Cyprus Golden Visa

Cyprus Golden Visa Program: Permanent Residency & Investment Opportunities in the EU (2025 Latest Guide)

Cyprus, the gem of the Mediterranean, stands out with its strategic geographical location, warm climate, rich history, and dynamic economy as a member of the European Union (EU). This attractive island nation launched the Cyprus Golden Visa program (Permanent Residency by Investment) in 2013, aiming to draw foreign investments and talented individuals to its shores.

The Cyprus Golden Visa program offers investors and their families the chance to obtain permanent residency in Cyprus, providing free movement within the Schengen Area and access to all the benefits Europe has to offer. The particularly fast processing times, with permanent residency approval often secured in an average of just 2 months, make Cyprus a standout choice among other European countries.

In this comprehensive guide, we will thoroughly explore the 2025 updated application requirements for the Cyprus Golden Visa program, its investment options, the unique advantages it offers, associated costs, and why Cyprus could be your permanent home in Europe.

What is the Cyprus Golden Visa and Why is it Preferred? (Program Fundamentals)

The Cyprus Golden Visa is a program that grants permanent residency to third-country nationals (from non-EU/EFTA countries) who meet specific investment conditions in Cyprus. The primary goal of the program is to stimulate and diversify the economy by attracting foreign capital into the country.

Key reasons to choose the Cyprus Golden Visa include:

• Fast Processing Time: Permanent residency approval is typically obtained in an average of just 2 months.
• EU Membership Advantage: Holding a permanent residency permit in an EU member state offers significant advantages, including simplified visa processes for other EU countries (though Cyprus itself is not yet part of Schengen, obtaining visas for other EU countries becomes easier). If Cyprus joins Schengen in the future, visa-free travel rights would automatically be granted.
• Attractive Tax Rates: Favorable tax advantages for both companies and individuals.
• High Quality of Life: A safe environment, Mediterranean climate, and world-class healthcare and education services.
• Family Inclusion: The main applicant’s spouse, children, and even parents can be included in the program.
• No Residency Requirement: There is no obligation to continuously reside in Cyprus to maintain the residency permit; a visit to Cyprus once every two years is sufficient.
• Pathway to Citizenship: Offers a route to citizenship under specific conditions.

Who Can Apply for the Cyprus Golden Visa? (Eligibility Criteria 2025)

The Cyprus Golden Visa program is primarily open to third-country nationals with sufficient financial means and a clean background. The main criteria for applying are:

• Age Requirement: The main applicant must be over 18 years old.
• Citizenship Status: Applicants must be citizens of a non-EU or non-EFTA country (third country nationals).
• Clean Criminal Record: The main applicant and all adult family members included in the application must have a clean criminal record.
• No Previous EU Rejection: Applicants must not have had any previous residency applications rejected or revoked by any EU country.
• Income Proof: The applicant must prove that they have a minimum annual income obtained from outside Cyprus. This minimum income amount is €30,000. An additional €5,000 for each dependent child and €8,000 for each dependent parent must be added to this amount.
• Health Insurance: The applicant and all family members must have valid, acceptable health insurance in Cyprus.

Cyprus Golden Visa Investment Options (2025 Details)

The Cyprus Golden Visa program allows investors to obtain permanent residency through real estate acquisition. As of 2025, the primary and main investment option is as follows:

Real Estate Investment:

• Purchase of New Real Estate: Applicants must purchase one new-build property (residential or commercial) in Cyprus with a minimum value of €300,000 + VAT.
  • Important Notes:
    • The purchased properties must be new; resale properties are generally not included in this program.
    • The VAT rate on the property is 5% for the first property used as a primary residence and 19% for other cases.
    • More than one property can be purchased, provided their combined value reaches the minimum of €300,000 (e.g., one residential unit and one commercial space).
    • The ownership of the property can be directly in the applicant’s name or in the name of a company in which the applicant and/or their spouse are the sole beneficial owners.
    • The purchased property can be leased out to generate rental income.

Required Bank Deposit and Pledge Statement:

In addition to the real estate investment, applicants must deposit €30,000 in a bank operating in Cyprus as a pledge (blocked account) and commit to keeping this amount in the bank for a minimum of three years.

• An additional €5,000 for each dependent child and €8,000 for each dependent parent (if included in the application) must be added to this pledge amount.

Cyprus Golden Visa Family Coverage (Family Residency)

The Cyprus Golden Visa is a comprehensive program that supports family reunification. Along with the main applicant, the following family members can also obtain permanent residency:

• The main applicant’s spouse.
• Children under 18 years of age.
• Unmarried children aged between 18 and 25, who are financially dependent on the main applicant and are pursuing higher education for a minimum of six months. (These children must meet their own criteria to maintain their permit after completing their education and reaching the age of 25.)
• The main applicant’s parents.
• The main applicant’s spouse’s parents (subject to financial dependency).

All these individuals will enjoy the same rights as the main applicant once the permanent residency is approved, benefiting from Cyprus’s educational, healthcare, and quality of life advantages.

Unique Advantages Offered by the Cyprus Golden Visa

Participation in the Cyprus Golden Visa program provides investors and their families with numerous significant benefits.

• Permanent Residence in the EU: Holding a permanent residency permit in an EU member state simplifies visa processes significantly.
• Easy Access to the Schengen Area: While Cyprus is not currently a Schengen member, its EU membership generally makes visa applications to other Schengen countries easier and faster. If Cyprus joins Schengen in the future, visa-free travel rights will be automatically granted.
• No Residency Obligation: You are not required to live continuously in Cyprus to maintain your residency permit. A short visit to the island once every two years is sufficient.
• Rights to Education, Work, and Healthcare: Residency permit holders and their family members can benefit from Cyprus’s developed education and healthcare systems, and also have opportunities to work and establish businesses in the country.
• Fast Processing Time: The completion of permanent residency applications in an average of just 2 months offers a significant time advantage for investors.
• Low Corporate Tax Rates: Cyprus boasts one of Europe’s most attractive corporate tax rates (12.5%), making it a compelling hub for businesses and investors.
• Real Estate Investment Opportunities: The program offers attractive real estate investment opportunities for both personal use and rental income generation.

An Overview of Cyprus: A Mediterranean Paradise

The Republic of Cyprus is a Mediterranean island known for both its economic opportunities and natural beauty.

• Languages: Greek and Turkish (Official languages; English is also widely spoken).
• Currency: Euro
• Capital: Nicosia
• Form of Government: Presidential Republic
• Population: Approximately 1.2 million (estimated as of 2025).
• Climate and Geography: Has a warm Mediterranean climate, featuring numerous beautiful beaches, mountainous landscapes, and historical ruins that make it a highly attractive tourist destination.
• Developed Infrastructure: Modern healthcare and education systems, a well-developed transportation network, and telecommunications infrastructure.
• Multicultural Fabric: Offers a cosmopolitan environment where many international individuals reside alongside the local population.

Cyprus Golden Visa Costs (Detailed Calculation for 2025)

The total cost of the Cyprus Golden Visa program includes not only the real estate investment but also various government fees and legal charges. Here are the main cost items:

• Real Estate Investment Amount: Minimum €300,000.
• Value Added Tax (VAT):
  • For the first new property purchased for private use: 5% VAT.
  • For all other new properties (commercial or for investment purposes): 19% VAT.
• Bank Pledge (Blocked Account):€30,000 to be held in a bank in Cyprus for a minimum of 3 years.
  • For each additional dependent child of the main applicant: An extra €5,000.
  • For each dependent parent of the main applicant: An extra €8,000.
• Government Application Fee: Approximately €500 for the main applicant.
• Legal Consultancy and Service Fees: Fees paid to the law firm or consultancy firm managing the application process (vary depending on the investment amount or scope of service).
• Title Deed Transfer Fees: A percentage of the property value (typically ranges between 3% and 8%, though discounts or exemptions may apply for new properties).
• Legal Fees: For legal support during the property acquisition process.
• Stamp Duty: A small tax paid on real estate contracts.
• Health Insurance Cost: Annual health insurance premiums.

The total cost will vary depending on the value of the selected real estate, the number of individuals in the family, and the preferred consultancy services. For a detailed and up-to-date cost analysis, it is healthiest to consult with an expert advisor.

Cyprus Passport and Path to Citizenship (Long-Term Goals)

While the Cyprus Golden Visa program does not directly grant citizenship, it does pave the way for permanent residency holders to apply for Cypriot citizenship under specific conditions. Cypriot citizenship offers all the privileges of being an EU citizen and provides visa-free travel to over 170 countries with one of the world’s strongest passports.

General requirements for applying for Cypriot citizenship:

• Residency Requirement: Generally, after obtaining permanent residency, one must have resided legally in Cyprus for a minimum of 7 years.
• Last Year Residency: The last 1 year prior to the citizenship application must have been spent continuously in Cyprus.
• Language Proficiency: Basic knowledge of Greek (A2 level) may be required.
• Clean Criminal Record: A clean criminal record.

The process for obtaining Cypriot citizenship is longer and more detailed than for permanent residency. However, for investors living and doing business in Cyprus, it can be an attractive long-term goal.

Business and Life Opportunities in Cyprus (For Golden Visa Holders)

As an EU member with a strategic location, Cyprus offers numerous opportunities for both business and lifestyle:

• Growing Economy: Continuous growth in tourism, real estate, financial services, technology, and energy sectors.
• Ease of Doing Business: A favorable environment for establishing businesses within the EU and accessing a large market. Low corporate tax rates make it an attractive hub for international companies.
• Skilled Workforce: Access to a qualified and multilingual workforce.
• Education: Numerous private schools and universities offering international standards of education.
• Healthcare System: A developed healthcare system with both private and public hospitals.
• Mediterranean Lifestyle: Sunny climate, clean beaches, delicious Mediterranean cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life.
• English-Speaking Environment: A large portion of the population speaks English, which eases adaptation for international investors.
• Strong Infrastructure: Well-connected with modern roads, ports, and airports.

Your Cyprus Golden Visa Application with NotteGlobal Assurance

The Cyprus Golden Visa program, while offering significant opportunities for investors, requires a detailed and careful approach to the application process. Correct document collection, adherence to legal requirements, and following up-to-date procedures are critical for the success of the application.

At NotteGlobal, our expert team, specializing in the Cyprus Golden Visa program, provides you with professional support from start to finish.

• Personalized Eligibility Assessment: We determine the most suitable investment and residency path for your specific situation and goals.
• Comprehensive Document Preparation: We guide you through the process of accurately and completely preparing, translating, and certifying all necessary documents.
• Legal Consulting: Through our local legal partners in Cyprus, we ensure the legal compliance and smooth progress of the process.
• Investment Options Guidance: We help you explore the most suitable investment opportunities in the real estate market.
• Application Tracking and Communication: We maintain communication with relevant authorities at every stage of your application and keep you continuously informed.
• Post-Settlement Support: We also provide support with matters such as opening bank accounts, insurance, and children’s schooling after visa approval.

Consider the Cyprus Golden Visa program to turn your dreams of obtaining permanent residency in the European Union into a reality.

Contact NotteGlobal now, and let our expert team offer you customized solutions to start your new life in Cyprus!