Residence in Cyprus: The Investor Permit
You want a home base in Cyprus, and you want to know what the permit asks of you. Cyprus has one investment route, the investor permit, with an investment of at least EUR 300,000 and a secure annual income of at least EUR 50,000.
Why Cyprus's permit needs a close read
Cyprus asks for an investment and a steady income, and the permit comes with conditions you must keep. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Investor permit | |
|---|---|
| Type | Investment residence |
| Money | EUR 300,000 in a house or apartment, other real estate, company shares or a Cyprus fund, plus a secure annual income of EUR 50,000 or more |
| Key rule | No employment in Cyprus except as a director of your company; absence of two years ends the permit |
| Page | Cyprus investor permit |
| Business | Open a company in Cyprus |
Cyprus has other permit categories that this section does not cover; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Cyprus Investor Permit right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You can invest at least EUR 300,000 from abroad in one of the four forms | You want to work for an employer in Cyprus: the permit bars employment except as a director of your invested company |
| You have a secure annual income of at least EUR 50,000 from outside Cyprus (more with a family) | You plan to sell the investment without replacing it: that cancels the permit |
| You do not plan to take employment in Cyprus | You expect to be away from Cyprus for two years or more |
| You can live in Cyprus and visit regularly | Your funds cannot be shown to come from abroad |
Not sure Cyprus is the best fit? Compare all European routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need an investment of at least EUR 300,000, a secure annual income, a clean record and health cover. Cyprus also asks you you will not take employment there.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Cyprus Investor Permit page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
The investment is the larger cost, and the government fee is small. Set both against the cost of a wrong start: an investment that does not qualify or an income test you cannot show.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee, for all persons in the application | EUR 500 |
| Alien registration certificate, per person who needs one | EUR 70 |
Source: Cyprus Migration Department. The investment, taxes and professional fees are on top, and we agree the professional fees with the local partner.
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: Cyprus Migration Department.
- Policy: fourth revision, in force 2 May 2023, posted 29 December 2025
- Permit validity: the residence right has no expiry; the card is renewed every 10 years
- Examination time: about two months for a complete application
After you have the permit
You keep the permit by keeping the investment, the income and a real residence in Cyprus. The Migration Department asks for yearly proof and sets rules on absence.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Cyprus Investor Permit page.
How Cyprus compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Cyprus route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cyprus Investor Permit (this page) | EUR 300,000 investment plus a secure income of EUR 50,000 a year | Investment | The Cyprus investor permit needs an investment of at least EUR 300,000 and a secure annual income of at least EUR 50,000. |
| Malta Permanent Residence Programme | Capital assets of EUR 500,000 or EUR 650,000, a qualifying property and government fees | Investment | The Malta Permanent Residence Programme (MPRP) asks for an administration fee, a government contribution, a qualifying property, capital assets and a small donation. |
| Greece Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (listed building or conversion); EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 for other property | Investment | The Greece Golden Visa is a residence permit for investors who buy qualifying real estate, from EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 by area, and from EUR 250,000 for listed buildings and conversions. |
| Hungary Guest Investor Permit | EUR 250,000 real estate fund share, or a EUR 1,000,000 donation | Investment | The Hungary Guest Investor permit needs EUR 250,000 in a real estate fund share or a EUR 1,000,000 donation to a public-trust university. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
End-to-end support
From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Which Cyprus route can I use?
This section covers the investor immigration permit under the expedited procedure, which the Migration Department publishes as a policy.
How much income do I need?
At least EUR 50,000 a year from abroad, plus EUR 15,000 for a spouse and EUR 10,000 for each minor child.
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner who files with the Migration Department.
Can I work in Cyprus?
No, except as a director of the company you invested in. You and your spouse confirm you do not intend to take employment in Cyprus.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Your spouse and children under 18 are covered. Students aged 18 to 25 apply separately with extra income shown, and non-dependent adult children need a higher investment.
Does the permit expire?
The residence right has no expiry. The physical card expires 10 years after issue and is replaced. Cards for underage dependants run to age 18.
What makes me lose the permit?
It ceases if you do not take up residence within one year of approval, if you gain permanent residence abroad, if you are absent for two years, or if you sell the investment without replacing it.
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Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
