The Cyprus Investment Programme, which offers a pathway to Cypriot nationality, is highly attractive amongst affluent investors for a number of reasons. Many choose to invest in the Cyprus programme because the process is straight-forward and simple, and there is no donation requirement to the local government. Furthermore, applicants are not required to live in Cyprus, which makes it ideal for individuals who want to make a sound investment while still residing elsewhere. Dual citizenship is also recognised and allowed by Cyprus. Cyprus citizenship programme Cyprus citizenship programme

The Cyprus investment programme also comes with a 6 months processing time, and grants the investor visa free travel to 171 countries including the Schengen, UK and Canada. Cyprus citizenship programme

The main applicant may include dependants within their application provided that the dependants fit the criteria imposed by law. The eligible dependants include the spouse of the main applicant, children up to the age of 18 and also those between the ages of 18 to 27 who are reading for their first university degree and are financially dependent on the main applicant. Parents of the main applicant may also be included provided that an additional €500,000 minimum investment is made in residential property.

The main applicant must also fulfil another two additional criteria, namely that they have a clean criminal record from their country of origin and/ or residence and that his/her name is not included in the list of persons whose property is ordered to be frozen by the EU.  Cyprus Citizenship Programme

The Cyprus Investment Programme offers two main investment options.

The first option being an investment in residential real estate of €2 million (plus VAT of 0%, 5% or 19%) which must be held for a minimum of 3 years, after which the investment may be reduced to €500,000 in residential real estate, which must be held indefinitely. Cyprus citizenship programme

The second option is a combination of real estate and/or other investments with a minimum investment of 2 million, such as a 3-year investment of €2 million in an eligible real estate, which includes residential, commercial, infrastructure and land, provided that there is a development plan in place. This can also be done through the creation, acquisition or participation in a Cyprus company or business where the applicant is a shareholder, with activities in Cyprus and employing 5 Cypriot or EU nationals who have been resident in Cyprus for a duration of 5 years, prior to the filling of the citizenship application. Cyprus Citizenship Programme

Alternatively, an applicant may also invest in an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) or financial assets of a Cypriot entity licensed by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySec) with activities in Cyprus. Investment in interest bearing Cyprus Government bonds (0.75% per annum) is also an option, provided that the investment does not exceed €500,000.

An applicant may also mix and match any one of the above-mentioned options as long as, the applicant purchases residential property of a minimum value of €500,000 which must be held indefinitely, in addition to the €2 million investment.

The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program was repealed on 1 November 2020.

Contact us to find the best alternative citizenship programme for you and your family.