Residence & Citizenship

Cyprus

Cyprus has rapidly become one of Europe’s top hotspots for expatriates. If you are considering relocating, and are a bit of a sun-chaser, Cyprus should be top of your list.

The Permanent Residence Permit simplifies travel around Europe and provides a several tax incentives to Cypriot residents.

Cyprus

Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit

Programmes – Benefits & Criteria

Cyprus

Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit

  • Benefits
  • Financial / Other Obligations
  • Additional Criteria

Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit

A Permanent Residence Permit is very useful as a means to ease travel to EU countries and as a gateway through which to organise business activities in Europe.

Benefits of the programme include:

  • The procedure generally takes two months from the date of the application.
  • The applicant’s passport is stamped and a certificate provided that indicates that Cyprus is a permanent place of residence for that individual.
  • Simplified process for acquisition of a Schengen Visa for holders of a permanent residence permit.
  • Ability to organise business activities in the EU, from Cyprus.
  • If the applicant becomes tax resident in Cyprus (i.e. they satisfy either the “183 day rule” or the “60 day rule” in any one calendar year) he/she will be taxed on Cyprus income and income from foreign sources. However, foreign tax paid can be credited against the personal income tax liability in Cyprus.
  • There are NO wealth and/or NO inheritance taxes in Cyprus.
  • There is no language test.

Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit

The applicant, and his/her spouse, must prove that they have at their disposal a secure annual income of at least €50,000 (an increase of €15,000 for the spouse and €10,000 for every minor child). This income can come from; wages for work, pensions, stock dividends, interest on deposits, or rent. Income verification must be the individual’s relevant tax return declaration, from the country in which he/she declares tax residence. In the situation where the applicant wishes to invest as per investment option A (detailed below), the income of the spouse of the applicant may also be taken into consideration.

In calculating the applicant’s total income where he or she chooses to invest as per the options B, C or D below, his/her total income or part of it may also arise from sources originating from activities within the Republic of Cyprus, provided that it is taxable in the Republic of Cyprus. In such cases, the income of the spouse of the applicant may also be taken into consideration.

In order to qualify, an individual must make an investment of at least €300,000, in one of the following investment categories:

A. Purchase residential real estate (house/apartment) from a Development company in Cyprus with a total value of €300,000 (excluding VAT). The purchase must concern a first sale.
B. Investment in real estate (excluding houses/apartments): Purchase other types of real estate, such as offices, shops, hotels, or related estate developments of a combination of these, with a total value of €300,000 (excluding VAT). Re-sale properties are acceptable.
C. Investment of at least €300,000 in the share capital of a Cyprus company, which is based, and operates in Cyprus, has substance in Cyprus, and employs at least 5 people in Cyprus.
D. Investment of at least €300,000 in units of a Cyprus Investment Organisation of Collective Investments (type AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF).

Cyprus Permanent Residence Permit

The applicant and his spouse must submit evidence that they have a clean criminal record from their country of residence and country of origin (if this is different).

The applicant and their spouse will certify that they do not intend to be employed in the Republic of Cyprus, with the exception of their employment as Directors in a Company in which they have chosen to invest within the framework of this residence permit.

In cases where the investment does not concern a Company’s share capital, the applicant and/or their spouse may be shareholders in Companies registered in Cyprus and the income from dividends in such companies shall not be considered as an obstacle for the purposes of obtaining the Immigration Permit. They may also hold the position of Director in such companies without pay.

The applicant and the family members included in the Permanent Residence Permit must visit Cyprus within one year of the permit being granted and from then on at least once every two years (one day is regarded as a visit).

Capital gains tax is imposed at the rate of 20% on gains from the disposal of immovable property situated in Cyprus, including gains from the disposal of shares in companies which own immovable property, excluding shares listed on a recognised Stock Exchange. Capital gains tax is imposed even if the owner of the property is not a Cyprus tax resident.

 

Download Full List of Programmes – Benefits & Criteria (PDF)


Living in Cyprus

Cyprus is an appealing European country located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, so individuals living in Cyprus enjoy over 320 days of sunshine per year. It offers the warmest climate in Europe, a good infrastructure and a convenient geographic location; it is easily accessible from anywhere in Europe, Asia and Africa. The official language is Greek, with English also being widely spoken. The population of Cyprus is approximately 1.2 million, with 180,000 foreign nationals living in Cyprus.

However, individuals are not just drawn to its sunny shores by the weather. Cyprus offers an excellent private healthcare sector, a high quality of education, a peaceful and friendly community and a low cost of living. It is also an extremely attractive destination due to its advantageous non-domicile tax regime, whereby Cypriot non-domiciliaries benefit from a zero rate of tax on interest and dividends. These zero tax benefits are enjoyed even if the income has a Cyprus source or is remitted to Cyprus. There are several other tax advantages, including a low rate of tax on foreign pensions, and there are no wealth or inheritance taxes in Cyprus.

Related Articles

  • Using Cyprus as a Centre for Managing Family Wealth

  • UK Non-Domiciled Individuals Seeking to Relocate to Cyprus

  • Tax Efficiencies Available in Cyprus: Individuals and Corporates

Sign up

To sign up to receive the latest Dixcart News, kindly visit our registration page.