Category F Immigration Permit

The Category F Immigration Permit is a permanent residence permit for financially independent third-country nationals who have a secured annual income from abroad. It is designed for retirees, pensioners, and other individuals who wish to live in Cyprus without engaging in any employment, business, or profession. Income must derive entirely from sources outside Cyprus, such as pensions, dividends, interest on deposits, or rental income from property abroad. The permit grants permanent residence of unlimited validity and is one of the lowest passive income residence requirements in Europe. Since June 2024, the Migration Department operates under the newly established Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection.

• Non-EU/EEA national with secured annual income from sources outside Cyprus
• Minimum income of EUR 9,568 per year (approximately EUR 798 per month)
• Additional EUR 4,613 per year for each dependent family member
• Bank deposit of approximately EUR 15,000-20,000 in a Cypriot bank account (not pledged)
• Valid health insurance covering all risks typically covered for Cypriot citizens
• Clean criminal record
• Must not engage in any business, trade, or profession in Cyprus

• Completed application form MIP1
• Valid passport copies for applicant and dependants
• Copy of valid temporary residence permit (if already residing in Cyprus)
• Curriculum vitae
• Marriage certificate (certified and translated)
• Children's birth certificates (certified and translated)
• Criminal record certificate from country of origin (certified and translated)
• Health insurance certificate
• Evidence of secured annual income from abroad (tax declarations, bank statements from the last 3-6 months certified by the bank, or auditor confirmation)
• Proof of accommodation in Cyprus (title deed, contract of sale, or rental agreement)
• Bank deposit confirmation of EUR 15,000-20,000 in a Cyprus bank account

The permit grants permanent residence of unlimited validity. There is no need to renew the residence status itself. The physical residence card expires after 10 years and must be replaced through an administrative renewal process.

Spouses and children under 18 years of age may be included as dependants. Each dependant requires an additional EUR 4,613 in annual income from abroad. Dependants must provide their own passport copies, birth or marriage certificates, and criminal record certificates. Health insurance must cover all family members.

From 1 January 2026, Cyprus has no tax on income up to EUR 22,000 per year (increased from EUR 19,500), with progressive rates of 20% (EUR 22,001-32,000), 25% (EUR 32,001-42,000), 30% (EUR 42,001-72,000), and 35% (above EUR 72,000). Non-domiciled tax residents (applicable to all new arrivals for the first 17 years) are exempt from Special Defence Contribution (SDC) on dividends, interest, and rental income. For domiciled individuals, SDC on dividends from profits earned after 1 January 2026 has been reduced from 17% to 5%. Tax residency is established by spending 183 or more days per year in Cyprus, or through the 60-day rule for those who maintain a permanent home and economic ties in Cyprus. Holders may also register with Cyprus's General Health System (GESY/GHS) once they establish habitual residence.

Applications are submitted in person or via an authorised legal representative at the Migration Department offices in Nicosia. The completed MIP1 form must be accompanied by all supporting documents and the EUR 500 application fee (plus EUR 70 if an Aliens Registration Certificate is required). All documents must be officially translated into Greek or English and duly certified or apostilled. Biometric data is captured during submission. No personal interview is required unless specifically requested by the authorities. Processing takes approximately 12-18 months for standard applications, though as of early 2026 the department is processing a significant backlog dating to 2019-2020, meaning actual wait times may be longer.

An accelerated track is available for applicants who meet higher thresholds: a secured annual income of at least EUR 30,000 (plus EUR 5,000 per dependant), purchase of property worth at least EUR 300,000 (with proof of at least EUR 200,000 paid), and a bank deposit of EUR 30,000 pledged for three years. This fast-track targets a processing time of approximately 3 months.

Holders must not engage in any business, trade, or profession in Cyprus. However, they may hold shares in a Cypriot company and receive dividend income from it.

The permit is automatically cancelled if the holder is absent from Cyprus for two consecutive years, obtains permanent residence in another country, or fails to establish a place of residence within one year. The permit is valid only for the Republic of Cyprus and does not currently confer visa-free travel to other EU or Schengen area countries. Cyprus's Schengen evaluation is ongoing — if admitted, holders would gain visa-free Schengen travel for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.