10 Years of the Cyprus Golden Visa: Nearly 30,000 Residency Permits Granted
Launched in 2014, Cyprus’s Golden Visa programme has approved 28,660 residency permits over the past decade, making it one of Europe’s...
10 Years of the Cyprus Golden Visa: Nearly 30,000 Residency Permits Granted
A Decade of Steady Demand
Since its launch in 2014, the Cyprus Golden Visa has quietly become one of the Mediterranean’s most resilient investment migration programmes. According to newly released government figures, by 2025 a total of 28,660 Golden Visas had been granted — a testament to Cyprus’s enduring appeal for global high-net-worth individuals.
I. Investor Demographics: Asia and Eastern Europe Dominate
The programme’s approval statistics reveal a clear geographical trend:
China tops the list with 10,100 permits.
Russia follows with 8,478 permits.
Together, these two countries account for roughly two-thirds of all approvals, underscoring the strong demand for global mobility and asset diversification among investors from Asia and Eastern Europe.
Other notable source countries include:
Lebanon (1,822)
Ukraine (983)
Jordan (907)
Iran (699)
Egypt (586)
Syria (346)
The data reflect a broader pattern: individuals from politically volatile regions are increasingly seeking secure asset havens and family relocation options.
By contrast, Western participation remains modest: the US (277 permits) and UK (251 permits) suggest lower reliance on European residency in these markets, where investors may favour education-driven visas or other mobility routes.
II. Investment Thresholds and Compliance Obligations
The core requirements for Cyprus’s Golden Visa are:
Minimum €300,000 investment in new-build residential property, local shares, or investment funds.
Proof of post-tax annual income of at least €50,000.
A notable policy feature is the restriction to new-build housing — designed to prevent foreign capital inflating prices in the domestic resale market, balancing investment inflows with housing affordability concerns.
Ongoing compliance obligations include:
Annual proof of maintaining the qualifying investment.
Holding valid health insurance.
Not remaining outside Cyprus for more than two consecutive years.
Submitting an updated criminal record every three years.
These rules reflect a sustainability-focused design: attracting capital while safeguarding the integrity of the residency system.
III. Policy Evolution: Expanding the Residency Portfolio
Cyprus has not stood still. In January 2025, the government reformed its start-up visa:
Extended validity from one to three years.
Reduced minimum shareholding requirement to 25%.
This shift is clearly aimed at tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads.
Meanwhile, parliament is considering a new “economic independence” visa:
Minimum €250,000 investment.
Annual income of €40,000.
If passed, it would offer a low-barrier, low-intervention pathway for asset-rich families seeking EU residency without the obligations of active business management.
IV. The Golden Visa in the Broader Immigration Landscape
Between 2014 and 2025, Cyprus issued 61,128 residence permits to third-country nationals, with Golden Visas accounting for nearly half. This high proportion demonstrates the programme’s role as a primary engine of residency issuance.
As other European states tighten their investment migration schemes — with Portugal and Ireland scaling back in recent years — speculation has grown over whether Cyprus might follow. While the Cypriot parliament has debated the impact of foreign investment on housing prices, no formal closure proposal has been introduced.
Conclusion: A Window of Opportunity — For Now
For investors seeking EU residency alongside strategic asset placement, Cyprus remains a competitive option. Its Golden Visa’s decade-long track record, combined with its clear compliance framework, offers predictability in a sector often marked by sudden policy shifts.
However, as with any investment migration route, the rules are not immutable. Immigration policy exists in constant dialogue with economic conditions, fiscal needs, and public sentiment. For those considering Cyprus, the message is clear: the window remains open, but proactive action is the surest way to secure a place before the next wave of reforms.
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