Residency in Cyprus

Residency in Cyprus The UK has now left the EU, but if you're looking to move to Cyprus there are new routes to residency available for British nationals.

You will only be able to spend a maximum of 90 days in each 180 in Cyprus every year unless you have a visa or Cypriot residency, but relocating to Cyprus is still very much possible.

Read on to find out more about your options.

Temporary Residence Permit

If you wish to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, you need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit - the “pink slip” – for non-EU passport holders. It is valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis. Under this permit a person is allowed to live in Cyprus as a visitor, without the right to work. Spouses and children below the age of 18 can also apply. But beware that you cannot stay out of the country for more than three months continuously as the permit will be cancelled.

Permanent Residence Program

British citizens can also apply for the Permanent Residence Program, offering residency with a property purchase of at least €300,000. The residency visa includes parents of both the main applicant and spouse plus dependent children up to the age of 25. It offers ease of travel throughout the European Union and requires just one visit to Cyprus by all family members once every two years.

Category F Visa

This is a version of a ‘non-lucrative’ visa. It is for financially independent people (with a secure and regular annual income from outside Cyprus) that will not open a business, or trade in Cyprus, and if you own a property this is an advantage.

It's a visa option for people who will not work in Cyprus; if you are to be employed by a Cypriot company then you may get a work permit through your employer. The income required for this visa could come from employment in a company outside Cyprus, pension, rental income (not in Cyprus), stocks, freelance work etc.

Cypriot Residency

If you live in Cyprus for more than 183 days a year, you have a legal obligation to apply for Cypriot residency and submit a tax return on worldwide assets and income the year after you become a resident. Holding a Cypriot residency card will permit British nationals to travel freely across Cyprus and access their healthcare system.

FAQs: Residency in Cyprus

What does “property for sale in Cyprus” include—what types are available?

When you search for property for sale in Cyprus, you’ll find a wide variety of options — apartments, villas, townhouses, plots of land, new builds, resale homes, coastal properties and inland countryside homes. Popular regions include Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and Famagusta, each offering different styles, pricing, and amenities. Which type suits you will depend on budget, lifestyle and whether you want sea views, investment potential, or a quieter rural setting.

How much does property for sale in Cyprus cost?

Prices for property for sale in Cyprus vary widely depending on location, size, condition, and amenities. Typically, a modest apartment inland may cost considerably less than a luxury villa on the coast. As a rough guide: apartments in less touristy or rural areas might start from low hundreds of thousands of euros, while villas or high-end coastal homes can run into several million. Also factor in additional costs—legal fees, taxes, maintenance, and possibly renovation.

What are the steps to buy property for sale in Cyprus as a non-resident?

If you’re not resident in Cyprus, the process typically involves: Finding a property and making an offer. Hiring a local lawyer to carry out due diligence. Applying for a tax number and permissions (if needed). Signing a reservation agreement and paying a deposit. Completing contracts via a notary or legal representative. Registering the transfer with Land Registry. Paying associated taxes, stamp duty, and legal fees. Make sure you understand any residency or visa implications when purchasing, especially if you plan to live there or stay long term.

Does purchasing property in Cyprus help with obtaining residency?

Yes, in many cases buying property in Cyprus can help with obtaining residency. There are programs (e.g. Permanent Residence Program) that require a minimum property purchase (€300,000 or more for a new-build, plus VAT plus proof of financial resources). Buying a property of sufficient value can form part of the eligibility criteria for residency permits. Always check current legal requirements, as these may change.

What are the ongoing costs of owning property for sale in Cyprus?

Beyond the purchase price, owning property in Cyprus comes with ongoing costs: Property taxes / rates. Maintenance and repairs. Utilities (water, electricity, internet, etc.). Insurance. Management fees (if the property is part of a complex). Ground rent (for certain properties) Be sure to budget for these when considering “property for sale in Cyprus” — the cost of ownership matters over time, especially for renters or overseas owners.

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