomad Visa, are slower or more selective but remain attractive for specific profiles.

Permanent Residency — Category F

€9,500 annual income (self-sufficient/retiree)

Traditional residency for retirees or those with independent income. Lower income threshold but very long processing times (can exceed 2 years).

  • Residence permit issued after extended review
  • Proof of housing and health cover required
  • Family members may apply separately
  • Counts toward long-term stay rights
  • Not suitable for urgent relocation

Digital Nomad Visa

€3,500 net monthly income

Limited-capacity visa (capped at 500 spots/year) for remote workers employed by foreign companies or clients. Includes family members.

  • Initial 1-year visa, renewable for 2 more years
  • +20% income for spouse, +15% per child
  • Tax-free for first 6 months
  • Comprehensive health insurance required
  • Does not allow local employment

Startup Visa

€20k minimum funding

Residency route for founders of innovative businesses. Applicants must prove business viability and innovation potential.

  • Work authorized in your own company
  • Innovation-driven business plan required
  • Pathway to long-term residence
  • Family inclusion possible
  • Regular reporting to authorities

EU Blue Card (Skilled)

Salary threshold + degree

For highly qualified professionals employed by Cypriot companies. Requires a contract above the set salary floor and recognized qualifications.

  • Work and residence authorization combined
  • Mobility rights across the EU
  • Eligible for family reunification
  • Renewable while employed
  • Counts toward PR and citizenship timelines

Work Permit

Employer sponsorship + job offer

Standard employment route via a Cypriot company. Approval depends on qualifications and labour market rules.

  • Residence linked to employer contract
  • Renewable while employed
  • Family reunification possible
  • Contributes to PR eligibility
  • Processing time varies by consulate

Family Reunification

Dependent proof & sponsor status

For dependents of Cypriot residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship, sufficient income, and accommodation.

  • Spouse/partner, minor children, dependent parents
  • Permit validity tied to sponsor’s status
  • Access to healthcare & education
  • Counts toward long-term residence
  • Documents often need legalization/apostille

Student Visa

University admission + funds

Residence permit for higher education students at recognized institutions. Proof of admission, income, and private insurance required.

  • Permit valid for study duration
  • Part-time work allowed in some cases
  • Switch to work permit or PR after studies possible
  • Family accompaniment limited
  • Counts toward residence history


Cyprus Immigration & Relocation Specialists

Move to Cyprus with Attorney-Led Support

Current residency routes include the Permanent Residency by Investment (Reg. 6(2)), Category F (self-sufficient/retirees), Digital Nomad Visa, and Startup Visa. We also guide on work permits, EU Blue Card, and family reunification. Information only—we don’t provide investment advice.

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Cyprus Golden Visa — Deep Dive

Cyprus’ Regulation 6(2) Permanent Residency is one of Europe’s fastest and most reliable investment residency routes. With a €300k investment threshold, secure income requirements, and a processing time of just 4–6 months, it is a popular choice for families seeking long-term security, EU stability, and future Schengen mobility.

Learn about the Cyprus Golden Visa
Cyprus Mediterranean coastline

Investment Routes

Choose between €300k real estate (new build), shares in a Cyprus company, or units in an investment fund (AIF/RAIF). Applicants must also show €50k+ annual secure income.

Processing Timeline

File application through the Civil Registry & Migration Department → background/security checks → decision in 4–6 months. Residence cards issued with 10-year renewal validity.

Family Inclusion

Covers spouse/partner, children under 18 (and dependent students up to 25), plus dependent parents of both spouses. Each receives a linked PR card.

Key Benefits

Fast-track EU residency with minimal presence requirements, attractive non-dom tax regime, and strategic location with access to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Expected Schengen entry by 2026 will enhance mobility further.




Cyprus Golden Visa (Reg. 6(2)) Application
Step-by-Step Timeline

The fast-track PR route in Cyprus is document-heavy but linear. Most complete in ~4–6 months from filing, depending on biometrics scheduling and case volume. PR is indefinite (card re-issued every 10 years) provided you maintain qualifying investment and meet ongoing conditions.

Step 1Plan

Select investment route & scope documents

Choose between €300k qualifying real estate, shares in a Cyprus company, or regulated investment funds. Map family members to include. Start collecting IDs, clean criminal records, marriage/birth certificates, and plan for translations/apostilles.

Step 2Income

Prove stable annual income

Document at least €50,000/year for the main applicant (+€15,000 spouse, +€10,000 per dependent child). Typical evidence: tax returns, employment contracts, dividends, rental statements, pensions, bank statements.

Step 3KYC

Compliance checks & PoA

Your lawyer performs AML/Source-of-Funds checks and prepares forms. Issue a Power of Attorney if you won’t be present for signings. Open a local bank account if required by the route.

Step 4Invest

Execute qualifying investment

Sign the purchase agreement (real estate) or subscription/Share Purchase Agreement (company/fund). Pay the required amounts and obtain receipts, contracts, and registry confirmations.

Step 5Submit

File PR application (Fast Track)

Your lawyer files the complete application with the Civil Registry & Migration Department (CRMD). Include investment proofs, income evidence, medical insurance, and family documents. Government fees are paid at submission.

Step 6Biometrics

Attend biometrics in Cyprus

Visit a district migration unit for fingerprints, photos, and signatures. Bring originals if requested. Some applicants complete this soon after filing; others upon notice.

Step 7Approval

Decision in ~4–6 months

CRMD issues the approval. You (and each dependent) receive a Permanent Residence card. The PR status is indefinite; the physical card is typically re-issued every 10 years.

Step 8Family

Family cards & dependents

Spouse/partner, children <18, dependent students up to 25, and dependent parents of either spouse receive their own PR cards linked to your investment.

Step 9Aftercare

Maintain PR conditions

Keep the qualifying investment and stable income, retain private medical insurance, and visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years. PR does not grant local employment rights; company shareholders/directors are allowed under specific conditions.

Step 10Next

Schengen & long-term pathways

Cyprus’s expected Schengen accession (~2026) will enhance travel convenience for PR holders. With genuine residence over time, PR can support a future citizenship application (standard naturalisation typically requires long-term residence and language/civics).




Quality of Life in Cyprus — Life & Safety

What everyday living looks like—safety, healthcare (GeSY), schools, neighborhoods, and the Mediterranean lifestyle.

Families

Family-friendly cities, low crime, and strong expat networks in Limassol, Paphos, and Larnaca.

  • Safe neighborhoods & community vibe
  • Parks, beaches, weekend outings
  • Practical setup: banking, utilities, phone

Healthcare (GeSY)

Universal GeSY system plus extensive private clinics and specialists.

  • How to enroll in GeSY
  • Private insurance options
  • Typical costs & wait times

Education (International)

British/IB curricula, English-medium teaching, typical fees €5k–€15k/year.

  • Top schools by city
  • Admissions & placement
  • After-school & transport

Neighborhoods & Housing

City snapshots—Limassol (buzzy), Larnaca (value), Paphos (retiree-friendly), Nicosia (business).

  • Buying vs renting basics
  • Yields & running costs
  • ⚠️ Title deeds & due diligence

Safety & Cost of Living

Low crime rates and predictable monthly costs compared with Spain/Portugal.

  • Utilities, groceries, fuel
  • Car vs public transport
  • Insurance & contingencies

Climate & Outdoors

~320 sunny days/year, warm seas, Troodos hikes—easy year-round lifestyle.

  • Best months by activity
  • Beaches & marinas
  • Weekend trips & nature



What You Get With Movingto

From first call to residency approval, our Cyprus desk operates with attorney-led precision, transparent fees, and a calm, tech-driven process that keeps you in control at every step.
01|

Initial Scoping

We start by mapping your goals—retirement, investment, relocation, or remote work—and shortlist the most suitable Cyprus permits: Permanent Residency (Reg. 6(2)), Category F, Digital Nomad Visa, or Startup Route.

02|

Route & Compliance Strategy

We compare the available tracks, verify eligibility, and align each step with immigration and tax regulations—so your path is compliant from day one.

03|

Document Preparation

Your file is assembled by licensed lawyers, covering translations, apostilles, financial proofs, and health insurance—everything the Civil Registry & Migration Department expects.

04|

Submission & Tracking

We lodge your application locally in Cyprus, coordinate biometrics and payments, and track processing until approval—usually within 4–6 months for 6(2).

05|

Residency Approval

Once approved, you’ll receive your Permanent Residence Card or Nomad Permit. We guide you through registration, banking, utilities, and family add-ons.

06|

After-Care & Citizenship Roadmap

Our platform reminds you about renewals and helps track eligibility toward long-term residency and citizenship (after 5–7 years), with coordinated tax and legal support.





Frequently Asked Questions — Cyprus

01
Can Cyprus Golden Visa (Reg. 6(2)) holders work in Cyprus?
The PR under Reg. 6(2) grants permanent residence but does not authorize local salaried employment. You may hold shares or be a director of a Cyprus company and receive dividends, but to take a job you’d need a work-authorized permit (e.g., Highly-Skilled/EU Blue Card).
02
Do I need to live in Cyprus to keep PR (Reg. 6(2))?
There is no annual day-count to maintain PR, but you must keep the qualifying investment, maintain the required income and insurance, and visit Cyprus at least once every two years. The residence card itself is typically re-issued every 10 years.
03
What are the investment and income requirements for Reg. 6(2)?
Minimum €300,000 invested in real estate, shares of a Cyprus company, or regulated funds, plus stable annual income of €50,000 for the main applicant (add €15,000 for spouse and €10,000 per dependent child). Funds must be proven and compliant with AML/SoF checks.
04
How long does the Cyprus PR (Golden Visa) process take?
Fast-track cases typically complete in about 4–6 months from filing, depending on biometrics scheduling and case volume. Steps include document prep, investment execution, submission to CRMD, biometrics in Cyprus, and card issuance.
05
Who can I include as family on a Reg. 6(2) application?
Spouse/partner, children under 18, and financially dependent students up to 25 are eligible. Dependent parents of either spouse can also be included. Each eligible family member receives their own PR card linked to the main applicant’s investment.
06
Does Cyprus PR give me Schengen travel rights now?
Not yet. Cyprus is in the EU but not in Schengen at this moment. The government targets Schengen accession around 2026; once implemented, PR holders will benefit from simplified travel. Until then, Schengen entry still depends on your passport.
07
Will I become a Cyprus tax resident automatically with PR?
Tax residency is presence-based. Standard rule is 183+ days/year; an alternative 60-day rule can apply if specific conditions are met. PR alone doesn’t force tax residency, but living in Cyprus can trigger it. Many newcomers use the non-dom regime for up to 17 years on certain income categories.
08
Does PR lead to citizenship in Cyprus?
PR is permanent, but citizenship requires long-term residence and integration. Standard naturalisation is usually after 8 years of legal residence (with language/civics), with shorter timelines possible for certain highly-skilled residents.



Private Community

Cyprus Residency Programs Circle

A private members-only space for qualified investors, professionals, and families exploring or holding Cyprus residency. Counsel-led briefings, verified program insights, and peer support from real applicants. (Includes Permanent Residency by Investment — Reg. 6(2), Category F, and Digital Nomad routes.)
Counsel Briefings
Regular updates from licensed Cyprus immigration lawyers on policy shifts and application procedures.
Program Insights
Deep dives into Reg. 6(2), Category F, Digital Nomad, and Startup permits — with verified source links and examples.
Tax & Structuring Q&A
Sessions on non-dom benefits, 60-day rule, and cross-border planning for PR and business owners.
Banking & Relocation Support
Introductions to trusted partners for account setup, property management, schooling, and health insurance.
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Information only. We do not provide investment advice.



Movingto Hub

Exclusive Client Community

Ongoing support, member discounts and expert resources for clients establishing life in Cyprus.

Expat Community

Connect with others moving to Cyprus—real experiences, practical tips, and trusted referrals.

Exclusive Discounts

Preferential rates on removals, insurance, banking, legal, and property services in Cyprus.

Expert Resources

Guides, templates, and checklists for Cyprus bureaucracy and daily life setup.

Ongoing Support

Renewals, PR maintenance (Reg. 6(2)), and escalations to counsel when needed.

Local Insights

City guides for Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Nicosia—schools, healthcare, and neighborhoods.

Policy Updates

Stay current on immigration, Schengen progress, and tax changes via counsel-led briefings.

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