Let Lextrus Real Estate Guide You Through the Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (PRP)
At Lextrus Real Estate, we go beyond helping you find the perfect property — we provide comprehensive support throughout your journey to permanent residency in Cyprus. Our team collaborates with reputable and experienced immigration lawyers who specialize in the Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (PRP).
From selecting eligible investment properties to coordinating the legal documentation and ensuring compliance with the latest immigration requirements, we ensure a seamless and secure application process. Whether you’re relocating for lifestyle, business, or long-term residency, Lextrus is your trusted partner every step of the way.
Cyprus Permanent Residence Program (PRP)
The Cyprus PRP offers non-EU nationals a swift, reliable path to permanent residency through investment, backed by a favourable tax regime and EU-standard quality of life.
🆕 Key Updates
- Annual income requirement increased to €50,000, plus €15,000 per spouse and €10,000 per child/dependent (18–25 years)
- Parents and parents-in-law are no longer automatically eligible for inclusion
- Investment conditions extended to include:
- Commercial property (new or resale),
- Company shares (minimum €300,000 in a Cyprus-registered business with ≥5 jobs),
- Units in regulated investment funds
- Applicants must annually confirm:
- Investment is maintained,
- Income thresholds are met,
- Adequate health insurance is in place,
- Clean criminal records for themselves and adult dependents
- Residency permit cards are valid for 5 years and must be renewed every 5 years, though the residency status itself remains lifetime
- Citizenship by naturalisation is now typically available after 7 years of residency (some sources still reference 8, but the 7-year option is increasingly accepted)
✅ Eligibility (All Applicants)
- Age: Over 18,
- Criminal record: Clean for applicant + adult dependents
- Health insurance: Must carry local coverage
- Visit requirement: Minimum one visit every 2 years to maintain status
👨👩👧👦 Family Inclusion
- Spouse and children under 18 included,
- Dependent children (18–25) eligible if unmarried, in full‑time education, and covered by the additional income threshold
- Parents and in-laws excluded since May 2023
💶 Investment Requirements
| Category | Minimum Investment |
| Residential (new build) | €300,000 + VAT |
| Commercial (new/resale) | €300,000 |
| Company shares with ≥5 employees | €300,000 |
| Regulated investment fund units | €300,000 |
💰 Financial Requirements
- Main applicant: €50,000 annual foreign income,
- Spouse: +€15,000,
- Each child/dependent: +€10,000
Income may include pensions, dividends, interest, or rental revenue from abroad
📝 Application Timeline & Permits
- Fast-track processing: 2–3 months
- Renewal: Permit cards renewed every 5 years; residency itself is permanent
- Annual checks: Must validate ongoing compliance via documents
🎯 Benefits & Use
- Lifelong residency without minimum stay—just a visit every two years
- Access to EU benefits: quality healthcare, education, public services, and multiple-entry Schengen visas (Cyprus is not Schengen)
- Tax perks: No inheritance tax, low corporate tax (12.5%), favourable rules for non-domiciled individuals.
- Business rights: Ownership and receipt of dividends allowed; direct salaried employment is not permitted
- Citizenship: Eligible after 7 years (or in some cases 8) of abiding residency
⚠️ Additional Pathways
- EU Blue Card scheme launched July 2025 for high-skilled workers (ICT, pharma research, shipping), offering another route to residency and citizenship
- Non-investment residency: Available after 5 years of legal temporary residence, but this is slower than the PRP
Cyprus PRP – Permanent Residency by Investment
Step 1: Choose Investment Route
Select one of the qualifying options (min. €300,000):
- Buy new residential property (one or two units)
- Buy new/resale commercial property
- Invest in a Cyprus-registered company (must employ ≥5 local staff)
- Invest in regulated Cyprus investment-fund units
⸻
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
You’ll need:
- Valid passport & biometrics photos
- Property deed/investment proof & bank transfer confirmation
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of annual foreign income (€50,000 + €15k spouse + €10k per child)
- Health insurance valid in Cyprus
- Proof of accommodation (if investing in company or fund)
⸻
Step 3: Submit Application
- Complete the MIP1 form and gather all documents.
- Submit to Civil Registry & Migration Dept, either in person or through an agent/lawyer.
- Pay fees (approx. €500–1,000 + permit card fees).
⸻
Step 4: Processing & Biometrics
- Authorities verify documentation, income sources, criminal status.
- No interview or language test required.
- You (or your representative) must visit Cyprus once to provide biometrics and collect the permit card.
⸻
Step 5: Receive Permit & Maintain Status
- Permit processing typically takes 60–90 days, though investment path may take up to 6–9 months
- Permanent residency card is renewable every 5 years, but status is lifetime
- You must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years to maintain your status
⸻
🧳 2. EU Blue Card – For Highly Skilled Workers
Eligible From July 7, 2025 🔹
New applications accepted since July 7, 2025
⸻
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility
Requirements:
- Job offer in Cyprus in ICT, pharmaceutical research, or maritime (non-crew)
- Annual gross salary ≥ €43,632
- Hold a university degree or 3+ years’ relevant experience
- Have valid health insurance and accommodation proof
⸻
Step 2: Prepare Documentation
Gather:
- Passport & photos
- Employment contract (≥ 6–12 months)
- Diploma or experience evidence
- Salary confirmation
- Health insurance proof
- Clean criminal record
- Accommodation evidence
- Family documents (if applying together)
⸻
Step 3: Submit Application
- Enter Cyprus (via visa or permit) and submit application within 30 days
- File at Civil Registry & Migration Dept — application processed within 30–90 days
⸻
Step 4: Permit Issuance & Registration
- Once approved, enter Cyprus to activate your permit, register for social insurance, tax, and healthcare
- Permit is valid up to 3 years (depends on contract), renewable, with submission required at least 3 months before expiry
Step 5: Use Your Blue Card
- Short-term mobility: Can work in other EU countries (excluding Denmark and Ireland) for up to 90 days per 180 days
- Long-term mobility: After 12 months in Cyprus, eligible to transfer to another EU country’s Blue Card
- Spouses included under family reunification, allowed to work immediately
