Cyprus (CY)
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island nation and EU member state situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa.
Capital: Nicosia
Region: Europe
Language: Greek
Currency: EUR (€)
Cost of living: Moderate (index 62)
Emergency: 112
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Citizenship & Permanent Residency
Long-term settlement options in Cyprus.
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Permanent Residency
Name
Long-Term Resident Status (Permanent Residence)
Eligibility
Legal residents with 5 years of continuous lawful residence in Cyprus
Duration
Permanent (5-year renewable card)
Requirements
- ✓5 years continuous and legal residence in Cyprus
- ✓Valid residence permit during the entire 5-year period
- ✓Stable and regular income sufficient to support yourself and family
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance (or GESY coverage)
- ✓Clean criminal record in Cyprus and country of origin
- ✓Proof of knowledge of Greek language and Cypriot history (or exemption)
- ✓Official application to CRMD with fee payment
Long-Term Resident status gives near-equivalent rights to EU citizens for employment, education and social benefits within Cyprus. Absences of more than 6 consecutive months (or 10 months total in 5 years) may affect eligibility. Holders have EU-wide mobility rights within certain conditions.
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Citizenship
Name
Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalisation
Eligibility
Legal residents with 7 years of continuous residence (5 years for spouses of Cypriot citizens)
Duration
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓Legal and continuous residence for 7 years immediately before application (5 years for spouse of Cypriot citizen)
- ✓Good character — clean criminal record in Cyprus and home country
- ✓Knowledge of the Greek language (oral exam)
- ✓Knowledge of the customs, traditions and way of life of Cyprus
- ✓Genuine intention to remain in Cyprus
- ✓Not subject to any immigration restrictions or deportation orders
Cyprus citizenship grants full EU citizenship rights and the right to live and work anywhere in the EU. Cyprus does not require renunciation of prior nationality for naturalised citizens — dual citizenship is permitted. Cyprus citizenship by investment (the 'Golden Passport' CBI programme) was officially suspended in November 2020 following an investigation into abuse; there is no active investor pathway to citizenship as of 2026. Highly skilled professionals with strong Greek language proficiency may be considered for a fast-track review at 3–4 years of residence, but this is discretionary rather than a published statutory route.
Other Routes to Residency & Citizenship
Cyprus Permanent Residency by Investment (Category 6(2))
Eligibility
Non-EU citizens investing a minimum of €300,000 in Cyprus property (at full market value)
Duration / Outcome
Permanent (no time limit), but not citizenship
Requirements
- ✓Purchase of new residential property worth at least €300,000 + VAT from a Cyprus developer
- ✓Proof of annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad (+ €15,000 for spouse; + €10,000 per dependent minor child) — funds must be transferred from abroad and documented
- ✓Clean criminal record
- ✓Medical insurance
- ✓Visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years
This is permanent residency only, not citizenship. Grants the right to live in Cyprus and travel within Cyprus. Does NOT give EU freedom of movement. A popular route for high-net-worth individuals from Russia, China, Israel, UAE and Lebanon.
Citizenship by Descent
Eligibility
Persons of Cypriot descent (parent or grandparent born in Cyprus)
Duration / Outcome
Permanent
Requirements
- ✓Proof of Cypriot parentage or grandparentage
- ✓Birth certificates and marriage certificates in an unbroken chain to Cypriot ancestor
- ✓Documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Greek
Many people of Greek Cypriot or Turkish Cypriot descent (born abroad) may be eligible. Apply at the Civil Registry and Migration Department with comprehensive documentation.
🌍 Dual Citizenship
✓
Dual citizenship is allowed — Cyprus allows dual citizenship — naturalised citizens are not required to renounce their prior nationality. Your original country of citizenship may or may not permit dual nationality; check with your home-country embassy before proceeding. Cypriot citizens who acquire a foreign nationality also generally retain their Cypriot citizenship.
Citizenship & Permanent Residency
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