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Cyprus Category F visa: Permanent EU residency for retirees and pensioners with €9,568 annual income requirement. Unlimited validity, 0% foreign income tax, affordable costs, and no investment required.
Cyprus Category F visa represents one of Europe's most accessible permanent residency pathways for individuals with modest independent income. Unlike complex investment programs requiring EUR 300,000+, Category F opens Cyprus doors to retirees, rental income earners, and pension recipients with just EUR 9,568 annual income—one of the lowest thresholds on the continent.
Officially recognized as a residence permit by Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department, Category F offers unlimited validity with automatic renewal, making it ideal for long-term residency planning. Whether you are a British retiree seeking Mediterranean sunshine, a European pension recipient, or a remote worker with foreign income, Category F provides a straightforward, affordable pathway to Cyprus permanent residency.
Category F is an official residence permit issued by the Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department for individuals with guaranteed independent income from abroad. The permit allows unlimited stays in Cyprus without employment restrictions—you cannot work or conduct business in Cyprus, but you can receive passive income from international sources.
The key attraction: EUR 9,568 annual income requirement, making it significantly more accessible than other European residency programs. Combined with Cyprus Mediterranean lifestyle, low cost of living, and EU membership, Category F attracts retirees, passive income earners, and professionals seeking European residency without investment requirements.
The primary requirement is demonstrating EUR 9,568 annual guaranteed income from abroad. Additional dependents (spouse and children under 18) require EUR 4,613 per person annually.
| Applicant Type | Annual Income Required |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | EUR 9,568 |
| With spouse | EUR 14,181 |
| With 1 child under 18 | EUR 14,181 |
| With spouse + 1 child | EUR 18,794 |
| With spouse + 2 children | EUR 23,407 |
Income must come from abroad and include only passive sources. Official acceptable income sources include:
Critical Restriction: Income from employment, self-employment, or Cyprus-based business activities is NOT acceptable. You cannot work in Cyprus or conduct business activities while holding Category F status.
Eligible dependents: Spouse/Civil partner and Children under 18 (biological or legally adopted). NOT eligible: Parents or grandparents, Adult children (age 18+), Siblings, Unmarried partners.
Children's permits remain valid until age 18, then must be converted to personal income-based permits or the individual must leave Cyprus.
Step 1: Prepare Documentation - Gather all required documents with proper certifications and apostille stamps. Step 2: Submit Application - Apply through the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia or district migration offices. Both postal and in-person applications accepted. Step 3: Await Processing - Currently 12-36+ months due to significant backlogs. Step 4: Establish Residency - Once approved, you have one year to establish residence in Cyprus. Step 5: Receive Permit - Collect your residence permit card and register with local authorities.
All documents must be original or certified copies with apostille stamps or embassy certification: Valid passport, Proof of income, Affidavit of income, Bank statements, Housing documentation, Police clearance certificate, Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Proof of EUR 500 fee.
Government fee: EUR 500 (all family members). Optional ARC: EUR 70/person. Additional costs: Notarization EUR 200-500, Translation EUR 300-800, Lawyer EUR 1,000-2,500, Insurance EUR 300-1,200/year.
As of November 2025, processing times cannot be estimated. Applications submitted 2019-2025 still being processed. Realistic timeline: 12-36+ months total. Initial review 6-12 months, document requests 3-6 months, final decision 2-6 months.
Category F grants unlimited validity residency with automatic 10-year renewal. Permanent residency rights in Cyprus indefinitely.
Visa-free travel throughout EU/Schengen countries (90 days per 180-day period). Extended stays in other EU countries. EU residence rights in other member states.
0% tax on foreign-source income. No wealth tax on overseas assets. Estate planning benefits for Cyprus property owners.
Cannot work in Cyprus. Cannot conduct self-employment, business, or income-generating activities. Remote work is legally ambiguous.
Establish residence within 1 year. Absences exceeding 2 consecutive years cancel permit. Income verification required via ongoing deposits.
No. Only spouses and children under 18 eligible. Parents cannot be included.
Technically prohibited. Remote work for non-Cyprus employers is legally ambiguous. Cyprus clients strictly prohibited.
Yes. Absences up to 2 years permitted. Frequent travel (3-6 months/year) common.
Permits terminate at 18. Must apply independently or switch visa types.
For more information: Cyprus Relocation Guide | Visa Requirements
Contact: Cyprus Civil Registry and Migration Department, Archbishop Makarios III Avenue 90, Nicosia. Email: migration@md.mip.gov.cy