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The Cypriot government suspended this citizenship by investment program in November 2020.
The Cypriot passport is ranked among the top 16 in the 2024 Passport Index.
Travel visa-free or obtain a visa on arrival (VOA) or electronic travel authorization (ETA).
Expand your mobility options with visa-free access to the European Union, Switzerland, and the UK.
Live and work freely across Europe, with the added benefit of visa-free travel throughout EU member states, the Schengen Area, Singapore, Canada, and Switzerland.
Cyprus imposes no restrictions on dual citizenship and welcomes all nationalities, making it an ideal destination for non-EU foreign investors.
As a Cypriot citizen, you can obtain permanent residency without needing a residence permit.
Cyprus offers a favorable tax regime for high-net-worth individuals looking to protect their wealth through various financial assets.
With its pristine beaches, breathtaking natural landscapes, and Mediterranean climate, Cyprus is the perfect choice for your new home.
Additionally, Cyprus is among the safest countries in Europe and boasts an excellent healthcare system.
As the primary applicant, you can include your spouse, dependent children under 18, and adult children aged 18-28 who rely on you financially in your citizenship application.
Invest a minimum of €2,000,000 in acquiring, establishing, or participating in Cypriot companies or businesses.
Invest between €2,000,000 and €2,500,000 in the acquisition or construction of real estate, land development, or infrastructure projects.
Invest a minimum of €2,000,000 in alternative investment funds or financial assets of Cypriot companies or organizations.
Combine investments in government bonds with other investment opportunities.
The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program provides various advantages, but it also comes with notable drawbacks. Here are the key pros and cons to consider:
The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program provides various advantages, but it also has notable drawbacks. Here are the key benefits and challenges to consider:
| Benefits | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Quickest Path to EU Citizenship: Cyprus provides the fastest route to EU citizenship, with a processing time of 6-8 months | Significant Investment Requirements: The program demands a substantial investment of at least €2,200,000, which can be a considerable financial commitment |
| Visa-free Travel: A Cypriot passport provides visa-free access to over 170 countries, including Canada, Australia, and Singapore | Risk of Real Estate Depreciation: The CBI program depends significantly on real estate investments, which can be susceptible to market fluctuations and potential depreciation, particularly if the EU were to terminate the program |
| Access to All EU Countries: As a Cypriot citizen, you can reside, work, and study in any of the 28 European Economic Area nations | Reliance on Foreign Capital: Cyprus's economy depends significantly on foreign capital, which could lead to economic instability if the CBI program were discontinued |
| Excellent Quality of Life: Cyprus provides a high standard of living, featuring advanced infrastructure, international schools, luxury shopping, and strong healthcare and education systems | Restricted Property Market: If the EU were to discontinue the CBI program, the market for selling properties could become constrained, potentially diminishing their value |
| Appealing Tax System: Cyprus offers a beneficial tax environment with no tax on dividends, royalties, or interest earned outside the country, and a corporate tax rate of 12.5% | Alternative Options Available: Permanent residency in Cyprus can be acquired with a lower investment, which might be a more appealing choice for some individuals |
The Cypriot Citizenship by Investment Program and the Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs differ in several key ways. Here are some important factors to consider:
| Caribbean CBI | Cyprus CBI | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | The minimum investment for Caribbean Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs varies by country and citizenship route, typically beginning at USD 200,000. | The minimum investment for the Cypriot Citizenship by Investment Program is EUR 2 million, which comprises EUR 750,000 for property acquisition and EUR 1.25 million for investments in a business or other approved ventures. |
| Benefits | Caribbean citizenship offers visa-free travel to a varying number of countries based on the specific program, but typically provides fewer destinations compared to Cyprus. | Cypriot citizenship provides visa-free access to more than 180 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United States, and the United Kingdom. |
| Processing | Streamlined processes taking 3-6 months, with Dominica known for being the fastest. | The Cypriot Citizenship by Investment Program usually takes approximately 6-12 months to process. |
| Business opportunities | The Caribbean Islands provide business opportunities in areas such as tourism, real estate, and entrepreneurship, though economic stability and the job market can differ from one country to another. | Cyprus is an EU member with a robust business environment, offering opportunities across diverse sectors including finance, tourism, and technology. |
This citizenship by investment program was suspended in 2020.
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