Introduction

Cyprus is a popular and welcoming destination for non-EU nationals looking to live, work, or settle in the country. The island offers multiple residency pathways, each designed to meet different personal, professional, and financial circumstances.

Understanding which route best suits your situation is essential. This article provides an overview of the main residency options available for non-EU nationals, helping you navigate the process with confidence.

If you are an EU, EEA, or Swiss national, please see our article on r

As a non-EU national, there are five main options for obtaining residency, as outlined below:

• Permanent Residence through Investment
• Establishment of a Foreign Interest Company
• Permanent Residency Programme – ‘Slow Track’
• Temporary or Self-Sufficiency Residence Permit – “Pink Slip”
• Cyprus Start-Up Visa
• Digital Nomad Visa

Permanent Residence through Investment

The Permanent Residence through Investment route allows non-EU nationals to secure residency by making a qualifying investment in Cyprus of at least at €300,000 plus VAT. Residential real estate is the most common investment choice, though there are other options available.

The key highlights for this route are:

• apply beyond the initial investment.
• Holders cannot engage in employment in Cyprus, except as company directors.
• The permit is issued for life. Subject to certain conditions, holders may later and so will be considered an EU national.

Establishment of a Foreign Interest Company

Non-EU nationals can also gain residency through the establishment of a . This international company can employ key non-EU personnel in Cyprus and provide them and their families with both residency and work permits.

The key highlights for this route are:

• must be met for both company establishment and immigration of key personnel.
• Permits allow holders to live and work in Cyprus but are renewable every two years.
• After a defined period and subject to conditions, holders may .

Permanent Residency Programme – ‘Slow Track’

– also known as ‘Category F’ – programme is designed for individuals with secured annual income sufficient to maintain a high standard of living in Cyprus without engaging in local business, trade, or employment, and can meet the

The key highlights for this route are:

• As the name suggests this route can take a long time to process with officials estimating a 12 to 18 month processing time
• This permit does not grant the right to employment in the Republic.
• Similar to the permanent residency by investment route above this residency permit is issued for life and, under , holders may eventually and receive a Passport

Temporary or Self-Sufficiency Residence Permit

Commonly known as the “Pink Slip,” this temporary residence permit allows individuals and their qualifying dependents to live in Cyprus on a self-sufficiency basis, as a visitor, subject to meeting the .

The key highlights for this route are:

• The permit is issued for one year and is renewable annually subject to meeting the specific requirements each year.
• It does not grant the holder employment rights.
• Holder of this permit must not say outside Cyprus for longer than 3 months at a time, as this could result in the permit being cancelled.

The Cyprus Start Up Visa

enables talented entrepreneurs from non-EU/EEA countries, individually or in teams, to enter, reside, and work in Cyprus () to establish, operate, or grow high-potential Startups. It aims to create jobs, promote innovation and research, and drive economic development. The Scheme supports both new innovative Startups and the relocation of established ones to Cyprus.

The key highlights for this route are:

• As noted above this visa gives it’s holders the right of both employment and residency in the republic of Cyprus.
• It is issued for one year with the right to apply for a renewal.
• This option is able to be applied for as a sole founder or as co-founders applying as a group of up to 5.

Important Note: Cyprus Tax Residency

Residency for immigration purposes does not automatically confer tax residency. If you wish to understand tax residency rules and associated benefits, please review our and our

Conclusion

Cyprus offers non-EU nationals a number of accessible pathways to be able to live, work, and thrive here. With Dixcart Cyprus’ expertise, you can navigate residency requirements confidently and efficiently. Contact our team to explore how we can support your move and ensure a smooth transition to life in Cyprus.