Since the launch of Cyprus’ Golden Visa program in 2014, a total of 28,660 golden visas have been issued, granting residency to investors and their families in exchange for financial contributions.

Top Beneficiary Countries

Data reveals that nationals from several countries have been the primary beneficiaries of the scheme:

• China: 10,100 recipients
• Russia: 8,478 recipients
• Lebanon: 1,822 recipients
• Ukraine: 983 recipients
• Jordan: 907 recipients
• Iran: 699 recipients
• Egypt: 586 recipients

In addition, significant numbers of permits were granted to nationals from Syria (346), Vietnam (412), the United States (277), and the United Kingdom (251), according to Ministry of Finance statistics reported by Imi Daily. These figures include family dependents, while the government has processed a total of 14,646 individual applications since the program's inception.

Investment Requirements and Program Details

To qualify for the Golden Visa, applicants must invest at least €300,000 in new real estate, funds, or shares. Additionally, they are required to demonstrate a minimum annual post-tax income of €50,000. The scheme specifically restricts qualifying property purchases to new developments, ensuring international buyers do not directly compete with local residents purchasing resale homes.

Broader Residency Permit Issuance

From 2014 through 2025, Cyprus issued a total of 61,128 residence permits of all types to third-country nationals, indicating that a significant portion of these permits were investment-based.

Cyprus Strengthens Start-Up Visa Scheme to Foster Innovation

In early 2025, the Council of Ministers approved important enhancements to Cyprus’ Start-Up Visa program, designed to attract more entrepreneurs and strengthen the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou confirmed the updates, highlighting that the scheme now allows founders and senior executives from non-EU countries to live and work in Cyprus with greater ease.

“The revised program aligns with our strategic goals to bolster innovation and entrepreneurship, driving economic growth and diversifying Cyprus’s economy,” said Damianou.

Key improvements include extending the initial residence permit duration from two to three years, with renewal periods also doubled to two years, providing more stability and support for start-up founders.