Cyprus Immigration - FAQs

EU, EEA and Swiss nationals enter with a passport or national ID and may stay freely for 3 months. Non-EU nationals typically need a Schengen-style visa or are visa-exempt for short stays depending on nationality. Long-term residence always requires a permit.

The Registration Certificate (MEU1) for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Applied for after 3 months of residence, issued in 4 to 8 weeks, no expiry. See EU Nationals.

The Visitors Visa combined with the non-dom tax regime. €0 capital required, renewable yearly. Trade-off: you cannot take Cyprus employment but you can own a Cyprus company and receive dividends. See Non-EU Nationals.

Non-EU: PR by Investment (€300,000) is issued in around 60 days from a complete file. EU: after 5 years of continuous residence on a Yellow Slip you can apply for MEU3 PR.

Yes. Spouse and dependent children are included in every scheme. Dependent parents are included in BCS and PR by Investment.

For tax residency: yes, via the 60-day or 183-day rule. For PR maintenance: you need to visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years. For the Yellow Slip: you should be actually resident.

17 years of zero tax on worldwide dividends, interest and capital gains on securities for new tax residents who are not Cyprus-domiciled. Applies regardless of where the income is earned.

You become a Cyprus tax resident if you spend at least 60 days in Cyprus, are not tax resident anywhere else, do not spend 183+ days in any other single country, have business ties to Cyprus (employment, directorship or self-employment), and maintain a permanent home here.

15% on worldwide profits of Cyprus tax-resident companies. A competitive rate within the EU. IP Box regime brings the effective rate down to around 2.5% on qualifying IP income.

Progressive: 0% up to €19,500, then 20% / 25% / 30% / 35% in bands. The first €19,500 is tax-free for everyone, including non-residents on Cyprus-source income.

Standard VAT rate is 19%. Reduced rates of 9% (tourism, accommodation), 5% (food, books, medicines) and 3% (some publications). Registration threshold is €15,600 turnover per year.

No. Cyprus abolished inheritance tax in 2000 and has no wealth tax, no gift tax, and no exit tax. This makes Cyprus particularly attractive for HNW individuals and family offices.

Yes. We open personal and corporate accounts in advance of relocation. Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank and Eurobank are the main local options. KYC documents: passport, proof of address, source of funds, reference letters.

Personal: typically 1 to 2 weeks with complete documentation. Corporate: 2 to 6 weeks depending on the bank and complexity (foreign shareholders extend the timeline).

For tax residency: very recommended. For business: yes. For day-to-day life: Revolut and Wise are widely accepted, but you will need at least one local IBAN for utilities, payroll and statutory payments.

Yes, with proper structuring. Cyprus does not have capital gains tax on most securities, so transferring an investment portfolio to a Cyprus account or holding entity is usually tax-neutral on entry.

Cyprus regulates crypto exchanges and custodians. As a Cyprus tax resident on non-dom, gains on crypto trading typically fall outside Cyprus tax. The Securities and Exchange Commission CySEC supervises CASPs.

The General Healthcare System. Universal public coverage funded by contributions on salary or income. Covers GP, specialists, hospital, prescriptions and most diagnostics. Registration is automatic once you have an ARC and contributions are deducted at source.

Most relocators do, mainly for shorter waiting times and English-speaking specialists. Plans run from €40 to €150/month per adult depending on age and coverage.

Public Greek-language schools are free for residents. Private international schools offer British, IB and American curricula. Limassol and Nicosia have the widest choice. Paphos and Larnaca have good options too.

Limassol for international business and finance. Nicosia for government, legal and administrative work. Paphos and Larnaca for quieter, family- or retiree-friendly lifestyles by the sea.

No. English is universally spoken in business, professional services, banking and most administrative offices. Greek is appreciated socially but not required.

Below the western European average. A family of four typically budgets €2,500 to €4,000/month outside rent. A modern 3-bedroom apartment in central Limassol or Nicosia rents for €1,800 to €2,800 (2026).

EU nationals: yes, from day one. Non-EU on a Visitors Visa: no employment, but you can be a shareholder and director of a Cyprus company. Non-EU on BCS or High Profile: yes, in the specific role/employer covered by the permit.

We incorporate within 1 to 2 weeks. Required: company name (3 options for clearance), directors and shareholders (passports, address proof), registered office address (we provide), share capital declaration. Standard structure is a private limited company.

Employees and employers each contribute. The combined contribution is around 21% of gross salary (split). The self-employed contribute around 16.6%. This covers pension, sickness, maternity and unemployment.

Yes, one of the main advantages. Cyprus does not withhold tax on dividends to non-resident shareholders. For Cyprus-resident shareholders on non-dom: 0%. For Cyprus-resident shareholders not on non-dom: 17% Defence Contribution.

Cyprus law requires statutory audit for all private limited companies. Audits are inexpensive compared to other EU jurisdictions: from €1,500 to €3,500/year depending on size and complexity.

EU nationals: yes, no restrictions. Non-EU nationals: yes, with a permit from the Council of Ministers (routine, typically 6 to 12 months). Up to two properties for personal use per individual.

Transfer fees: 1.5% to 4% banded on purchase price. Stamp duty: around 0.15%. Legal fees: around 1% (negotiable). VAT applies to new builds (19%, reduced to 5% on first primary residence up to 200m²).

PR by Investment requires €300,000 invested, one route being residential real estate. But the Visitors Visa, BCS, High Profile and Digital Nomad routes do not require property purchase. Renting is widespread.

Annual immovable property tax was abolished in 2017. Local municipalities charge a small annual fee (typically €100 to €400 depending on size). Rental income is taxed as personal income.

Yields run 4-6% in residential, 6-8% in commercial. Limassol is the strongest market. Short-term rental (Airbnb) is regulated and requires registration. Capital gains tax applies on sale (20%, but with significant exemptions for primary residences).