Cyprus

Table of Content

1. COLORFUL CULTURE
2. LARGE EXPAT COMMUNITY
3. FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT
4. NATURAL BEAUTY
5. MEDITERRANEAN LIFESTYLE AND CUISINE
6. EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE
7. A HOME IN THE SUN
8. CYPRUS CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
9. CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTING – FAST TRACK OPTION TO A SECOND PASSPORT
10. CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION
11. CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE
12. CYPRUS RESIDENCE VISA

 

Thinking to immigrate? You don’t know where exactly and you fear of the unknown?
Below you can find several reasons why moving to Cyprus and start living there can be a good idea.
Offering the perfect balance between work and relaxation, with long sunny days in a stress-free atmosphere and beautiful surroundings, Cyprus enjoys an idyllic Mediterranean lifestyle, 340 days of sunshine a year and some of the most welcoming people in the world…all in a modern and well-functioning environment.
This beautiful island plays host to a wealth of contrasts: it is a country where east meets west; where traditions still play an important role in society but where life is never stuck in the past; it may be small but is never claustrophobic, always offering something new to discover; and life moves at a relaxed and gentle pace without ever being dull.

Colorful Culture

Lying at the crossroads of three continents, Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has long served as a major Eastern trading post. Its location, abundance of mineral deposits, rich agriculture and highly skilled craftsmen have long made it a jewel in the crown of the powers of the day. Cultural influences came from all directions, with many civilizations leaving their mark on the island, contributing to the development of a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Large Expat Community

A former British colony, Cyprus gained its independence in 1960. A notable British presence remains to this day and Cyprus has become home to a large expat community. Today, Cyprus has the third highest percentage of foreign citizens in the European Union, with a total of 128,000. 78,000 or 9.8 per cent of the total population are from other EU member states, and 50,000, or 6.3 per cent of the total population are from non-EU countries according to a survey of the EU’s statistical office. The biggest group of expats living in Cyprus consists of British nationals, but there are also large communities of Americans, Russians and other Eastern European nationals.

Familiar Environment

Cyprus law is based on British law and the island’s banking system is modeled on the British banking system. The vast majority of Cypriots speak English and business is conducted in both Greek and English. Medical care in the Republic of Cyprus is good and meets Western standards. In fact, many of the physicians that practice in Cyprus was trained in either the UK or the United States. Purchasing real estate in Cyprus is straightforward; however, buyers should seek help from a lawyer in case complications arise. Renting or leasing an apartment in Cyprus is relatively affordable.

Natural Beauty

With around 340 days of glorious sunshine a year and a coastline teeming with endless stretches of golden sands, secluded bays and rocky coves, where better to relax at the end of the working day but by the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea? Or, for a respite from the heat and a complete change of scenery why not unwind with a drive through the picturesque Troodos Mountains? One of the beauties of Cyprus is that the relatively small size of the island means that you are always just a short journey away from anywhere you would like to visit.

Mediterranean Lifestyle and Cuisine

It is, of course, impossible to talk about Cyprus without mentioning the food. As with most Mediterranean countries food plays an important role and is to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace with friends and family. One of the first Greek phrases to learn in Cyprus is ‘siga siga’ which means ‘slowly slowly’, and is a mantra one will hear almost daily. The fabulous Cypriot food is to be savored unhurriedly, usually al fresco with friends and family. Even a cup of coffee can be a two hour past time.
Life is meant to be enjoyed in Cyprus and the finer things in life should never be rushed. Cyprus cuisine is a unique blend of Greek and Arabic food heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet, said to be one of the healthiest in the world. The best way to experience Cypriot cuisine is to savor the delights of a traditional meze – a seemingly endless succession of ‘small plates’ of wonderful home cooked fare including the famous Cypriot halloumi cheese as well as other delicacies such as moussaka, succulent homemade sausages known as sheftalia, grilled marinated meats and delicious casseroles to name but a few.

Excellent Infrastructure

Cyprus has a superb road system with signs in both Greek and English, a reliable and efficient postal service, a large choice of schools, clubs, restaurants, gyms, theaters, cinemas, museums and art galleries. Added to this already attractive package there is the relatively low cost of living, the favorable taxation system and one of the lowest crime rates in Europe.
The local infrastructure is ideally suited for business people who need to get things done. Thanks to its modern road network, extensive port facilities and two international airports, travel and transport in and beyond Cyprus is fast, efficient and economical.

A Home in the Sun

The genuine warmth and hospitality of the Cypriot people ensure that any visitor to the island is made to feel instantly at home and with guaranteed sunshine and all the other benefits that come with living in Cyprus; it is hard to think of any other location more ideally suited to actually call home.

Now let’s talk business.

Cyprus Citizenship by Investment

Typically, investment immigration is where a monetary amount is funded into a pre-approved project of the country the applicant seeks residency in. The investment should result in an added benefit to the country’s economic development; however, each jurisdiction establishes different requirements to satisfy in order to qualify for permanent residency. The details for Cyprus investment immigration are outlined below:

Cyprus is a very popular location for foreign investors to seek a permanent residency permit in due to its stable economic environment and EU member status. It incorporates a prominent political and legal infrastructure and adopts a highly bespoke taxation system. Cyprus is strategically situated to facilitate strong business and trading relations between EU member states. The cost of living in Cyprus is relatively lower than other European Union member states, such as the UK. In addition, the country offers high standards of living and a good education system for all residents, real estate is excellent value for money and taxation at its lowest level.

Citizenship by Investing – Fast Track Option To a Second Passport

The government of Cyprus has implemented a new immigrant investment program for entrepreneurs and investors who would like to invest in Cyprus and in return obtain Cypriot citizenship. The Investment Citizenship Program is based on a fast-track procedure with reduced time and bureaucracy.
Criteria for exceptional naturalization to foreigners:

• Investments and Donation to Governmental Funds. Investments in shares of a Cyprus Investment Company of at least €2 million and donation to the Research and Technology Fund of Cyprus of at least €0.5 million.
• Direct Investments. Direct investments of €5 million (purchase of real estate or financial instruments; acquisition of a business based in Cyprus; participation in a company / consortium in charge of the execution of a public project).
• Bank Deposits. 3 year fixed term deposit in a Cypriot bank or deposits of privately owned company or a trust (of which the applicant is the beneficiary) amounting to a €5 million.
• Combination of the above assets amounting to €5 million.
• Business activities. The applicant must be a shareholder or beneficial owner of a Cyprus company/ies that has been registered and operating in Cyprus. Prior to submitting the application the company must have paid over the last 3 years funds (corporate tax, V.A.T. or other fees and charges etc) and remuneration for the purchase of business services (legal, accounting, auditing) an amount of at least €500.000 per annum. If the company employs at least 5 Cypriot citizens, then the amount is reduced to €350.000 per annum. In the event the applicant employs 10 Cypriot citizens, the amount should be €200.000 annually for the last 3 years preceding the date of application.
• Compensation scheme for lost investments. If the applicant has devalved deposits in Bank of Cyprus or Popular (Laiki) Bank in the total value of at least €3 million as a result of the measures imposed on the two banks following Eurogroup’s Financial Program for Cyprus.

Citizenship by Naturalization

You may qualify for naturalization if:

• You have been a permanent resident in Cyprus for 7 consecutive years.
• You have been a permanent resident in Cyprus for 5 consecutive years and you are child/parent of Cypriot citizen.

Citizenship by Marriage

The foreign spouse of Cypriot citizen, who has resided legally in Cyprus, can claim Cypriot citizenship after completing 3 years of marriage.

Cyprus residence visa

Foreign citizens may make an application to obtain an Immigration Permit on the basis of one of the Categories referred to in Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations of 1972. An immigration permit will not be granted to anybody unless the Immigration Control Board recommends to the Minister of Interior that such person belongs to one of the following Categories:
Category A:
Persons who intend to work as self-employed in agriculture, cattle breeding, bird breeding or fish culture in the Republic of Cyprus, provided that they have in their possession adequate land or a permit to acquire same, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of CY£250,000 and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic of Cyprus.
Category B:
Persons who intend to work as self-employed in mining enterprises in the Republic of Cyprus, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of CY£200,000 and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic of Cyprus.
Category C:
Persons who intend to work as self-employed in a trade or profession in the Republic of Cyprus, provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal capital of CY£150,000 and such an employment should not affect negatively the general economy of the Republic of Cyprus.
Category D:
Persons who intend to work as self-employed in a profession or science in the Republic of Cyprus, provided that they have academic or professional qualifications, for which there is demand in Cyprus. Possession of adequate funds is also necessary.
Category E:
Persons who have been offered permanent employment in the Republic, which will not create undue local competition.
Category F:
Persons who possess and have fully and freely at their disposal a secured annual income, high enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus, without having to engage in any business, trade or profession. The annual income required should be at least CY£5,600 for a single applicant and moreover at least CY£2,700 for every dependent person, but the Immigration Control Board may demand additional amounts as necessary. Most applicants come under this Category, the majority of them being pensioners or retired persons.
For the granting of an immigration permit application is submitted on form M.67 to the Civil Registry and Migration Department directly or through the District Aliens and Immigration Branches of the Police. The application should be accompanied by the appropriate documents, depending on the Category for which it is submitted.
Applications for Category F which are the most usual should be accompanied by the original documents regarding the income of the applicants. Applicants who are abroad may submit an application directly to Cyprus, as stated above or through the local Consular Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus. The applications are examined by the Immigration Control Board which submits a relevant suggestion to the Minister of the Interior for a decision to be taken.
The fees for the granting of immigration permit amount to CY£70 and are paid against a receipt following the approval of the application and before the issue of the immigration permit.

More detailed information about Cyprus citizenship by investment is available through The Immigration Office assessment. All our Investment assessments are free, individually made according to your needs and 100% confidential.

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