Immigration Law

At LegalEdge, we offer comprehensive legal support for individuals seeking to obtain Cyprus citizenship. Our experienced team ensures a smooth, professional, and efficient process tailored to your specific circumstances.

There are four legal pathways through which Cyprus citizenship may be acquired:

1. Citizenship by Cyprus Origin

Individuals of Cypriot origin, including both adults and minors, may apply for Cypriot citizenship based on ancestry. These applications are evaluated based on proven family ties to Cyprus, such as having a Cypriot parent or grandparent, and are subject to the relevant legal provisions and documentation requirements.

2. Citizenship through Marriage to a Cypriot Citizen

Foreign spouses of Cypriot nationals may apply for citizenship under the following conditions:

• After three years of marriage and two years of residence in the Republic of Cyprus prior to the date of application.
• Spouses of Cypriots residing abroad may apply after at least three years of marriage, accompanied by a joint letter explaining the reasons for requesting citizenship.
• If the couple has been married for five years or more and has at least one child, this explanatory letter is not required.

3. Citizenship by Naturalisation

Foreign nationals may apply for citizenship through naturalisation if they have:

• Completed seven years of legal residence in Cyprus prior to the application date.
• In the case of parents or children of Cypriot citizens, the required period is reduced to five years.

In all cases, the applicant must have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus for at least 12 months immediately before applying.

4. Naturalisation Based on Long-Term Residence or Employment

Applicants who:

• Have legally resided in Cyprus for five years as holders of permanent residence or as employees of companies of foreign interest may apply.
• The requirement may be reduced to four years if the applicant holds an officially recognised certificate of very good knowledge of the Greek language.

Our team will guide you through every step of the application process—from gathering the required documents and submitting the application, to following up with the authorities until a decision is issued.

Cyprus offers a fast-track Permanent Residency Permit (PRP) to non-EU nationals through investment, regulated under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. This program allows individuals and their families to reside in Cyprus permanently, with minimal physical presence requirements.

To qualify under the current legal framework:

• Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of €300,000 (plus VAT) in:
  • New residential or commercial property from a developer,
  • Share capital in a Cyprus company employing at least 5 people,
  • Units in Cyprus-based collective investment schemes (AIFs, RAIFs).
• Income Threshold: The applicant must show a secured annual income of at least €50,000 from abroad, plus:
  • €15,000 for a spouse and
  • €10,000 per dependent child.
• Additional Conditions:
  • Clean criminal record from country of origin and current residence.
  • Confirmation of non-employment in Cyprus (directorships and dividend income permitted).
  • One visit to Cyprus every two years is required to maintain the permit.
  • The permit covers spouse and minor children, with potential for adult children to apply separately.

The processing time for the fast-track procedure is typically 2 months.

A separate route is available under Category F for financially independent individuals with a stable foreign income, though processing times are longer (up to 12 months).

Our team offers full legal support for the preparation, submission, and monitoring of your Permanent Residency application, ensuring compliance with the latest regulations and efficient coordination with the Cyprus Migration Department.

Cyprus offers an attractive and efficient route for non-EU businesses wishing to establish or relocate their operations within the EU through the “Companies of Foreign Interest” framework.

This scheme allows eligible companies to:

• Employ highly skilled third-country nationals under a fast-track work and residence permit process
• Benefit from simplified immigration procedures for employees and their family members
• Gain access to favourable tax incentives, including a 50% income tax exemption for qualified foreign employees
• Establish headquarters or regional offices with full operational support
• Enhance their EU presence in a stable, business-friendly, and legally sound jurisdiction

To qualify, companies must meet specific ownership and economic substance requirements, including maintaining physical presence and employing a certain percentage of Cypriot or EU staff over time.

We assist foreign businesses with company registration, immigration compliance, employment contracts, and tax structuring to ensure full alignment with the legal and regulatory obligations in Cyprus.

At LegalEdge, we assist non-EU nationals who wish to legally reside in Cyprus for more than three months under a Temporary Residence Permit, commonly referred to as a Visitor Visa.

This type of permit is ideal for individuals who wish to stay in Cyprus without engaging in any employment. Applicants must submit their request at the Civil Registry and Migration Department before their existing visa expires.

Key Requirements:

• Sufficient income from the country of origin in order to cover living expenses while residing in Cyprus;
• Must rent or buy a house that will be used for residence purposes;
• Bank guarantee
• Additional supporting documents

Important Conditions:

• No employment rights are granted under this visa
• Must not be absent from Cyprus for more than three consecutive months, or the permit may be cancelled
• Valid for 12 months and renewable annually
• Initial approval is granted as a temporary permit; the official card is issued approximately 3 months later

We provide full legal support throughout the application process, including documentation review, liaison with authorities, and renewal applications.

The application for an Entry Permit and Employment Permit must be submitted by the employer to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Application Requirements

• The application must include a contract of employment certified by the Department of Labour at the Ministry of Employment and Social Insurance.
• The Department of Labour ensures that there are no suitable Cypriot or EU citizens available or qualified for the specific job before recommending employment of third-country nationals.

Registration of Third-Country Nationals

• Third-country nationals are required to register at the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 7 days of arrival in Cyprus.
• During registration, biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) are collected for identification purposes.

Duration of Stay and Exceptions

• The maximum period of stay for third-country nationals employed in Cyprus is 4 years.
• An exception applies to workers in the livestock farming and agriculture sectors, where the maximum stay is extended to 6 years.