Our lawyers can help investors acquire residency by investment in Cyprus. We provide full legal representation to any qualifying individual.
Table of Contents
Is it possible to obtain citizenship by investment in Cyprus?
Obtaining Cyprus citizenship by investment is no longer possible through a direct route in 2026 but rather through 2- step process:
- gain residency by investment;
- apply for citizenship.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | non-EU (EU citizens do not need to meet certain requirements) |
Business investment option (YES/NO) | yes, investments in real estate (commercial, residential) |
Real estate investment option (YES/NO) | yes |
| Other investment options (if available) | yes – starting a local business
|
| Living requirement in Cyprus (YES/NO) | no |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | residence – yes / citizenship – no |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | spouse, children, parents |
| Residence visa/citizenship processing time (approx.) | approx. 2 months (it can increase to maximum 6 months) |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | yes |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship for investors who applied for residency by investment | citizenship can be obtained after 7 years of living in Cyprus |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | yes |
| Reasons to choose Cyprus | EU member state, it uses EUR as national currency, it has skilled workforce, attractive business environment, suitable law, attractive tax regime, low costs associated with doing business |
| Personal income tax rate | progressive system – taxes of 0%, 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | 175 countries |
| Ways to acquire citizenship | A person can obtain citizenship in Cyprus by 3 main ways: – naturalization, – marriage with a Cypriot citizen, – having Cypriot origins. |
Law on citizenship | Civil Registry Law. |
Fees charged for citizenship application | EUR 500 for citizenship through naturalization / EUR 300 for citizenship by marriage / EUR 20 for citizenship through Cypriot origins |
| Minimum requirements for citizenship by naturalization | – 5 or 7 years of residency in Cyprus, – 1 year of continuous residency in the year preceeding the citizenship application, – the completed Form M127, – the birth certificate of the applicant (in original), – original police clearance document, – a copy of the residence permit, – a copy of the current passport, – the receipt attesting the payment of the processing fee and others. |
| Minimum requirements for citizenship by marriage | – minimum 3 years of marriage, – minimum 2 years of residency in Cyprus (an exemption from this is granted when the spouses live abroad), – a completed Form M125, – the birth certificate of the applicant (in original), – original police clearance document, – the marriage certificate (in original), – copies of the birth certificates of the children (where applicable), – a declaration of harmonious marriage, etc. |
| Requirements for citizenship by descent | The minimum requirements for those who want to obtain citizenship in Cyprus by decent vary, as there are 6 categories that provide the right to citizenship by descent. |
| Fees charged for minor children citizenship application | EUR 80 |
| Duration of the citizenship process | One can obtain citizenship in Cyprus in minimum 6 months and maximum 2 years. |
| Application stamps fees | Fees are charged and they vary from EUR 1.71 to EUR 8.54, depending on the type of citizenship one applies for. |
| Institution in charge with the review of the application | Civil Registry and Migration Department. |
| Dual citizenship allowed (yes/no) | Yes |
| Fees for the issuance of a passport | EUR 45 for minors, EUR 70 for adults (additional fee for accelerated passport issuance EUR 50) |
| Passport validity | 5 years for minors / 10 years for adults |
| Difference between permanent residency and citizenship | There are few differences between a permanent resident and a citizen, in the sense that the first can’t obtain a Cypriot passport, can’t vote and can’t participate in elections. |
| Authentication/translation of foreign documents required (yes/no) | Yes |
What are the main legal services your team can provide me with?
Our lawyersare specialized in offering any legal services in connection to immigration in Cyprus. For foreign investors, we have prepared a set of dedicated legal services, as follows:
- providing information on the visa programs designed for investment/business purposes;
- consultancy services on the best immigration approach suitable to a foreigner, based on his/her financial status, investment plans, etc.;
- step-to-step legal assistance during the immigration process;
- legal representation in front of Cypriot institutions;
- assistance in starting a business, purchasing a property, relocating with close family members;
- legal representation citizenship applications, appeals, etc.
Can I obtain residency by investment if I buy property in Cyprus?
Yes, foreigners can acquire residency when purchasing properties. In the list below, our immigration lawyer in Cyprus has prepared a short description of this program:
- the permanent residency opens the pathway to indirectcitizenship by investment in Cyprus, which can be obtained in a period of 7 years since the moment when the foreigner received the residency;
- the minimum investment, of EUR 300,000, can be invested in residential properties;
- the same investment is accepted if the investment is 1 residential property and 1 commercial property, as long as the latter has a surface of minimum 250 square meters;
- please mind that to the minimum investment of EUR 300,000 a VAT of 19% must be calculated, so investors should prepare to invest a higher sum of money;
- successful applicants are not required to relocate to Cyprus on a permanent basis – they can come here every 2 years.
Can I start a business in Cyprus?
Yes, another pathway to residency by investment is to start a business in Cyprus or to purchase shares in a company operating in Cyprus (by maintaining the same investment threshold – EUR 300,000). There are additional requirements that have to be fulfilled – for example, the company must employ at least 5 persons.
Is it possible to invest in Cypriot investment funds?
Yes, the residency by investment program can also be accessed by foreign investors by means of investing in investment funds. The same sum of money is required (EUR 300,000), which must be invested in Cypriot-approved funds (investments can be made in the collective funds of theCyprus Investment Funds Association).
Can I retain my citizenship if I obtain Cypriot citizenship?
Yes, if you plan to become a Cypriot citizenby means of permanent residency through investments you will be able to retain you first citizenship, as dual citizenship rights are recognized in this country.
What nationality can I have in order to apply for this visa program?
The visa program for investment purposes is open to any foreigner who can meet the required conditions. The residency/nationality of the applicant is also important, as the visa formalities must be initiated only by non-EU foreigners.
Where to initiate the visa application process?
The application must be initiated with the Civil Registry and Migration Department, operating under the Cypriot Ministry of Interior.
Who can initiate the visa application?
Please mind that the application can be initiated by the applicant (the foreign investor) or his or her legal representative. As such, we mention that investors can hire our immigration lawyer in Cyprus, who can offer legal representation in front of the Cypriot authorities, through the power of attorney.
Do I need to abide by any annual requirements in Cyprus to maintain my visa?
Persons who have obtained permanent residency in Cypruson account of making an investment, are required to comply with yearly requirements that prove that the visa holders still qualify under the initial requirements of their visa. Some of these are:
- maintaining their initial qualifying investment;
- prove having the annual minimum income required by law, obtained from sources outside Cyprus (which, in 2026, is EUR 50,000 per year);
- the visa holder must also have a valid health insurance that can cover medical care in Cyprus.
What family members can I bring in Cyprus under an investment visa?
The residency by investment program allows the investor to bring in Cyprus family members such as:
- spouse;
- children;
- parents;
- parents in law.
We invite you to watch a short video presenting the basic information on how to apply for indirect citizenship by investment in Cyprus:
Are there any minimum yearly financial requirements when relocating with family members?
Those who want to apply for this program have to comply with new requirements concerning the financial thresholds for family members. In 2026, the investor must provide EUR 10,000 for each child and EUR 15,000 for the spouse.
Do I need to pay a visa processing fee?
Yes, applicants are charged with a processing of EUR 500 if they arrive here individually, with a spouse or with their children. An additional EUR 500 fee is imposed to the same application if the investor’s child is older than 18.
How long does it take to process my application?
Please be aware of the fact that the file for permanent residency by investment can be processed in a period of approximately 2 months, but the duration of this process can increase to up to 6 months.
Do I need to apply for a residency card?
Yes. Those who have obtained residency in Cyprus must also apply for a residency card. The issuance of a residency card implies the payment of a fee, which costs EUR 70 per person. Please mind that the residency card issued in this case is valid for maximum 10 years (it can be renewed upon its expiration).
When can an investment visa application be denied?
Foreign businessmen must know that the Cyprus immigration authorities retain the right to deny visas to foreigners who do not comply with the minimum requirements imposed for the visa type of choice. In the list below, our immigration lawyers in Cyprushave prepared a short presentation on the main grounds of refusal:
- the foreign applicant has a criminal record;
- he or she has provided false information in the visa application form;
- he or she is currently under a criminal investigation process;
- the person can be considered a security threat for Cyprus;
- the applicant has previously been denied a visa in a country with which Cyprus has a visa-free agreement (such as the European Union).
Can I obtain your legal services in other European countries?
Clients interested in obtaining citizenship or residency by investment in another European country, for example in Romania, can receive specialized legal assistance from our partners – Rolegal.com.
For details about the best way of acquiring citizenshipas foreign investor, please contact our Cypriot lawyers.
