Committed to attracting more international businesses and highly skilled professionals, Cyprus introduced a new policy effective February 1, 2022. The initiative encourages foreign companies to establish and expand operations on the island while enabling third-country nationals to relocate seamlessly with their families.
Investment & Eligibility Requirements for Companies
To qualify, shareholders must invest at least €200,000 in a company account with a credit institution licensed by the Central Bank of Cyprus, or provide certificates proving an investment of at least €200,000 in business operations in Cyprus.
Additionally, the company must meet specific criteria regarding ownership and structure:
Ownership: The majority of the company’s shares must be owned by third-country nationals.
Minority Foreign Participation: If foreign participation is 50% or less, the company may still be eligible if the foreign shareholder(s) invest a minimum of €200,000 into the company. This amount is additional to the initial investment of €200,000.
Other Eligible Business Types:
Public companies
Companies with international activities.
Cypriot shipping companies.
Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies.
Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or those active in biogenetics and biotechnology.
Companies where the majority of share capital is owned by persons who acquired Cypriot citizenship by naturalization based on economic criteria.
Cypriot Private Institutes of Tertiary (Higher) Education licensed by the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.