Cyprus Category F Visa

The Cyprus Category F Visa is a permanent residence permit run under the Cyprus Aliens and Immigration Rules (Part III). This type of visa is given to applicants who fulfil specific income criteria and conditions. This guide contains all the information necessary for quick reference.

Please note that, as of December 2024, the processing time cannot be estimated. The immigration state service started processing the old applications from 2019 and sent letters requesting updated documents. The applications are submitted normally. The eligibility criteria remain the same.

Who can apply?

The programme is created for third-country nationals who satisfy certain income criteria.

Specifically, the applicant must have a secured annual income of at least EUR 9568,17. The income must come from abroad and is raised by at least EUR 4613,22 for each dependent.

Dependent persons

The Category F permanent residence can cover certain persons as dependents. These are the applicant’s spouse and children under 18 years of age. As mentioned above, the secured annual income is raised by EUR 4613,22 for each dependent.

Duration

The Category F Cyprus visa is of unlimited validity.

However, the actual residence permit card has an expiry date of 10 years. It will be renewed after that.

For underage dependents, the permit will be valid until they reach the age of 18.

Cyprus Category F visa requirements

• The applicant must have the secured annual income mentioned above. The income must come from abroad.
• The applicant cannot work in Cyprus.
• Only the spouse and children are covered as dependents. The applicant's parents are not covered.
• The applicant does not have to purchase property in Cyprus; rental property is sufficient.

Submission and examination procedure

The Category F visa application type should be submitted to the Civil Registry or Migration Department in Nicosia. The applicant should apply personally or through a legal or other authorised representative (appointment of a representative is easily made by proxy). All the relevant documents should accompany the application.

Biometrics (fingerprints and photographs) must be taken at the Department. If the applicant and their families do not submit in person, biometrics will be taken before they are given the permit and certificate. Children under 6 years of age are not required to provide biometrics.

Category F residence permit fees

The government fee is EUR 500 for all the persons included in the application.

The fee is raised by EUR 70 if the applicant and their families need an Aliens Registration Certificate.

What documentation is required?

The list comprises the following documents:

• Application form MIP1;
• Copy of valid passport of the applicant and or their families;
• Copy of valid temporary residence permit (if the applicant is already resident in Cyprus);
• A brief CV;
• Original bank account statements from the Republic;
• Declaration of secured annual income: original documents and affidavit (sworn statement);
• Title of ownership/ rental agreement/ deed of sale and proof of payment if title deed is unavailable, in original form or true copy;
• Clear or “clean” criminal record certificate (official certified translation if the applicant has been living abroad);
• A marriage certificate (official validated translation), an original or authentic copy, and
• Children’s birth certificate (officially validated translation) original or authentic copy.

A link to the documents required and other details can be found here: http://www.moi.gov.cy/.

The documents should be in Greek or English. A certified translation must be used with the originals if they are in another language.

All foreign documents must have the Apostille stamp.

Documents from countries not members of the Apostille Convention need embassy/ consular/ diplomatic certification.

Apostille Convention means the Apostille Hague Convention of 5 October 1961. The members or signatories recognise the validity of documents bearing the Apostille verification.

To ensure your country has signed the Apostille Convention, check here: https://www.apostille.net/.

Conditions and specifications

There are further requirements concerning Category F Cyprus permanent residence permit, as follows:

• The applicant and their family must have a clean criminal record.
• The only family members covered by the Category F permanent residence permit are spouses and children under 18.
• The applicant and their family members must move to Cyprus within a year.
• The permit will only be handed to the applicant or their legal/ authorised representatives.

Permanent residency in Cyprus Category F gets cancelled in three instances. These are if the applicant:

• Is absent from Cyprus for two years.
• Has permanent residence in another country.
• Fails to get a place of residence (buy or rent) within one year.

FAQs

What are the different types of residency in Cyprus?

There are temporary and permanent residence permits. Temporary residence permits are given for employment, studying, or family reunification. After five years, the temporary residence permit (students exempted) may lead to the long-term residence permit, which lasts another five years.

Also, the investment permanent residence permit (“investor visa”) may be given to applicants who satisfy specific investment criteria.

Finally, permanent residence permits are available in categories A-F. These apply to third-country nationals who are self-employed, have permanent employment in the Republic, or can live in the Republic with a secured annual income from abroad.

What is a category F visitor in Cyprus?

This is a third-country national with a secured annual income of EUR 9568,17. The income must come from abroad. If the applicant has any dependents, the amount is raised by at least EUR 4613,22 for each.

Can a Cyprus category F residence permit be revoked?

Yes, in three circumstances. These are if the applicant is absent from Cyprus for two years, has permanent residence in another country, or fails to get a place to live in Cyprus within one year.

Our services

Our firm can advise you on your chances of success and help you in every step of the application process, including acting as your proxies. Contact us to book an appointment.