Cyprus is a Gem in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Cyprus is a gem in the heart of the Mediterranean, enticing you with its sunny beaches, rich cultural fabric, and vibrant lifestyle.
Whether you're a solo adventurer, a digital nomad, or simply looking for a picturesque place to live with your family, you can explore the appeal of Cyprus, which offers a blend of experiences to suit all tastes.
In this article, we will try to clarify the most important features of residence in Cyprus and the available methods for obtaining a residence permit in Cyprus. We will also provide essential information about acquiring Cypriot citizenship or establishing a business in Cyprus.
If any of these topics are important to you, stay with us to find answers to all the questions you may have.
Features of Living in Cyprus
As we mentioned at the beginning of this topic, Cyprus is considered a gem among the treasures of the Mediterranean, which attracts many foreigners looking for an opportunity to travel or live in Cyprus.
Cyprus is one of the easiest European countries to live in, and there are many benefits and advantages that residents enjoy. Here’s a list of the top benefits:
- Sunny Beaches: Cyprus is home to some of the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, each with its own charm and unique appeal. With many villas available, those looking for fun and entertainment will find the perfect spot in Cyprus's beaches to enjoy all their needs.
- Variety and Innovation in Food: Cyprus offers a rich variety of food experiences rooted deeply in its cultural heritage, making it a paradise for food lovers. Cypriot cuisine is famous for its blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy all tastes.
- Rich History and Culture: Cyprus is a beacon of history in the Mediterranean, with civilizations dating back over 10,000 years. The island's rich heritage is reflected in many UNESCO World Heritage sites. For example, the archaeological park reveals stunning Roman mosaics, among the best-preserved and most intricate in the world. Additionally, the Tombs of the Kings is another must-see site offering a glimpse of Hellenistic and Roman periods through its magnificent underground tombs carved into solid rock.
- Cyprus for Adventure Seekers: In addition to its many landscapes, Cyprus offers plenty of activities and adventures for those living there. These include exploring mountain ranges, going on exciting safari tours, enjoying diving and snorkeling in the Mediterranean’s rich waters, discovering shipwrecks and underwater caves, rock climbing, skiing, surfing, paragliding, kayaking, and sailing on some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Cyprus is known for its lively nightlife, which is enjoyed by tourists and travelers coming to the island.
- Health Resorts and Wellness Centers: Cyprus has numerous health resorts and wellness centers that attract people from various countries for relaxation and care.
- High Safety Rate: Cyprus has a high safety rate, making it ideal for solo travelers, women, or children who wish to travel alone, whether temporarily or permanently.
- Cultural Festivals: Cyprus is alive with a variety of festivals that celebrate its rich culture and traditions, especially in the summer. For instance, the Limassol Carnival kicks off the season with colorful parades and masquerades, energizing the streets with a festive vibe. In July, the Aphrodite Festival in Paphos features world-class opera performances under the stars, with the Paphos Castle as the backdrop.
- Ease of Residency or Acquiring Cypriot Citizenship: Cyprus offers immigrants the opportunity to obtain both temporary and permanent residence permits. Additionally, acquiring Cypriot citizenship is relatively easy.
- Ease of Starting a Business in Cyprus: For those looking for investment opportunities in Europe, Cyprus is one of the best options for establishing a company with minimal required procedures.
These are the top 10 reasons why you should consider living in Cyprus, whether for temporary enjoyment or for those seeking permanent residency in Europe. After exploring the key features of living in Cyprus, let’s move on to discuss the available permits for obtaining residence in Cyprus.
Residence Permit in Cyprus
Any foreign citizen wishing to live in Cyprus must obtain a residence permit. A residence permit in Cyprus allows foreigners to move and live legally in Cyprus for a period longer than three months.
Before obtaining a residence permit, you must obtain an entry visa depending on the purpose of your travel, such as a student visa or a work visa.
The types of residence permits available for traveling to Cyprus are as follows:
- Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus
- Permanent Residence Permit in Cyprus
- Immigration Permits to Cyprus
Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus
A temporary residence permit is typically issued for one year and is renewed annually. After five years of continuous residence in Cyprus, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. The temporary residence permit in Cyprus is usually issued for the following reasons:
- Employment
- Study
- Family reunification
However, while residing in Cyprus on a temporary residence permit, you cannot leave the country for more than 3 months, as your permit will be automatically canceled.
Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus for Employment
Any foreign citizen coming to Cyprus for work must obtain a residence permit upon arrival. The temporary residence permit now automatically allows the holder to work. Before traveling to Cyprus and obtaining the residence permit, you must also obtain a work permit and a work visa for Cyprus.
Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus for Students
Foreign students seeking residence in Cyprus for study purposes must register their residence and obtain a temporary residence permit upon arrival. This permit does not allow them to work full-time, and even in certain sectors, work is restricted.
They may renew their temporary residence permit for the duration of their studies.
Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus for Family Reunification
Family members from outside the European Union of Cypriot citizens or legal residents who have applied for family reunification will receive a temporary residence permit upon their arrival in Cyprus.
Requirements for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit in Cyprus
To apply for a temporary residence permit in Cyprus, you must submit the following documents:
- A completed and signed temporary residence permit application form.
- Proof of accommodation in Cyprus.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself in Cyprus.
- A medical certificate stating that you are not infected with tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C, HIV/AIDS, or syphilis, issued within the last four months.
- A police clearance certificate from your country of residence issued within the last six months.
- Proof of enrollment in approved health insurance in Cyprus.
- A copy of the relevant pages in your passport: personal details, expiration/issue date, and previous visas.
- A bank guarantee.
In addition, you will need to provide a set of other documents related to the reason for your stay in Cyprus, such as:
- Marriage/birth certificate if applying for family reunification.
- Work permit if applying for a work-related residence permit.
- Proof of enrollment in an educational institution for international students.
Permanent Residence Permit in Cyprus
The permanent residence permit in Cyprus is valid for up to five years and can be renewed before its expiration. It is issued in the following cases:
- If you have lived in Cyprus with a temporary residence permit for at least five years, and during this period, you have not left Cyprus for more than three months. You must also have an employment contract, either open-ended or for at least 18 months.
- If you have purchased property in Cyprus valued at no less than 300,000 euros. This is also known as the "fast track" option. If you choose to apply for permanent residence through the fast track option, your application will be processed within two months.
However, certain conditions must be met, such as:
- You must prove that you purchased the property with funds obtained from outside Cyprus.
- You must have an annual income of at least 30,000 euros, which you receive from external sources.
- You must deposit 30,000 euros in a Cypriot bank, where it will be frozen for three years. After that, you will have access to it again.
- If you have dependents (children under 18 years old and a spouse), you must have an additional annual income of 5,000 euros per person.
- For dependent parents, whether your own or your spouse's, you must have an additional 8,000 euros annually per person.
- You can bring your dependent children aged 18 to 25, provided you prove that you do not intend to work for a salary in Cyprus.
- You must enter Cyprus at least once every two years to maintain your status as a permanent resident.
A permanent residence permit in Cyprus grants holders rights similar to those of Cypriot citizens, including:
- Access to employment and self-employment opportunities without restrictions.
- Freedom of movement within the European Union.
- Access to social assistance and social protection.
- Access to tax benefits.
Immigration Permits to Cyprus
You can also obtain residence in Cyprus if you fall under one of the following categories:
Category A: Foreign nationals who will work independently in the sectors of agriculture, livestock/poultry farming, or fish farming in Cyprus, and who own land or have the means to acquire land in Cyprus, provided their activities do not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category B: Foreign nationals who will work independently in the mining sector in Cyprus, and who have sufficient financial means and a relative permit, provided their activities do not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category C: Foreign nationals who will work independently in a profession or trade, and who have sufficient financial means and a relative permit, provided their activities do not negatively affect the economy of Cyprus.
Category D: Foreign nationals who will work independently in a scientific field or profession required in Cyprus, and who possess the necessary academic or professional qualifications in addition to sufficient financial means.
Category E: Foreign nationals who have been offered permanent employment in Cyprus and whose presence does not cause unnecessary local competition.
Category F: Foreign nationals who have an independent annual income sufficient to support a comfortable living in Cyprus without the need to work (such as retirees).
You cannot obtain an immigration permit under the categories mentioned above unless the Immigration Control Committee recommends to the Minister of the Interior that you meet the requirements of one of these categories.
How to Apply for a Cyprus Residence Permit
You must apply for a temporary residence permit in Cyprus within seven days of your arrival in Cyprus:
- Civil Registry and Migration Department, if you will reside in the Nicosia area.
- Immigration Unit in the region, if you will reside in another area.
If you are applying for a permanent residence permit or an immigration permit, you must apply at a central office of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
You must visit the Civil Registry and Migration Department's website to find their contact information and schedule an appointment. If you are a student or foreign worker, your school or employer will assist you in the application process.
When submitting your application, Cypriot immigration authorities will take your fingerprints and photograph (biometric data).
If your application is approved, they will contact you to collect your residence card. If the application is denied, they will inform you of the reason.
How to Renew Your Residence Permit in Cyprus
You must apply to renew your residence permit at least one month before its expiration. You should apply at the same location where you originally obtained your residence permit.
Processing Time for Cyprus Residence Permits
The processing time for residence permit applications in Cyprus varies depending on the purpose of the visit. For example:
- Employment residence permits are processed within four months.
- Student residence permits are processed within three months.
- Family reunification residence permits are processed within nine months.
- Permanent residence permits are processed within twelve months, or two months through the fast track option.
However, these are general processing timelines, and they may vary slightly depending on your specific case—you may receive it earlier or later.
Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship
As a foreign national with no Cypriot roots, you can become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship once you have lived in Cyprus for at least seven years out of the last ten years, provided that you meet a set of important conditions, such as:
- You are over 21 years old.
- You have a clean criminal record.
- You have lived continuously in Cyprus for the year immediately preceding your application.
Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship Through Investment
As mentioned, the fastest route to obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus is through the "fast track" process, which is done by investing in Cyprus. Obtaining Cypriot citizenship through investment requires an investment of at least 2 million euros. After obtaining Cypriot citizenship and maintaining it for 5 years, the investment amount can be reduced to only 500,000 euros.
However, unfortunately, at the end of 2020, the approval of applications for Cypriot citizenship through investment was suspended, and there is no specific information about whether the program will be reactivated or not.
Can Foreigners Establish a Company in Cyprus?
Cyprus allows foreign nationals to establish a company through a set of essential procedures and requirements. The steps required to complete the establishment process can be summarized as follows:
- Submit at least 3 proposed company names to the Cyprus Ministry of Labour and wait for approval.
- Provide all required information to the responsible authorities, including the address of the company's office in Cyprus.
- The minimum share capital for a private limited company is 25,629 euros.
- You can appoint a nominee shareholder, secretary, and director, by signing an agreement with them that specifies that the nominee director, secretary, and shareholder have no financial interest in the private limited company and are willing to work solely based on this agreement.
Once the company is established, you must open a bank account. Keep in mind that the Bank of Cyprus is not the fastest, as it can take about four months to establish a company bank account. Therefore, consider alternatives such as Hellenic Bank, Astrobank, and Alpha Bank.
In the meantime, licensed local attorneys who are members of the Cyprus Bar Association can apply for your social insurance number and freelance certificate.
Once all of this is completed, schedule an appointment at the Civil Registry and Migration Department to apply for the "yellow slip," which is named for the yellow paper on which this registration certificate is printed.
The Easiest Way to Obtain Residency in Cyprus
Obtaining residency in Cyprus requires some legal procedures, so it is recommended to seek assistance from specialists in this field. You can get help from the best experts in migration and company establishment in Europe and the world by clicking here, and you will be redirected to a private conversation via WhatsApp with one of the top legal consultants of the company.
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FAQ
Is obtaining residency in Cyprus easy for foreigners?
Residency permits in Cyprus are not very difficult to obtain, and there are many opportunities available for both temporary and permanent residency. Additionally, residents who have lived in Cyprus for up to 7 continuous years can apply for Cypriot citizenship quite easily.
What are the benefits of residency in Cyprus?
Cyprus boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, each with its own unique charm and attraction. With many villas available, anyone seeking pleasure and entertainment can find everything they need in the beaches of Cyprus. Cyprus also offers a rich culinary experience, blending Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences into a diverse range of flavors that suit all tastes.
Cyprus is a beacon of history in the Mediterranean, with civilizations dating back over 10,000 years. Its rich heritage is reflected in many UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the archaeological park with stunning Roman mosaics, among the most preserved and intricate mosaics in the world. The Tombs of the Kings is another must-see site, offering a glimpse into the Hellenistic and Roman periods through its magnificent rock-hewn tombs.
In addition to its natural landscapes, Cyprus offers numerous activities and adventures during your stay, including mountain hiking, safari trips, snorkeling and diving in the Mediterranean's rich waters, exploring shipwrecks and underwater caves, rock climbing, windsurfing, paragliding, kayaking, and sailing along some of the island's most beautiful beaches.
Cyprus has a vibrant nightlife, enjoyed by tourists and travelers. The island is also home to many health resorts and wellness centers, attracting visitors from various countries for relaxation and care. Cyprus offers a high level of safety, making it ideal for solo travelers, including women and children, whether temporarily or permanently.
Cyprus comes alive in the summer with a variety of festivals celebrating its rich culture and traditions. For example, the Limassol Carnival kicks off the season with colorful parades and parties, while the Paphos Aphrodite Festival in July offers world-class opera performances under the stars, against the backdrop of the ancient Paphos Castle.
Cyprus offers the opportunity for migrants from various countries to obtain both temporary and permanent residency visas, and also provides a straightforward path to citizenship.
For those looking to invest in Europe, Cyprus is one of the best options for establishing a company with minimal procedures.
What types of residency permits are available in Cyprus?
- Temporary Residency Permit in Cyprus
- Permanent Residency Permit in Cyprus
- Immigration Permits to Cyprus
How can I obtain a residency permit in Cyprus?
You must apply for a temporary residency permit in Cyprus within seven days of your arrival at:
- The Civil Registry and Migration Department, if you are staying in the Nicosia area.
- The Immigration Unit in the region if you are staying elsewhere.
If you are applying for a permanent residency permit or immigration permit, you should apply at the central office of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Visit the Civil Registry and Migration Department’s website for contact details and to schedule an appointment. If you are a student or foreign worker, your school or employer will assist you with the application process.
When submitting your application, the Cypriot immigration authorities will take your fingerprints and photo (biometric data). If your application is approved, they will contact you to collect your residency card. If the application is not approved, they will inform you of the reason.
Are foreigners allowed to obtain Cypriot citizenship?
As a foreign national with no Cypriot roots, you can become eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship once you have lived in Cyprus for at least seven years out of the last ten years, provided you meet the following conditions:
- You are over 21 years old.
- You have a clean criminal record.
- You have lived continuously in Cyprus for the year immediately preceding your application.
What is the processing time for a residency permit in Cyprus?
The processing time for residency permit applications in Cyprus varies depending on the purpose of your visit. For example:
- Employment residency permits are processed within four months.
- Study residency permits are processed within three months.
- Family reunification residency permits are processed within nine months.
- Permanent residency permits are processed within twelve months or two months via the fast-track option.
However, these are general processing times and may vary depending on your specific situation – you may receive it earlier or later.
How to renew a residency permit in Cyprus?
You must apply for a residency permit renewal at least one month before its expiration date. The renewal application must be submitted at the same location where you obtained the original residency permit.