Cyprus Investment Programme
Non-Cypriot citizens who meet certain criteria and fulfil the terms and conditions outlined by the Government of Cyprus may apply for the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation by exception and enjoy the benefits of being citizens of the European Union. Investors can apply for Cypriot citizenship by submitting a stand-alone application, upon making an investment of at least €2 million which must be retained for a period of three years. Prior to naturalisation, the applicant must possess a residency permit in the Republic of Cyprus for a period of at least six months.
Criteria / investment options
Investment in real estate, land development and infrastructure projectsThe applicant must have made an investment of at least €2 million for the purchase of properties, or for the purchase or construction of buildings, or for the construction of other land development or infrastructure projects.
If the applicant decides to purchase residential properties, he/she must have invested at least €2 million in one or more properties, provided that the value of one of the properties is at least €500,000 (excluding VAT), which must be kept as the permanent residence of the investor in Cyprus.
The investor has the right to: – rent the permanent residence in Cyprus.- sell the permanent residence in Cyprus, given that another permanent residence will be purchased.
Purchase or establishment or participation in Cypriot companies or businessesThe applicant must have invested participated in companies / organisations established and operating in the Republic of Cyprus with investment costs of at least €2 million.
Investment in Alternative Investment Funds or financial assets of Cypriot companies or organisations that are licensed by CySecThe applicant must have bought units of at least €2 million from alternative investment funds (AIF) established in the Republic of Cyprus, licensed and supervised by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission and whose investments are made exclusively in the Republic of Cyprus, in investments that meet the criteria of this Programme or in areas approved by the Minister of Finance.
Combination of the aforementioned investmentsThe applicant may proceed with a combination of the above investments, provided that the total investment will amount up to at least €2 million.
Terms & Conditions
A minimum investment of €2 million
Keep investment for a minimum period of 3 years
Clean criminal record
Permanent residence in the Republic of CyprusApplicant must possess a permanent privately-owned residence in the Republic of Cyprus, the purchase price of which must be at least €500,000 (excluding VAT)
Residence Permit in CyprusThe applicant, prior to his/her naturalization as a Cypriot citizen, must hold a residence permit in Cyprus (no requirement to live in Cyprus).
Benefits of the Cyprus Investment Programme
Travel, live and work within all EU-member states
Travel visa-free to more than 150 countries
Passed on to family members: spouse and dependent children
The investor does not become a tax resident, unless more than 183 days in a calendar year are spent in Cyprus
Not necessary to reside in Cyprus before or after the obtainment of citizenship
Dual citizenship permitted
The applicant’s parents are also entitled to apply for Cypriot citizenship provided they own a permanent residence in Cyprus of at least €500.000 (excluding VAT). Their application may be submitted after the investor had acquired Cypriot citizenship
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