THE CYPRUS INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR YOU
AND YOUR FAMILY
Cyprus has repeatedly been voted by international agencies, such as Knight Frank, to be one of the most sought after destinations worldwide to acquire a second passport. The easy Mediterranean lifestyle, the high standard of living, the low crime rate, and the high level of education are just some of the characteristics which contributed to Cyprus being the preferred destination by some of the world’s most wealthiest people and their dependent family members. Cyprus offers a warm climate all year round with 340 days of sunshine and the beaches are among the best in the world, distinguished with various global awards such as the Blue Flag award.
Additionally, Cyprus offers exceptional professional services together with a favorable tax regime in comparison to other EU countries offering similar programmes, thereby making Cyprus a preferred destination.
In 2014 the Republic of Cyprus introduced the Cyprus Investment Programme subject to which Non-EU citizens who meet certain economic criteria and fulfill the Terms and Conditions outlined in the Decision of the Council of Ministers may apply for the acquisition of the Cypriot citizenship through naturalization by exception and enjoy the same benefits enjoyed by Naturally born Cypriots as well as the rights and privileges enjoyed by EU citizens.
Benefits such as freedom to visa free travel within the EU together with another 150 Visa free destinations worldwide, freedom to live and work anywhere within the European Union, enjoyment of the security offered to EU citizens within the European Union as well as overseas.
In accordance with the Decision the Citizenship is Asset backed as opposed to solely donations as in other jurisdictions.
THE INVESTMENT OPTIONS
Investment in Real Estate, Land Development, and Infrastructure Projects: Under this head of Investment the Applicant is required to make an investment of at least 2 Million Euros for the purchase or construction of buildings or for the construction of other land development projects (Residential or Commercial Developments, or Developments in the Tourism sector), or other Infrastructure Project.
Purchase or Establishment or Participation in Cypriot companies or Businesses: The applicant must have invested at least €2,0 million for the purchase or participation in companies or organizations established and operating in the Republic of Cyprus with investment costs of. The invested funds shall be channeled towards the financing of the investment objectives of these companies exclusively in Cyprus, based on a specific investment plan. Moreover, investments in the shipping sector are eligible on the basis of measurable criteria that will be determined jointly by the Ministry of Finance and the Shipping Deputy Ministry.
Investment in Alternative Investment Funds or Registered Alternative Investment Funds or financial assets of Cypriot companies or Cypriot organizations that are licensed by Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission: Under this head of Investment the applicant should have bought units of at least €2,0 million from alternative investment funds (AIF) or Registered Alternative Investment Funds (RAIF) established in the Republic of Cyprus, licensed/registered and supervised by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySec) and whose investments are made exclusively in the Republic of Cyprus, in investments that meet the criteria of this Programme or in areas approved by the Minister of Finance.
Combination of the aforementioned investments: The applicant may proceed with a combination of the above investments, provided that the total investment will amount up to at least €2,0 million.
THE CONTRIBUTIONS
Contribution to the Research and Innovation Foundation: The applicant must have donated at least €75.000 to the Research and Innovation Foundation.
Contribution to the Research and Innovation Foundation: The applicant must have donated at least €75.000 to the Cyprus Land Development Corporation for the financing of housing schemes for affordable housing, but also for the materialization of other housing schemes/measures.
- Minimum investment of 2 Million Euros.
- Maintain the Investment for a minimum period of five years.
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Applicant must posses a privately owned residence in the Republic of Cyprus, the purchase price of which must be at least 500.000,00 Euros plus VAT.
- Holder of a valid Schengen Visa prior to submitting the Citizenship Application.
- Applicants whose Citizenship application has been rejected by another EU Member State will not have a right to apply.
- Your citizenship is Asset Backed rather than a mere donation to the Country thereby proving you with additional security for you and your families citizenship.
- Cyprus has one of the fastest procedure in Europe for the acquisition of Citizenship. The procedure should not take longer than 6 -8 months to complete.
- Freedom to travel and work anywhere within the European Union.
- Visa free travel to more than 150 Countries worldwide.
- One of the most flexible citizenship programmes worldwide considering that it is passed on both Horizontally and Vertically to all immediate family members.
- The Applicant and their dependent family do not need to Reside on the Island before or after the obtainment of the Cyprus Citizenship.
- There is no language proficiency examinations as a requisite for the obtainment of the Cyprus Citizenship.
- Dual Citizenship is Permitted.
- The Republic of Cyprus will not disclose to your national authorities or any other authority your Cypriot citizenship.
- Selection under which Investment Criteria you will decide to Apply.
- Compliance with the statutory requirements laid down by the Decision of the Council of Ministers.
- Submission of the Citizenship application at the Ministry of Interior.
- Submission of Immigration Permit Application at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
- Collection of Biometric Data.
- Issuance of the Immigration Permit.
- Evaluation of the Citizenship Application.
- Issue of approval for Citizenship.
- Issue of Cyprus citizenship and Passport.
- Discuss with our Clients their investment orientation and future expectations which they would like for their Investment.
- Examine the investment options and advise on the investment criteria.
- Legal Advice on the investment Options and the mechanics of the Investment.
- Proceed with Legal Due Diligence to address any legal issues which may be inherent to the Investment Option.
- Design the legal framework of the investment and draft the necessary Documents in order to safeguard the legal interests of the Client and their investment.
- Execute the Legal Framework and implement the investment Plan.
- Collect the required documentation according to the Legal Framework.
- Draft the Investment Plan together with the Supporting Documents.
- Draft the Citizenship Application together with the Naturalization Application.
- Present the Investment Plan and Citizenship Application at the Ministry of Interior.
- Accompany our Clients before the Governmental offices for their Biometrics.
- Provide legal support and feedback throughout the process until their Passports and Citizenship has been issued.