Immigration to Cyprus: How to Obtain Residence Permit, Permanent Residence and Citizenship

Cyprus is a popular destination for foreigners because it offers various options for obtaining a residence permit (temporary residence), permanent residency (PR), and citizenship. Anyone can move here by choosing the path that suits them best: from classic programs based on work or marriage to faster solutions through purchasing real estate or investing in the economy. Its status as an EU member provides access to the Schengen Area, albeit with certain caveats.

In this section, we will explore how to move to Cyprus and what is required to do so.

Pros and Cons of Moving to Cyprus

One of the main reasons for relocating to Cyprus is its climate. The island is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and delights residents with more than 300 sunny days a year. Even in winter, temperatures rarely drop below +15 °C.

Other advantages of immigrating to Cyprus include:

• EU country. Cyprus has been a full-fledged EU member since 2004, and its residency provides access to European markets, education, and healthcare.
• Tax system. Cyprus is renowned as a tax haven due to its favorable tax conditions. While taxes in Western European countries can take up to 45% of income, Cyprus offers a 0% income tax rate for earnings up to €19,500 per year. The maximum rate reaches 35% for high incomes, which is still more advantageous than in most EU countries. For businesses, the corporate tax rate is just 12.5%.
• Safety. Cyprus boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. The island is considered a safe place to live for families with children, the elderly, and expatriates.
• International environment. English is widely spoken, with around 73% of Cypriots proficient in it. The island also hosts numerous foreign diasporas that may help moving to Cyprus to live in.
• International programs. Cyprus is home to international schools where children are educated under British or American curricula.

Disadvantages of moving to Cyprus:

• High cost of living. Living in Cyprus is expensive, especially in popular cities. In 2025, renting a one-bedroom apartment in Limassol starts at €900–€1,200 per month, with utilities (electricity, water) adding another €150–€200.
• Limited employment opportunities. The job market in Cyprus is small, with most vacancies concentrated in IT, tourism, finance, and shipping. Finding a job in less in-demand fields without connections can be challenging.
• Language barrier. Although English is widely used, Greek is the primary language. Learning it is advisable for full integration into society and overcoming communication barriers with locals.
• Island isolation. Cyprus is an island, and connections to the mainland are limited to air and sea travel. One-way flights to Europe start at €100, while ferries operate irregularly.
• Climate nuances. The climate is both a pro and a con of moving to Cyprus. Winters are mild, but summers are extremely hot, with peak season temperatures reaching up to +40 °C. Southern winds often bring dust and hot, dry air from Africa.
• Dependence on imports. Cyprus imports most goods, leading to higher prices for food and electronics compared to other parts of the EU. Local production is largely limited to fruits, vegetables, and olive oil.

Cyprus Permanent Residency, Residence Permit and Citizenship Comparison

The choice between a Cyprus residence permit (Temporary Residence Permit, or TRP), permanent residency (Permanent Residence Permit, or PRP), and Cyprus citizenship depends on the applicant’s goals and resources. In most cases, direct choice isn’t an option, as citizenship and permanent residency can only be obtained after living in the country under a TRP.

Key differences between TRP, PRP, and citizenship:

- Cyprus TRP. A temporary status allowing the holder to live on the island for a specific period (typically 1–4 years, renewable). Before obtaining a TRP in Cyprus, it’s worth noting that it’s suitable only for temporary stays, such as tourism, study, or leisure.

- Cyprus PRP. A lifelong status granting the resident the right to live in Cyprus without restrictions. There are two types of Cyprus permanent residence by investment:

• Regulation 5(f) after 5 years of residence: this is the long-term EU resident status, retaining TRP privileges. If the holder had a work permit, Regulation 5(f) allows them to continue working under the same conditions (e.g., with the same employer or with a renewed work permit).
• Regulation 6(2) through investments: this is the only business immigration to Cyprus option right now. It does not grant the right to work in Cyprus, even if the holder previously had a TRP with work authorization. However, working for a foreign employer is permitted.

- Cyprus citizenship. Full citizenship status, not only of Cyprus but also of the EU, with voting rights, a Cypriot passport, and freedom of movement across the European Union.

Cyprus Residence Permit Requirements

The first thing a Cyprus Temporary Residence Permit provides is the ability to stay in the country for 1 to 4 years with the option to renew. It suits various purposes: leisure, work, study, or family relocation. Let’s explore the main conditions for obtaining a TRP in Cyprus:

• Pink Slip (Visitor Visa). This TRP is for financially independent individuals who wish to live in Cyprus without the right to work locally. Cyprus pink slip requirements include proof of a minimum annual income from abroad of €10,000 for the applicant, plus €5,000 for each family member (spouse, children under 18). You also need to rent or buy housing in Cyprus and not leave country for more than 3 consecutive months. Processing a TRP in Cyprus takes 2–4 months, after which the permit is valid for one year with the possibility of renewal.
• TRP through employment (Employment Permit). This permit is issued by migration authorities for work at a Cyprus-registered company, contingent on a signed contract. The potential employee does not apply for the TRP themselves—the employer submits the application on their behalf. Additional conditions include an average salary of at least €1,500 per month. The permit’s duration depends on the employment contract terms.
• Student TRP. This type of TRP is designed for foreign students attending universities or colleges in Cyprus. Applicants must confirm enrollment in an educational institution, provide proof of funds to cover tuition (from €3,000 per year), and demonstrate €6,000 per year for living expenses. With this TRP, students can work up to 20 hours per week. It is valid for 1 year, renewable annually as long as studies continue.
• TRP for family reunification. Obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus is available to spouses, children, and parents of residents or citizens. Dependent family members apply, and their eligibility must be supported by a sponsor who proves an annual income of at least €15,000. The permit is valid for 1–2 years, renewable if the sponsor continues to meet Cyprus permanent residency requirements.

Cost of obtaining a TRP:

Additional expenses:

• Medical insurance: €150–€300 per year.
• Housing rental: from €600 per month (one-bedroom apartment in Limassol or Nicosia).
• Notary services and translations: €100–€200.

The residence permit requires annual confirmation of conditions (income, employment, or studies), and failure to meet them will result in renewal denial. A Cyprus residence permit by investment cannot be obtained through property purchase, but owning property can increase trust from migration authorities.

How to Obtain Cyprus Permanent Residency

Permanent Residency (PRP) in Cyprus is a lifelong status that allows individuals to live on the island without time restrictions. However, unlike in some other countries, it is not a stepping stone between a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) and citizenship in Cyprus—rather, it’s one of the options with its own limitations. Any TRP holder can apply for Cyprus PRP, which grants visa-free travel to EU countries for up to 90 days within a six-month period.

Options for obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus:

• PRP through investments (Regulation 6(2)). The most popular and fastest route, requiring the applicant to purchase property worth at least €300,000 + VAT (approximately €57,000 for new properties). Applicants must also prove an annual income from abroad of at least €40,000 for themselves, plus €10,000 for each family member (spouse, children up to age 25). The property cannot be sold but can be rented out. To maintain the status, a visit to Cyprus is required once every two years. Working for a local employer within Cyprus is prohibited.
• PRP after 5 years of residence (Regulation 5(f)). Before obtaining PRP in Cyprus, the applicant must have legally resided in the country under a TRP for at least 5 years. Only years during which the applicant was physically present in Cyprus for at least 6 months annually and did not leave the country for more than 3 consecutive months count toward this requirement. If the applicant did not work in Cyprus during this time, they must prove an income of at least €10,000 per year. Application processing takes 6–12 months after submission.
• PRP for family members of Cyprus citizens. This is issued to spouses, children, and parents of a Cyprus citizen. The sponsor (a Cyprus citizen) must demonstrate an annual income of at least €20,000 for their own family, plus €5,000 for each dependent they intend to support. For those married to a Cyprus citizen, the couple must have been married for at least three years to apply, and the marriage must remain intact until the application is processed (6–16 months). The applicant planning relocation to Cyprus for PRP must be financially dependent on the sponsor.

Costs of getting permanent residency in Cyprus:

• PRP through property purchase. Purchase of Cypriot property starting at €300,000 + VAT, plus government fees of €500 per applicant and €70 for the resident card. Additionally, insurance costs €200–€300 per year.
• PRP after 5 years of residence. Fees of €200 for application submission + €70 for the resident card, plus annual insurance costs of €200–€300 (around €1,000 over 5 years). The primary expense is housing rental, with a minimum of €600 per month (totaling €36,000 over 5 years).
• PRP for family members. Fees of €200–€300 per person, plus similar insurance costs. Housing rental starts at €600 per month.

How to get Cyprus citizenship

Citizenship opens doors not only to Cyprus itself but also allows you to work and live in any EU country. It is the ultimate goal for immigrants choosing Cyprus as their destination. Let’s explore the main ways to obtain citizenship:

• Cyprus citizenship by naturalization. An application for naturalization can be submitted after seven years of living in Cyprus under a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) or Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit (PRP). However, it requires learning Greek and achieving at least an A2 proficiency level, as well as proving a stable income of at least €10,000 per year. Migration authorities process the application within 6–18 months.
• Cyprus citizenship by descent. Those who can prove Cypriot ancestry are eligible to obtain citizenship directly. Documents must be submitted to a consulate or in Cyprus. Knowledge of the Greek language is not required. The verification and processing take 6–12 months.
• Cypriot citizenship by marriage. Get Cyprus citizenship through marriage is available to spouses of Cyprus citizens after three years of marriage (including two years living in Cyprus under a TRP). Knowledge of Greek is desirable but not mandatory; the review process takes 6–9 months.

How to obtain Cypriot Citizenship by Investments

The state suspended the main Investment Citizenship (CIP) program for obtaining citizenship in Cyprus through real estate purchases in 2020. This decision stemmed from a European Commission investigation into cases of passports being issued to questionable individuals. However, the option to obtain Permanent Residency (PRP) through investments remains available. While PRP does not directly grant citizenship, it provides a pathway to naturalization after 7 years of residence.

Rumors suggest that the immigration to Cyprus by investment program may resume after the investigation concludes and could continue operating with revised rules. The program previously allowed investors and their families (spouses, children up to age 28, and parents) to obtain Cyprus citizenship without long-term residency or language requirements. The primary condition was a minimum investment of €2.2 million into the economy.

Investors could choose one or a combination of the following options:

• Real estate. Purchase of residential or commercial property worth at least €2 million. Of this, residential property valued at a minimum of €500,000 had to be retained permanently, while the remainder could be sold after 5 years.
• Business investments. Investment of at least €2 million in a Cypriot company, creating a minimum of 5 jobs for EU citizens.
• Government bonds or funds. Purchase of bonds or investments in Cyprus alternative funds amounting to at least €2 million, with the funds held for a minimum of 5 years.

In all three cases, an additional €200,000 contribution to the National Fund was required, along with fees of €7000 per applicant plus €5000 for each family member.

The total cost for a single applicant was €2.2 million (investment) + €200,000 (contribution) = €2.4 million, excluding taxes (VAT on property, approximately €400,000 for a €2 million residential purchase) and fees.

Comparative table of investment options:

Documents for Obtaining Residence Status in Cyprus

Although the documents required for a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), and citizenship differ, there are common elements, which we’ll review below.

Required Documents for TRP, PRP, and Citizenship:

Documents not in English or Greek require an apostille (for Hague Convention countries) and notarized translation (€50–€100 per document). Most certificates and statements must be no older than 3–6 months at the time of submission. Documents for TRP and PRP are submitted to the Cyprus Migration Department (in Nicosia or regional offices), while citizenship applications go through a consulate or local authorities.