EU Citizenship
A Cyprus passport is the gateway to Europe. Choose your own lifestyle.
The Cyprus citizenship program is the most popular and easy way of obtaining European Union citizenship in a shortest time frame. The Cyprus programme is unique and has no counterparts in the European Union.
One of the main objectives of the economic policy of the Republic of Cyprus is to further encourage Foreign Direct Investment and to attract high net worth individuals to settle and do business in Cyprus. Key factors that make Cyprus an attractive destination for investment, is the highly specialized human capital, the reliable legislative and regulatory framework, the stable tax system and the safety and stability conditions prevailing in the country.
Benefits about EU/Cypriot Passport
FAST AND EASY PROCESS
Citizenship is obtained within six months with no language test.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP
Is permitted and the acquisition of citizenship in Cyprus is not reported to other countries.
LOW TAXATION
Double-taxation treaties with more than 40 countries. No inheritance tax and the lowest rate of corporate income tax in Europe.
INVESTMENT CRITERIA
Purchase of a residential property for at least €2 million or acquisition of investment property for at least €2 million and residential property for at least €500,000.
VISA-FREE
Travel to 158 countries around the world with all the rights of residing, working and doing business in the EU.
PASSPORTS FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS
Citizenship is granted to the applicant, the spouse and all financially dependent children up to the age of 28.
ZERO DAYS
No requirement to stay in Cyprus.
EXIT STRATEGY
Right for sale of the investment objects in 3 years, however the possession of at least €500,000 worth of residential property is required.
Cyprus Citizenship Program Compared to Programs of Other Countries
Cyprus | Malta | Latvia | UK | Spain | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Result | EU Passport | EU Passport | EU Residence for 5 years; passport after 6 years plus exams in the Latvian language and history | EU Residence for 5 years (3 years then 2 years); passport after 6 years plus exam in English | EU Residency for 5 years |
Time to obtaine passport | 3-6 months | 12-14 months | 6 years | 6 years | 10 years |
Currency | EUR | EUR | EUR | GBD | EUR |
Amount of Investment | 2,000,000 | 500,000 (or 150,000 plus rent of a property for minimum 16,000 for 5 years) | 250,000 | 2,000,000 | 500,000 |
Donation | – | 650,000(plus 50,000 for every adult family member and 25,000 for under 18) | – | – | – |
Duration for investment to be kept | 3 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years |
Assets | Bonds or securities of Cyprus companies or Real estate or Business or Deposit | Bonds or Real Estate | Real Estate | Bonds of securities of UK companies (75%) and Real Estate or Deposit (25%) | Bonds or Real estate or Business |
Physical residence | No | 6-12 months | No | Not to be absent for more than 450 days within first 5 years and not more than 90 days within the 6th year | Yes |
Dual citizenship | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Visa free travel, residence and work in EU | Unlimited | Unlimited | Free travel in Shengen countries and residence in Latvia, no working permission | Residence in the UK, no working permission | Free travel in Schengen countries and residence in Spain, no working permission |
Government Fees
Applicant | Submission Fee | Certificate Issuance Fee | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Investor | €2,000 | €5,000 | €7,000 |
Spouse | €2,000 | €5,000 | €7,000 |
Financially dependent child | €2,000 | €5,000 | €7,000 |
Minor child | €80 | – | €80 |