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Residency by Investment
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Permanent Residency
Cyprus
Indefinite EU permanent residency through a single real-estate investment — available directly on a Russian or Belarusian passport.
Threshold
€300,000 + VAT, first-sale property
Turnkey, single applicant
from €323,000
Foreign income required
€50,000/yr main applicant (+€15,000 spouse, +€10,000 per child)
Realistic timeline
6–8 months (decision ~2–3 months)
Status
Permanent; visit at least once every 2 years
Open to RF/RB citizens
Yes, directly
Overview
Cyprus offers one of the fastest and most straightforward permanent-residency programmes in the European Union. A single qualifying real-estate investment grants permanent residency that does not expire.
It requires €50,000 a year of foreign income, is maintained by a visit every two years, and offers an attractive Mediterranean base with a favourable non-dom tax regime. Cyprus is in the EU but not in the Schengen Area.
Key benefits
- Permanent residency that never expires
- Covers spouse and children under 18 (to 25 if students); parents with confirmed additional income
- Processing typically 6–8 months (decision in about 2–3 months)
- EU residency, but Cyprus is not in Schengen
- Minimal physical-presence requirement
- Favourable tax regime and Mediterranean lifestyle
Investment options
- Residential real estate from €300,000 (plus VAT)
- Status maintained with a short visit roughly every 2 years
Questions and answers
How much does Cyprus permanent residency cost in 2026?
As of October 2026, Cyprus permanent residency costs from €323,000 for a single applicant: a first-sale property from €300,000, VAT from €15,000 at the reduced 5% rate (otherwise 19%), lawyer and notary from €3,800, translations from €3,000 and small fees. The payment must come from abroad to the seller's Cyprus account.
Is Cyprus PR open to Russian citizens?
Yes. As of October 2026, Cyprus permanent residency is available directly on a Russian or Belarusian passport, with no second citizenship needed — unlike the Greek Golden Visa.
How long does Cyprus PR take?
As of October 2026, the decision on Cyprus fast-track PR (Regulation 6(2)) takes about 2–3 months; Aftera's most recent realistic end-to-end benchmark is 6–8 months including the property deal and card issuance. There is no published deadline for the state's decision.
Does Cyprus PR give Schengen access?
No. As of October 2026, Cyprus is in the EU but not in the Schengen area, so Cypriot permanent residency does not give the same Schengen movement as a status in a Schengen member state, such as the Greek Golden Visa.
How do I keep Cyprus PR?
As of October 2026, Cyprus PR is indefinite and needs no renewal, but you must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years; a long absence can cost the status. The physical card is reissued for technical reasons such as a new passport.
Does Cyprus PR lead to Cypriot citizenship or tax residency?
Neither automatically. As of October 2026, Cypriot citizenship is ordinary naturalisation after roughly 7–8 years (7 of the last 10 years' residence) with real presence; the CIP golden-passport scheme is closed. Tax residency arises only at 183 days a year or under the 60-day rule; non-dom status then exempts dividends and interest for up to 17 years.
Is Cyprus lowering the PR threshold to €250,000?
Not yet. As of October 2026 Aftera's latest information (July 2026) is that the Cypriot parliament is debating a cut from €300,000 to €250,000; it is a proposal, not law, and the threshold remains €300,000 + VAT.
Read more
- Cyprus Permanent Residency from €300,000 in 2026: an indefinite EU status in 6–8 months
- Greece vs Cyprus in 2026: which EU residency is the better value
- How long a passport really takes: honest timelines and what stretches them
- Second passport, residency and foreign banks: how a Russian citizen can open an account in 2026
Last reviewed: October 2026. Figures are indicative starting points; programme terms change — confirm on consultation.