Immigration to Cyprus: Temporary, Permanent Residency and Citizenship
The legal framework for immigration in Cyprus is relatively clear and efficient. In most cases, you can complete the process of obtaining residency within a reasonable timeframe, provided your application is properly prepared. This makes moving to Cyprus comparatively stress‑free for both EU nationals and non‑EU citizens who meet the relevant criteria.
Read on to understand the main options for temporary residency, permanent residency, and—over time—citizenship.
Table of contents
- Cyprus immigration process overview
- Cyprus immigration process explained
- EU nationals or residents moving to Cyprus
- Temporary residency for non‑EU citizens
- Permanent residency for non‑EU citizens
- Permanent residency by length of stay
- Permanent residency by investment
- Citizenship and naturalization in Cyprus
- Recommendation: Always consult experts
Cyprus immigration process overview
For many people, dealing with immigration procedures is one of the most stressful aspects of relocating to another country. Requirements can be technical, documentation is detailed, and missing a step can cause delays.
Cyprus is an exception in many ways. The procedures are structured, the categories are clearly defined, and—especially when handled correctly—the process is relatively straightforward. Understanding the basics of the system will help you:
- Avoid unnecessary delays and rejections
- Prepare the right documents from the start
- Choose the most suitable route for your situation
Once you obtain residency, you can fully benefit from Cyprus’ tax regime, business environment, lifestyle advantages, and the legal protections available to residents.
Cyprus immigration process explained
The main residency and immigration routes in Cyprus can be grouped as follows:
- EU/EEA/Swiss nationals:
Registration of residence (commonly known as the Yellow Slip). - Non‑EU nationals (temporary stay):
Temporary Residence Permit (often referred to as the Pink Slip) and other specific permits (e.g. digital nomad, student, employment). - Non‑EU nationals (long‑term stay):
Permanent Residency, either:- By length of legal stay, or
- By investment under the fast‑track permanent residency programme (Regulation 6(2)).
- Citizenship:
Primarily through naturalization after several years of legal residence, or marriage to a Cypriot citizen. The previous Citizenship by Investment Programme has been discontinued.
Each route has its own conditions, documentation, and benefits.
EU nationals or residents moving to Cyprus
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens enjoy freedom of movement within the EU, which makes relocating to Cyprus relatively simple.
If an EU national intends to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, they must apply for a Registration Certificate (commonly called the Yellow Slip, form MEU1) within four months of arrival.
This certificate allows you to:
- Live in Cyprus without time limitation
- Work or be self‑employed
- Access local services and systems (e.g. healthcare, utilities, banking)
- Register property and enter into long‑term contracts
The Yellow Slip itself does not expire, although your personal circumstances (e.g. employment, residence) must remain compliant with EU free‑movement rules.
Temporary residency for non‑EU citizens
Non‑EU nationals who wish to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, without working in the local labour market, can usually apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, commonly known as the Pink Slip.
This is typically suitable for:
- Retirees
- Financially independent individuals with income from abroad
- Families relocating for lifestyle reasons
- Certain categories of students or dependents
Key points:
- Duration: Usually granted for 1 year and renewable annually, provided conditions continue to be met.
- Right to work: The standard visitor‑type Pink Slip does not grant the right to work in Cyprus.
- Income requirement: You must demonstrate sufficient income from abroad to support yourself and your dependents (practical thresholds often start around €24,000 per year for the main applicant, with increases for spouse and children).
- Other requirements:
- Valid long‑stay visa (where applicable)
- Rental or purchase agreement for accommodation
- Private health insurance
- Clean criminal record and other supporting documents, depending on the category
Temporary residency can be a stepping stone towards long‑term residence and, eventually, permanent residency, provided you maintain legal stay over several years.
Permanent residency for non‑EU citizens
Non‑EU nationals can obtain Permanent Residency in Cyprus through two main routes:
- By length of legal stay
- By investment (fast‑track programme under Regulation 6(2))
Both routes grant long‑term residence rights, but they differ significantly in requirements, timelines, and cost.
Permanent residency by length of stay
Non‑EU nationals who have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus for a number of years may qualify for long‑term resident status under EU and national rules.
In general:
- You must have several consecutive years of legal residence (commonly at least five years under long‑term residence rules).
- You must show stable and sufficient income, suitable accommodation, health insurance, and integration into Cypriot society.
- Time spent under certain temporary permits can count towards this period, provided there are no long gaps or unlawful stays.
This route is more gradual but may be suitable for those who live and build their life in Cyprus over time without making a qualifying investment.
Permanent residency by investment
Cyprus offers a fast‑track Permanent Residency Programme for non‑EU investors under Regulation 6(2). This is one of the most popular routes for families seeking stable EU residency.
Key features (subject to current regulations):
- Minimum investment:
Typically €300,000 (plus VAT where applicable) in qualifying assets, such as:- New (first‑sale) residential property from a developer, or
- Other eligible investment options as defined by the latest regulations (e.g. certain company shares or funds, depending on current rules).
- Source of funds:
The investment must be paid from foreign‑sourced funds, properly documented and transferred from abroad. - Income requirement:
You must demonstrate a stable annual income from abroad sufficient to support yourself and your dependants. Current practice often requires a higher income threshold for this category than for temporary residency. - Family members:
Spouse and dependent children can usually be included in the same application, subject to the rules in force at the time. - Processing time:
Applications are examined under an accelerated procedure compared to standard permanent residency routes. - Residence obligation:
You are not required to live in Cyprus full‑time, but you must not be absent for excessively long periods and must maintain the qualifying investment and other conditions.
Because the detailed criteria (e.g. eligible assets, income thresholds, family inclusion) can change, it is essential to rely on up‑to‑date legal guidance before proceeding.
Citizenship and naturalisation in Cyprus
Cypriot citizenship provides full EU citizenship rights, including the freedom to live, work, and travel across all EU member states.
The main routes to citizenship are:
- Citizenship by naturalisation:
Available to foreign nationals who have legally resided in Cyprus for a required number of years and meet good‑character and integration criteria. The exact residence period and conditions are defined by law and may be subject to reform, but it generally requires several years of continuous legal residence. - Citizenship by marriage:
Spouses of Cypriot citizens may apply for citizenship after meeting specific residence and marriage‑duration requirements. - Former Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP):
Cyprus previously operated a Citizenship by Investment Programme, which allowed investors to obtain citizenship through substantial investment.
This programme has been abolished and is no longer available. Any current path to citizenship is based on residence, marriage, or descent—not on a direct investment route.
Because citizenship law is technical and periodically updated, professional advice is strongly recommended before starting any application.
Recommendation: Always consult experts
While Cyprus offers one of the more accessible and attractive immigration frameworks in the EU, the details matter. Regulations, forms, and thresholds (especially for investment and income) can and do change.
Working with experienced professionals—immigration lawyers, licensed consultants, and, where relevant, real estate and tax advisors—can help you:
- Choose the most suitable residency route for your goals
- Prepare a complete and compliant application
- Avoid costly mistakes or unnecessary refusals
- Stay aligned with the latest legal and policy changes