Cyprus Category F Visa

The Cyprus Category F Visa is a permanent residency permit for individuals who can prove a secured annual income from abroad of at least €9568 that allows them to live in Cyprus without needing to work. This visa doesn't require an investment; a rental agreement is sufficient for the application process.

Please note that, as of May 2025, the processing time cannot be estimated. The Migration department started processing the old applications from 2019 and sent letters requesting updated documents. The applications are submitted normally, and the eligibility criteria remain the same.

You need a temporary residence permit to live in Cyprus with a pending Category F application.

Cyprus Category F visa requirements

To qualify, the applicant must have a secured annual income of at least €9568, which must come from abroad and be increased by at least €4613 for each dependent. The source of income can be dividends, interest, rent, or pensions. The applicant does not have to buy property in Cyprus; rental property is sufficient.

To apply, you need a rental agreement for a property to reside in Cyprus or to own a home. Additionally, you require a bank account.

The applicant cannot work in Cyprus.

The amounts specified as requirements are insufficient for living in Cyprus, as the cost of living is higher.

Dependent persons

The Category F permanent residence can cover a spouse and children under 18 years old. As mentioned above, the secured annual income is raised by €4613 for each dependent.

Only the spouse and children are covered as dependents. The applicant's parents are not covered.

Duration

The Category F Cyprus visa is of unlimited validity.

However, the residence permit card expires in 10 years and will be renewed afterwards.

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

Category F residence permit fees

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

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

What documentation is required to apply?

The list comprises the following documents:

• Application form MIP1;
• Copy of a 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: https://www.mip.gov.cy/.

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

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: Apostille service online - apostille.net.

Submission and examination procedure

The Category F visa application type should be submitted to the  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.

Visa conditions and specifications

There are further requirements concerning the 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 €9568,17. The income must come from abroad. If the applicant has any dependents, the amount is raised by at least €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.