There is no single best Cyprus residency route. There is only the one that fits your nationality, your money and how much time you intend to spend here. Below is every route set out plainly, so you can see which one you are actually a candidate for.
These routes are for non-EU nationals, which since Brexit includes British citizens. If you hold an EU passport you do not need any of them. You register your right to reside instead, which is covered in the relocation guide.
Permanent residency through property
The route most people mean when they say the Cyprus Golden Visa. A qualifying property investment from €300,000, processed in 2 to 6 months, giving a permit that is permanent rather than renewed each year. Your spouse and dependants are included, and there is no requirement to live in Cyprus full time, though you must visit at least once every two years.
This is the route covered in detail on the permanent residency page and the golden visa page, including what property actually qualifies.
Permanent residency with non-dom tax status
The same permanent residency, combined deliberately with Cyprus non-dom status. Non-dom gives 0% on dividends and 0% on interest for 17 years. It matters most if your income comes from dividends, investments or a company you own rather than a salary.
Residency and tax residency are two separate things and people conflate them constantly. The tax residency page sets out the day counts, including the 60 day rule.
Digital Nomad Visa
For non-EU nationals employed by, or running, a company based outside Cyprus. No property purchase required, which makes it the lowest commitment route on this page. It requires proof of income from abroad, currently €3,500 per month, and it is a temporary permit renewed annually rather than a permanent one.
Full detail on the Digital Nomad Visa page.
Residency through a Cyprus company
Setting up a Cyprus company and basing yourself here through it. Corporate tax is 15%, and the structure can be combined with non-dom status. This route suits people who are genuinely running a business rather than looking for the fastest permit, because the company has real substance requirements.
See the company formation page for how the company side works.
The routes side by side
| PR through property | PR plus non-dom | Digital Nomad | Cyprus company | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permit type | Permanent | Permanent | Temporary, 1 year | Permanent |
| Property required | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| From | €300,000 | €300,000 | No purchase | €300,000 |
| Processing | 2 to 6 months | 2 to 6 months | Faster, no purchase | 2 to 6 months |
| Renewal | None | None | Annual | None |
| Family included | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Non-dom available | Optional | Included | Optional | Optional |
| Best for | Investors and families | Dividend and investment income | Remote employees | Business owners |
Figures above are the ones published across this site. Your own timeline and costs depend on your circumstances and are confirmed on your call, not estimated from a table.
Common questions
Which route is the fastest?
The Digital Nomad Visa, because it involves no property purchase. Permanent residency takes longer but gives you a permit you never renew.
Do I have to buy property?
Only for the permanent residency routes. The Digital Nomad Visa and temporary residency do not require it.
Can EU citizens use these?
They do not need to. EU citizens register their right to reside under freedom of movement instead.
Does residency make me tax resident?
No. They are separate questions with separate rules, and both need handling deliberately.
There is also the income based route. See Category F explained.
Free toolDoes your property actually qualify?Four questions, thirty seconds. Resale, new build, residential or commercial, the rules differ and most people find out too late.Find Your Route in 60 Seconds
Four quick questions and you will know which of these routes you actually qualify for.
- See which route fits your nationality and income
- Know what each route really requires of you
- Get a personal reply from Kleanthis, not a call centre
Takes under a minute. Private and confidential.
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