Why Cyprus?
Company formation gets you residency: No property purchase required. Your Cyprus Ltd directorship is your residency path.
Fast-track approval: 4-8 weeks from company formation to permit approval.
Renewable status: 1-2 years initially. Renew as long as your company stays active.
Non-dom tax benefits: 0% tax on dividends and interest for 17 years. 2.65% GHS contribution applies.
Low corporate tax: 12.5% rate. One of the lowest in the EU.
Note for U.S. citizens: The U.S. taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence. Cyprus non-dom status benefits non-U.S. persons directly. Americans still get EU residency, banking, and company benefits.
Director salary requirement: €2,500-4,000/month minimum. This salary establishes your residency basis.
Path to long-term status: After 5 years, apply for EU long-term resident status.
English-speaking EU jurisdiction: Mature legal and financial infrastructure.
Strategic Mediterranean location: Connected to Europe, Middle East, and Africa.
Who This Is For
Non-EU entrepreneurs who need an EU operational base without passive property investment.
Business owners consolidating international operations through a Cyprus holding structure.
Active company directors who will run genuine business operations, not shell companies.
Founders with exit proceeds who want 0% tax on dividends flowing through their company.
Professionals from The Americas, Middle East, Asia, Africa, or CIS seeking credible EU residency.
Those who can sustain company costs of €3,500-6,000/year for audit, accounting, and compliance.
The Process
Step 1: Company Formation (5-10 business days)
We incorporate your Cyprus Ltd. €1,000 share capital. Registered office and company secretary arranged. You're appointed director. This is your residency foundation.
Step 2: Application Preparation (2-4 weeks)
We prepare your employment contract, business plan, and all documents. Criminal record apostille, medical certificate, health insurance. Everything reviewed and legalized before filing.
Step 3: Submission and Approval (4-8 weeks)
Our lawyer files with Civil Registry. After approval, biometric appointment scheduled. Permit collected same day.
Requirements
Non-EU passport: Valid 2+ years. Third-country nationals only.
Cyprus company with real activity: Shell companies won't pass. Must demonstrate genuine business.
Director role required: Active management, not passive shareholding.
Registered Cyprus office: Physical address arranged during company formation.
Director salary: €2,500-4,000/month minimum from the company.
Clean criminal record: From country of previous residence. Apostilled.
Medical certificate: Issued by licensed Cyprus doctor.
Health insurance: Valid in Cyprus for applicant and dependents.
Cyprus accommodation: Rental agreement or owned property proof required.
What's Included
Cyprus Ltd formation: Complete incorporation, €1,000 share capital, filing with Registrar.
Registered office and secretary: First year included.
Tax filing and compliance: First year tax filing and compliance included.
Application preparation: Employment contract, business plan, all documentation.
Document legalization: Apostille coordination for all required documents.
Application filing: Submitted by your Cypriot lawyer to Civil Registry.
Government fees: Residence permit fee (€270-500) included.
Non-dom tax application: Filed with Cyprus Tax Department after approval.
Bank account support: Guidance for personal and corporate accounts.
Timeline
Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
Company formation | 5-10 business days |
Document preparation & apostille | 2-4 weeks |
Residence permit submission | Day 1 |
Approval | 4-8 weeks |
Biometric appointment | 1-2 weeks after approval |
Permit collection | Same day as biometric |
First renewal eligible | Year 1-2 |
EU long-term resident eligible | Year 5 |
Important Notes
Temporary, not permanent: Initial permit is 1-2 years. Must renew to maintain status. NOT permanent residency.
Renewal depends on company: Company must stay active with real operations. Directorship must continue. This is the most common failure point.
Real business required: Civil Registry assesses substance. Shell structures get rejected.
Annual company costs: Budget €3,500-6,000/year. Audit, accounting, registered office, secretary.
Salary is taxable: Director salary faces Cyprus income tax and social insurance. Non-dom only covers dividends and interest.
GHS contribution applies: 2.65% on dividends and interest. Not zero. Plan accordingly.
5-year path to permanence: EU long-term resident status after 5 years continuous residence. Not tied to company.
Not Schengen: Cyprus EU residency doesn't grant Schengen access. Accession pending as of 2026.