Cyprus is one of the leading European countries offering economic citizenship or permanent residency through investment. The Cypriote government offers fast-track citizenship or permanent residency opportunities for high net worth individuals, entrepreneurs and investors (Non-EEA). Since the EU referendum, there has also been an increase in interest from British citizens looking to obtain EU citizenship allowing unlimited visa-free access to the European Union. Interest in economic citizenship rapidly increased in September 2016 when the Cyprus Council of Ministers reformed the overseas investment programme. Unlike other EU countries, Cyprus offers a fast and efficient investment scheme allowing visa-free access to 158 countries across the globe including the 28 EU member state counties. Cyprus is the only country in Europe offering full citizenship within 6 months providing exciting and endless opportunities.
What is the Cyprus Citizenship by Investment programme?
Cyprus provides one of the world’s most efficient investment programmes for obtaining citizenship. Every year the number of Citizenship by Investment applications for Cyprus rise in a search of a quick second citizenship allowing visa-free global mobility. By holding Cypriot citizenship you are automatically entitled to travel to 158 countries across the globe including the 28 EU Member States countries. A Cypriot passport automatically grants you EU citizenship, therefore, you are free to travel, work, study and live anywhere within the EU including some of the top destinations such as United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain and Italy amongst others. To qualify for Citizenship by Investment in Cyprus the following requirements must be met:
- You must be of good character and must not have a criminal record;
- You must make a one-off real estate investment in property for at least €2 million;
- Once you have acquired the property you must hold it for a minimum period of 3 years. You do not have to reside in the property. The property can be put onto the rental market immediately. The property can be sold after 3 years; and
- You must visit Cyprus once every 7 years.
Another exclusive attraction in investing in Cyprus is that you can also apply for citizenship for your family members by investing an additional €500,000. On grant of your application, you will be given lifelong Cypriot citizenship which can be passed onto future generations. Further, there is no language requirement, medical test or interview for citizenship applicants.
What are the benefits of investing in Cyprus?
- Cyprus offers the quickest, most assured route to European citizenship by approving your application within 6 months from the date of submission;
- A Cypriot passport gives you visa-free access to 158 countries across the globe including the 28 EU countries giving you the right to live, work and study in these countries;
- You and your family will receive full Cypriot citizenship (depending on investment);
- No obligation to make charitable donations;
- If you do not wish to invest in real estate you may be able to invest in commercial premises, shares in an active business, private equity and government bonds.
We can assist with the preparation and submission of a Citizenship by Investment application for Cypriot citizenship. Our specialist immigration team can advise you every step of the way making the application process a stress free and enjoyable experience. We can also work with you to discover the best investment mechanisms suited for your investment.
What is the Cyprus Permanent Residency Investment programme
We understand that not everyone would like to acquire a second citizenship and in some cases, it may not be possible to hold dual citizenship. There is an alternative option for high net worth individuals who would like to benefit from visa-free travel. Applicants can secure Permanent Residency in Cyprus by making a significant investment of €300,000 in real estate. Once you have invested the required money you will be granted a Cyprus residence permit within 2 months from the date of investment. The residency permit covers the whole family and includes all dependent children up to the age of 25. To qualify for a residency permit you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be of good character and must not have a criminal record;
- You must acquire and invest a minimum of €300,000 in a new property in Cyprus;
- The property can comprise up to housing units or one housing unit and a shop or office;
- You can put the property onto the rental market immediately but cannot sell the property;
- You must show an annual income of €30,000 and show at least €30,000 in a bank account in Cyprus;
- You must visit Cyprus every 2 years;
Comparing Citizenship by Investment programmes across Europe
The key attraction for high net worth individuals investing in Cyprus is the turnaround speed of the Citizenship by Investment applications. The ultimate goal for high net worth individuals applying for economic citizenship is acquiring a second passport as quickly as possible. Cyprus is one of the only countries in Europe that process and issues Citizenship by Investment within 6 months. Malta also offers a similar investment opportunity but it takes up to 18 months before citizenship is acquired.
Top 5 Social and Economic reasons for choosing Cyprus:
- Secure protected investment with a favourable tax regime for both companies and individuals;
- One of the lowest property taxes in the world and there is no inherence tax;
- Excellent medical and education facilities with over 80% of the population speaking English;
- Free Movement of persons and goods within the EU;
- The lowest crime rate in Europe and 5th safest country in the world.
Another benefit of investing in Cyprus is that you will not be required to make charitable donations as part of the Citizenship by Investment application. This makes investing in Cyprus much more lucrative and attractive for foreign investors looking for a second citizenship.
Impact of EU Referendum on Citizenship by Investment programmes in Cyprus
Ever since the EU referendum in June 2016 interest has grown in Citizenship by Investment programmes in Cyprus. It is likely that once the United Kingdom officially leaves the EU British nationals will no longer benefit from the free movement of persons and goods rights under the EEA Regulations. As a result, British citizens are now looking for alternative methods of acquiring free movement across the EU.