For the First Time in a Decade, Cyprus Disclosed Data on Permanent Residency Applications for Home Buyers

Since 2016, the Ministry of the Interior of Cyprus has suspended the publication of annual data on applications for permanent resident status in Cyprus from third countries abroad.

Source: Cyprus Times

After a decade, the Cyprus Ministry of Internal Politics on Friday published data from 2014, after Giorgos Koukoumas, a member of the Cyprus Progressive Party, submitted a parliamentary question to the Minister of Internal Politics, Konstantinos Loannou... "The earlier investment naturalization scheme (known as the Golden Passport Project) and the ongoing "fast track to grant permanent residence permits to applicants of third country citizens investing in Cyprus" (known as "golden visas"), As well as other similar access / projects, they are factors that affect the cost of buying and / or renting real estate and / housing and / and condominiums in Cyprus, as a significant portion of real estate is specifically targeted at wealthy third country citizens“。To fully assess its impact, data mapping is needed. He called on the Home Office to provide information on permanent residence permit applications submitted, approved, pending and rejected through the home purchase investment scheme over the past decade, as well as on which nationalities they came from.

Subsequently, the Internal Affairs Department provided detailed data: "Since 2014, 10,100 permits have been issued to Chinese citizens, making it the top performer.8,478 were distributed to Russian citizens and 1,822 to Lebanese citizens. 983 were distributed to Ukrainian citizens, 907 to Jordanian citizens, 699 to Iranians, 586 to Egyptians, 412 to Vietnamese citizens, 346 to Syrian citizens, 277 to US citizens and 251 to British citizens. The remaining 3,267 people " It means a licence issued to a national of another third country. " The above figures include the principal applicant and his family members.

Source: Nearly 30,000 golden visas granted since 2014

The Minister of Internal Affairs also said that the number of applications for F immigration permits submitted between 2014 and 2025 was 7,372, of which 3,642 were approved and 514 were rejected. It is worth noting that a large number of applications - specifically 3,126 applications - are yet to be reviewed, as the review of category F immigration permits was suspended from February 2021 to September 2024 under the direction of the former Home Affairs Minister, but did not stop the receipt of applications for this type of access. "The reason for the decision to suspend the review of category F applications that have already been submitted is to await the approval of the new standards in order to avoid distortions caused by the use of existing standards, which are deemed inconsistent with current reality."

According to the data presented, more and more people are looking to Cyprus for a better quality of life, education and investment opportunities. Cyprus, with its unique policy of obtaining permanent residence permits for investment in home purchase, attracts the attention of many investors, especially a large number of Chinese families.

investment threshold Low, you can buy a house.Moving to Europe

The core of Cyprus' permanent residency policy is to exchange a property investment for a permanent residency. Applicants are required to invest at least 300 thousand euros in real estate in Cyprus, whether residential, apartment or commercial. Compared with the investment requirements of several million dollars in other popular immigration countries, or the strict review of assets and management experience, the 300,000 euros investment threshold in Cyprus is much more accessible. This has given more families who are interested in emigrating, but whose assets are not at the top, the chance to achieve the European dream. Moreover, the policy allows applicants to apply for dependent residence permits for spouses and children (usually under 18 years of age, and children under 25 years of ages who are unmarried and studying) - a truly "one-person application, whole family immigration." With the closure of other immigration channels for investment and housing in Europe, Cyprus is one of the few countries in Europe where you can buy a home for permanent residency status.

Follow-up maintenance is easy and low cost maintains permanent residence

With permanent resident status in Cyprus, the follow-up maintenance requirements are also very lax. The applicant needs to ensure that the property ownership lasts without the need for additional investment. Furthermore, the permanent resident status in Cyprus does not require the applicant and his or her family members to reside for a period of time. Landing in Cyprus every two years can basically do no hindrances to the work and life of applicants in the country, which truly realizes that immigrants do not emigrate, allowing investors to enjoy the benefits of European living while also balancing their career and social circles at home.

Quality education and medical resources are within reach

For many parents, the education of their children is an important factor in immigration considerations. The educational system in Cyprus incorporates the essence of European education, with a large number of international schools, most of which are taught in English. Take the local well-known international school as an example, the curriculum is rich and diverse, covering highly internationally recognized A-Level, IB and other courses. Students receive education here, not only to lay a solid academic foundation, but also to cultivate international vision and cross-cultural exchanges. Having Cyprus permanent resident status gives children a number of advantages in their education, such as preferential admission, more favourable tuition compared to international students, and greater geographical and identity advantages when applying to universities in other European countries, increasing their chances of getting into world-class universities.

Enjoy a high quality of life.

Cyprus has a pleasant climate with abundant sunshine throughout the year, with a long coastline and stunning beaches. It is also the country with the largest number of blue-flag beaches in the European Union, with stunning natural scenery. The local social and cultural atmosphere is inclusive and harmonious, the residents are warm and welcoming, and the pace of life is laid back. Here, you can enjoy the convenience of a modern city, but also experience the coziness of a peaceful countryside. The medical system is perfect, medical facilities are advanced, and residents can enjoy quality medical services. Both the basic coverage of public health care and the high-end services of private health care meet the needs of a wide variety of people, and Cyprus permanent residency offers almost non-cost medical benefits.

With its low threshold investment, efficient application process, easy follow-up maintenance and significant policy advantages, the Cyprus permanent home buying policy provides investors with an excellent pathway to a quality of life, education and investment environment in Europe. For families and individuals eager to expand their borders, plan for their children's education, and seek investment opportunities abroad, Cyprus is an ideal place to explore and choose from.