Loading…
Cyprus combines national schemes with EU routes: the Companies of Foreign Interests scheme and EU Blue Card for skilled work, the General Employment Permit, student and researcher permits, family reunification, a Digital Nomad Visa, and permanent residence via investment, Category F or EU long-term residence.
Cyprus offers a mix of prominent national schemes and EU-based routes. For skilled work, the standout is the Companies of Foreign Interests scheme, which lets qualifying foreign-owned companies hire Directors and Key Personnel quickly and without a labour-market test. Cyprus also launched its own EU Blue Card in 2025 for designated high-skill sectors (ICT, pharmacy for research and maritime), while the General Employment (Single) Permit covers other employees. Students, researchers and remote workers each have their own permits, and family reunification is available — with more favourable terms for staff of foreign-interest companies.
On the settlement side, there are two direct permanent-residence options — the fast-track Permanent Residence by Investment (Regulation 6(2), from EUR 300,000) and Category F for people of independent means — plus EU long-term residence after five years of legal residence. One important point: Cyprus terminated its citizenship-by-investment programme in 2020, so the investment routes lead to residence, not a passport. Cyprus is also an EU member that has not yet joined the Schengen Area.
Thresholds, fees and conditions change across all of these, so confirm the current details on gov.cy or mip.gov.cy. ACME can help you compare the routes and identify which one fits your goals.
Get a free, personalised assessment from a licensed ACME advisor, or ask Acey.
Guidance only, not legal advice. ACME is an independent consultancy, not affiliated with any government. Rules change, confirm details with official sources.