Cyprus citizenship by investment
Citizenship by investment is a process in which foreign nationals invest funds within a country and, in return, receive the right to its citizenship.
There are several investment routes:
- A government fund. A non-refundable contribution to the national economy.
- Business. Investing in a business inside the country; these funds may be returned with a profit.
- Real estate. Buying commercial or residential property that can be rented out for income, or simply purchasing a home to live in, with citizenship as a bonus.
- Socially significant projects.
Investment really is the fastest way to obtain citizenship. Cyprus was once one of the most popular destinations among investors. Let's take a closer look at the program.
- Investment amount: from 2 million euros
- Processing time: 6 months
- Nationality restrictions: none until the programme closed to everyone on 1 November 2020
What were the investment options?
- Residential property: from 2 million euros
- Commercial property: from 2 million euros + residential property from 500,000 euros
- Shares in Cypriot companies: from 2 million euros + residential property from 500,000 euros
- Shipping industry: from 2 million euros + residential property from 500,000 euros
You would need to prove the legitimacy of the invested funds by providing documents showing how the money was earned and whether taxes had been paid on it. Loan funds from major banks were also acceptable for investment. Each case was reviewed individually.
Cypriot citizenship through investment was open to anyone, regardless of their original citizenship or country of residence. There was no requirement to live in the country before or after receiving the passport, and no knowledge of the Cypriot language or history was needed.
Benefits of Cypriot citizenship
- Fast processing. The passport could be obtained in as little as six months.
- Citizenship for the whole family. A spouse, children up to age 28, and the investor's parents could receive passports alongside the applicant.
- Visa-free access to 158 countries: the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Singapore and Japan.
- Tax optimization.
- A "safe haven."
In 2020, the Cyprus citizenship-by-investment program has been suspended.
2026 update: the program is closed
Cyprus stopped accepting citizenship by investment applications on 1 November 2020, and the program takes no new applications. The government revoked some previously issued passports after reviews. A Cypriot passport can now be obtained only on general grounds: by living on the island and naturalising.
What works instead: Cyprus permanent residence by investment
| Condition | Requirement in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Investment | from €300,000 excluding VAT: new housing, commercial property, a stake in a Cypriot company with staff or units of a Cypriot investment fund |
| Income from abroad | from €50,000 a year for the main applicant, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child |
| Presence | visiting the island at least once every two years |
| Control | an annual check that the property and income are maintained |
On 24 September 2026 the deputy migration minister told parliament that the rules for new investors will be tightened before Cyprus joins the Schengen area, so applying under the current thresholds is more favourable. More in our article on Cyprus permanent residence through property and on the Cyprus residence by investment page.
Where you can get a passport by investment
If you specifically need a second passport, programs in the Caribbean and Turkey offer one today. Compare the conditions on our Dominica citizenship, Grenada citizenship and Turkey citizenship pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get Cypriot citizenship by investment now?
No, the program has not accepted applications since 1 November 2020. A Cypriot passport is obtainable only through naturalisation.
What to choose instead of a Cypriot passport?
To live in Cyprus, permanent residence for investing from €300,000; for a second passport, Caribbean or Turkish programs.
How to get Cypriot citizenship now
The only route is naturalisation: 7 years of legal residence on the island and Greek at level B1. Permanent residence by investment with a visit once every two years does not count towards a passport: you must actually live in Cyprus.
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What to know about Cyprus permanent residence in 2026
- The authorities are checking whether holders of about 12,000 permits issued since 2013 still meet the conditions; permits are revoked for breaches.
- Cyprus is in the EU but not yet in the Schengen area: the permanent resident card gives life on the island but not travel around Schengen.
- Once Cyprus joins Schengen, residence will allow stays in other Schengen states for up to 90 days in any 180.
- Since the 2023 reform, the applicant's parents are not included in the application.
Can you get Cypriot citizenship through permanent residence?
Not automatically: you need 7 years of legal residence on the island and Greek at level B1.
Does Cyprus permanent residence allow Schengen travel?
Not yet: Cyprus is not in the Schengen area.
Comparison: Cyprus residence or another country's passport
| Program | What it gives | Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Cyprus permanent residence | life in the EU on the island, no passport | from €300,000 |
| Dominica citizenship | passport | from $200,000 |
| Antigua and Barbuda citizenship | passport | from $230,000 |
| Grenada citizenship | passport | from $235,000 |
| Turkey citizenship | passport | from $400,000 |
The choice depends on the goal: living in Europe or a second passport for travel and banking. More on the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship page and the program pages above.
Are Cypriot investment passports being revoked?
Yes, after reviews the government revoked some passports issued in breach of the rules.
Frequently asked questions about Cyprus permanent residence
How much income do you need for Cyprus permanent residence?
From €50,000 a year from abroad for the main applicant, plus €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 per child.
Do you have to live in Cyprus with permanent residence?
No, a visit at least once every two years is enough, but this does not count towards citizenship.
Can you work in Cyprus with investment permanent residence?
The status alone does not give the right to employment.
When will Cyprus join Schengen?
There is no date yet: in July 2026 the European Commission found the island technically ready, and the decision is taken unanimously by the EU Council.
Which investments qualify for Cyprus permanent residence?
New housing, commercial property, a stake in a Cypriot company with staff or units of a Cypriot investment fund - from €300,000 excluding VAT.
Can parents be included in a Cyprus permanent residence application?
No, since the 2023 reform parents are not included; a spouse and children are.
FAQ
Can you still buy Cyprus citizenship?
How much did Cyprus citizenship by investment cost?
Were there nationality restrictions for the Cypriot passport by investment?
Did you have to live in Cyprus to get the passport?
How long did a Cyprus investor passport take?
Services
Murblz services in Cyprus
A passport or residence permit opens the door, but life behind it is awkward without a bank account and a roof over your head. Murblz specialists help with the account, property and company in the same country. The quote is fixed in writing before work starts.
Which investment passport to choose instead of Cyprus?
We compare citizenship-by-investment programmes that are open today by amount, visa-free access and tax, then prepare the documents for the one you pick. The catalogue lists every passport.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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