Long-term resident status, or an immigration permit
Category F, independent means · Official name: Long-term resident status (Migration Department); Immigration Permit, Category F (Aliens and Immigration Regulations)
Non-EU nationals who have lived legally and continuously in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus for 5 years can apply for long-term resident status (fee 30 EUR, 6 to 12 months to decide; permit valid 5 years). People with a secure income from abroad who will not work in Cyprus can instead ask for an immigration permit under Category F. Investors use the separate Regulation 6(2) route (CY.PR_INVESTMENT).
Life in Cyprus
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
67
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 19%
After the 2026 reform: 0% up to EUR 22,000, 20%/25%/30%, then 35% above EUR 72,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#60 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Long-term non-EU residents of Cyprus; and retirees or people of independent means with income from abroad.
Eligibility
Long-term resident: 5 years of legal, continuous residenceLong-term resident status
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need 5 years of legal, continuous residence in government-controlled areas before applying, with a valid residence permit.
- Absences under 6 consecutive months do not break the period
- No more than 10 months of absence in total in the 5 years
Official wording
Legal and continuous residence in the areas controlled by the Government of the Republic for the 5 years before applying, with a valid residence permit. Absences under 6 consecutive months and no more than 10 months in total in the 5 years do not break the period.
Long-term resident: integration knowledgeLong-term resident status
Sign in to check this route against your profileYou need to sit an exam on the basic elements of Cyprus's contemporary political and social reality.
Exam details
- Lengthmultiple choice
- 45 minutes
- Pass mark
- 60%
- Heldby Examinations Service
- Twice a year
- Exam is in Greek
- Also used for third-country nationals seeking naturalisation
Official wording
The Examinations Service holds an exam twice a year on the basic elements of Cyprus's contemporary political and social reality for third-country nationals seeking long-term resident status or naturalisation (45-minute multiple choice, in Greek, pass mark 60%).
Category F: secured income from abroadCategory F immigration permit
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow a secured annual income from abroad, fully at your disposal, enough for a decent living without working in Cyprus.
Minimum income per year (Migration Department)
- Applicant
- EUR 9,568
- Each dependant
- EUR 4,613
- Pensions, dividends, deposit interest and rents count
- Income must come from abroad
Official wording
A secured annual income from abroad, fully at the applicant's disposal, enough for a decent living without working in Cyprus. The Migration Department states at least 9,568 EUR (CY£5,600) a year for the applicant plus at least 4,613 EUR (CY£2,700) for each dependant. Pensions, dividends, deposit interest and rents count.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 1 more requirement
- 4 documents
- 2 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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Official sources
Other routes to Cyprus
- Visit & tourismCyprus short-stay visa (type C) and visa-free visits
- StudyEntry permit and temporary residence permit for students
- Work permitsTemporary residence and employment permit for third-country nationals
- 3 more routes with Premium
