Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of immigration, corporate and legal services in Cyprus and abroad. The company includes Cypriot and English lawyers.
✔ Choosing an immigration program in Cyprus ✔ Cyprus permanent residence for the whole family ✔ Consulting on the selection and purchase of real estate in Cyprus ✔ Opening bank accounts ✔ Registration and purchase of a business in Cyprus ✔ Tax planning and legal tax optimization in Cyprus ✔ Investment consulting
Obtaining a residence permit and immigration to Cyprus 2024
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island state and is just a great place to live and work. It offers an excellent combination of a high standard of living with a warm climate and azure sea, as well as a reliable business environment with a favorable tax system and a strong British legal framework.
The ideal location, reliable modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare and education systems are key reasons for the whole family to move to Cyprus.
✅ Cyprus is one of the countries with the lowest air pollution levels in the European Union.
✅ Cyprus ranks 1st among the safest countries with a population of under 5 million people.
✅ The island has a wonderful climate with more than 300 sunny days a year, an abundance of the best and cleanest beaches in Europe, of the greatest recreation areas, fresh vegetables and fruits.
✅ Cyprus has one of the best private education sectors in Europe. There are more than 20 English schools from primary to secondary education, internationally recognized universities and training centers.
✅ Cyprus is a low-tax jurisdiction that allows you to optimize taxes, both personal and corporate, legally.
✅ The Cyprus real estate market is actively developing and offers both residential real estate, ranging from apartments to seaside villas for living or relaxing with the whole family, or property for investment purposes.
How to obtain a Cyprus residence permit in 2024?
Foreign citizens can apply for a residence permit in Cyprus and become a resident of Cyprus under several programs:
Cyprus residence permit for financially independent foreigners (Visitor visa)
The Visitor Residence Permit (known as the Pink Slip in Cyprus) grants resident status to non-EU nationals who have sufficient financial resources without the need to work or engage in economic activities in Cyprus.
This Cyprus resident status gives the right to reside permanently in Cyprus for a year along with your family. To receive this status it is necessary to:
✔ Confirm a minimum monthly income of 2000 € for the main applicant + 20% for the second spouse + 15% for each child ✔ Open an account in a Cypriot bank in an amount of €10,000 for the main applicant. ✔ Confirm your residence in Cyprus (by either rented or purchased housing).
The residence permit is issued for 1 year with the right to extension.
It leads to Cypriot citizenship after 7 years of residence.
Permanent residence in Cyprus when purchasing real estate and for investments
The program for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Cyprus is available when purchasing real estate worth at least 100 thousand euros in category F or when investing from 300 thousand euros in real estate, business and funds – under the Fast Track program (an accelerated procedure for obtaining a permanent residence permit for investment or so called the “Cyprus Golden Visa”).
Features of obtaining permanent residence in Cyprus under the Fast Track program:
The applicant must invest at least €300,000 (excluding VAT) in residential or commercial real estate, Cypriot companies or funds.
Accelerated immediate receipt of an indefinite residence permit. The processing time for documents is about 2 months.
Cyprus permanent residence can be obtained for the whole family: spouses, children and parents
The Cyprus resident card is issued for 10 years immediately
There are no requirements for permanent residence in Cyprus
Having lived in Cyprus for 7 years, the applicant and his family can apply for citizenship.
Residence permit in Cyprus under category F through the purchase of real estate
In addition to the above mentioned accelerated program for obtaining permanent residence in Cyprus, there is a program for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Cyprus through the purchase of real estate worth at least 100 thousand euros – Category F. However, the consideration of an application for residence under category F takes about 12-18 months.
In addition to purchasing real estate, the applicant must have a confirmed annual income from abroad covering living expenses in Cyprus and must deposit at least 20,000 euros into his bank account in Cyprus.
An applicant’s spouse and children under 18 years old can also receive a residence permit. However, the residence permit for children will be valid until they turn 18.
Remote workers and entrepreneurs now have access to a digital nomad visa in Cyprus – the Digital Nomad Visa.
Applicants must prove that they are working remotely for a company that is registered abroad or providing services to clients outside Cyprus.
The new program allows remote workers to live in Cyprus for one year, with the option of extending for a further two years. Applicants will also be able to bring their spouses and children with them to Cyprus.
Requirements for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa in Cyprus
A stable and sufficient monthly net income of at least €3,500 for the main applicant + 20% for the second spouse and + 15% for each child is required. Proof of income (employment contracts, certified bank statements and payslips confirming income). It is necessary to open a bank account in Cyprus Confirm place of residence in Cyprus (purchased property or long-term lease).
Residence permit for entrepreneurs and business owners in Cyprus
Corporate legislation regulating the opening and running of a business in Cyprus gives the right to a foreign citizen to start a business in Cyprus. The registration process takes a minimum of time compared to many EU countries and does not require a presence on the island. You can register a company in Cyprus remotely.
In addition, an entrepreneur and his family members can obtain a Cypriot residence permit through company registration (business immigration to Cyprus). But just a registered company is not enough. Other requirements must be met.
Features and requirements of business immigration to Cyprus
A registered company in Cyprus must comply with Substance rules.
Only a resident with a stable income can obtain a residence permit through a business in Cyprus. An open account in a Cypriot bank is also required.
Availability of accommodation in Cyprus. Even when starting your own business, it is necessary to confirm the fact that you own real estate in Cyprus or have a long-term lease.
Confirmation of the applicant’s integrity: no visa violations, no deportations, no criminal record.
Intra Company Transferee
Intra-corporate transferees (ICT) is a program designed for managers and employees of a company whose head office is located outside of Cyprus and other EU countries. According to this program, an employee of the parent company is transferred according to a simplified procedure to a branch of a company registered in one of the countries of the European Union.
Conditions and requirements for corporate transfer of employees to the office in Cyprus
It is necessary:
To prove and confirm that the companies belong to the same group of enterprises.
To confirm the official labor relations with the Company sending the employee to Cyprus.
To provide the employment contract and letter of appointment from the employer, certified by the Cyprus Ministry of Labor.
To proof that the third country national has the professional qualifications and experience required by the company in Cyprus.
To indicate the salary not less than the average level of the professional profile in Cyprus.
To confirm the absence of a criminal record in the country of citizenship.
To provide medical insurance valid in Cyprus.
Advantages of corporate transfer of employees to Cyprus:
There are no requirements for the company’s minimum annual turnover.
Better mobility of ICT card recipients within the European Union.
Residence permits can also be obtained by members of the applicant’s family: children and spouse of the applicant.
Tax system and taxes in Cyprus
The great advantage of Cyprus, both for life and for business, is its effective and transparent tax system, which allows you to legally optimize taxation.
Cyprus is no longer considered an offshore jurisdiction, but rather a low-tax jurisdiction. The country also meets all the requirements of the EU and OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).
Cypriot tax residents are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-Cypriot residents are taxed only on income derived from their business activities and sources in Cyprus.
The Cyprus tax system provides certain benefits and discounts for its tax residents and for non-residents of Cyprus. For example:
income tax-free minimum of 19,500 euros/year.
50% income tax discount for foreigners working in Cyprus with a salary of more than 55,000 euros per year.
0% tax on dividends and interest income
no tax on wealth, inheritance and gift
no annual property taxes
special tax status Non-domicile in Cyprus
special IP BOX tax regime for a company in the field of intellectual property
Cyprus has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the European Union – 12.5%
Education in Cyprus
Cyprus has one of the best private education sectors. Cypriot education is divided into: pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education.
There are both private and public schools and universities that teach in English.
Private schools in Cyprus are also registered with the Cyprus Ministry of Education and Culture and the schools adhere to the curriculum and other requirements set by law.
Most private schools in Cyprus conduct interviews or entrance examinations to select students.
✅ Feod Group specialists will help you choose an educational institution in Cyprus and a course that corresponds to the applicant’s intentions. The educational institution can be chosen from among our verified partner educational institutions, as well as any other officially recognized by the state.
In addition, Feod Group offers a unique Education Concierge service, which covers all issues related to education in Cyprus.
Obtaining Cypriot citizenship
Citizenship and passport of Cyprus gives you the opportunity to live both in Cyprus and in any other EU country, study and work in EU countries, and apply for social assistance. And your children will be able to obtain European citizenship by birth.
With a Republic of Cyprus Passport you can visit 177 countries without visas (or obtain a visa upon entry).
Cypriot citizenship and passport can be obtained by birth, descent, through marriage to a Cypriot citizen and by naturalization after 7 years of residence.
If you are the wife or spouse of a Cypriot citizen, you must have been married for at least 3 years and resided in Cyprus for 2 years before applying for citizenship.
If your Cypriot spouse resides abroad, you are also entitled to Cypriot citizenship upon marriage after at least 3 years.
Foreigners who have legally resided in Cyprus for at least 7 years prior to the date of application can obtain Cypriot citizenship through naturalization.
The applicants, who are children or parents of Cypriot citizens, can obtain Cypriot citizenship after 5 years of residence.
✅ Cypriot lawyers and specialists of Feod Group provide a full range of services for obtaining a residence permit for the whole family, and also advise on the process of business registration in Cyprus, opening bank accounts, choosing and purchasing real estate in Cyprus, tax optimization, enrolling children in schools and universities.
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Immigration and relocation to Cyprus – FAQ
What are the advantages of obtaining a residence permit and immigration to Cyprus?
Cyprus has many advantages, including: a warm Mediterranean climate and ideal beaches, developed infrastructure, a high standard of living, medicine and social benefits for its residents, as well as strong legal legislation, effective and profitable taxation.
In addition, the World Health Organization has rated Cyprus as one of the healthiest countries in the Mediterranean. Moreover, Cyprus is one of the countries with the lowest level of air pollution in the European Union.
All these factors make Cyprus suitable both for accommodation of families with children and for conduting business and investing.
How to relocate to Cyprus for permanent residence?
You can obtain permanent residence in Cyprus under the indefinite residence permit program by purchasing residential real estate, commercial real estate, shares in Cypriot companies or private investment funds in the amount of 300 thousand euros.
There is also a program for acquiring the status of a resident of Cyprus when purchasing real estate in the amount of 100 thousand euros in category F, but the application review process takes 12-18 months.
In other cases, permanent residence status in Cyprus can be obtained in 5 years after receiving a temporary residence permit (RP) on the basis of:
Residence permit for financially independent foreigners without the right to work
Business immigration
Corporate transfer of employees via Intra Company
Transferee
Residence permit through family reunification
Digital Nomad Visa
How to start a business in Cyprus?
Both residents of Cyprus and foreigners, including citizens of Ukraine, have the right to open a business in Cyprus.
To register your company in Cyprus, you need to go through the standard registration procedure: obtain a foreigner tax number, select and register the company name; open a bank account and deposit authorized capital; have a legal address; appoint a director; register the company with state and tax authorities.
How to open a bank account in Cyprus for a foreigner?
In order to open a bank account in Cyprus, a non-resident needs to collect a package of documents that confirm the identity of the applicant, as well as the legality of the source of funds, transfer and certify them, fill out bank forms, undergo a bank check, and, if necessary, an interview with a bank representative.
Luhina Iryna Head of department Visas and Immigration Ukraine
In 2006 graduated from the National Aviation University (NAU), Kiev with a degree in Philology, Translation. Irina Lugina has many years of successful work experience in large companies with a voluminous workflow. Within Feod Group specializes in: visa support by category for financially ...
In 2006 graduated from the National Aviation University (NAU), Kiev with a degree in Philology, Translation. Irina Lugina has many years of successful work experience in large companies with a voluminous workflow. Within Feod Group specializes in:
visa support by category for financially independent foreigners, visas for entrepreneurs and investors in the EU, Great Britain and the USA.
preparation and compliance of packages of documents for registration of companies in low-tax jurisdictions, opening bank accounts.
obtaining a residence permit and permanent residence in Ukraine on the basis of marriage and through company registration.
Since 1992, Feod Group has been providing a wide range of legal, business and immigration services in Europe, the USA and other countries of the world.
The company has accredited western lawyers, experts in various fields of law and jurisdictions of the world.
Having offices in Europe and the USA, Feod Group provides rapid paperwork and maximum customer comfort.
We provide our clients with related services, such as relocation and adaptation abroad, organizing family relocation abroad, enrollment of children in schools and many other services.
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