At Comark Estates we regularly help clients with advice about emigrating to Cyprus from the UK. There are many British Expats living across the island now, with more continuing to move for a warm climate and slower paced Mediterranean lifestyle by the sea since Brexit.
One of the questions that we are asked most often when clients are looking at Cyprus residency requirements, is: “Can I live in Cyprus after Brexit?”
We are pleased to say that you can. Since Brexit, the process has changed and we can help you get your head around the requirements – including essential information regarding pensions and visas. Having lived here for many years ourselves, we have access to the best professional advisors on these matters, so rest assured, we will make sure that all the information you need is to-hand, and that all your questions can be answered accurately.
For now, here is a quick oversight of how things stand in terms of requirements for living in Cyprus as a UK national, post-Brexit:
Requirements
People who move to Cyprus from U.K. have become classified in the same way as anybody else moving from outside the EU.
The official term is known here as ‘non-EU country nationals” (also known as “third country nationals”) and this forms the basis of your approach when buying property in Cyprus after Brexit.
VISA Requirements
Since 1st January 2021, British Nationals (including any with holiday homes, and anyone wanting to relocate to Cyprus), can only stay in Cyprus for a total of 90 days in any 180 day period – if you want to stay longer then you need a VISA / Pink Slip.
If you are retiring, moving to Cyprus and will then not leave Cyprus for longer than 3 months at a time, to begin with you need a “Temporary Residence Permit” – AKA a “Pink Slip” from the Clivil Registry and Migration Department (link).
TEMPORARY RESIDENCY:
Requirements for Temporary Residence in Cyprus, post-Brexit (for UK Nationals): "PINK SLIP"
If UK nationals wish to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, they may apply for a Temporary Residence Permit, commonly known as the “pink slip.” This permit allows non-EU nationals to legally extend their stay beyond the 90-day limit, and is also available to tourists and visitors.
Applications must be submitted before the initial 90-day period expires. The permit is valid for one year and does not grant the right to work. Spouses and children under 18 can be included as dependents.
What are the basic requirements for applying for a Temporary Residency Permit (Pink Slip)?
In order to be eligible for this type of Permit, the Applicant mainly needs to show:
– Sufficient income from abroad to cover living expenses while residing in Cyprus. Income includes salary, pension deposits in a bank account abroad, rents, dividends, interest on deposits, etc.
– The Applicant needs to have a minimum deposit of €10,000 in a Cypriot financial institution (bank) during the first application and a minimum of €6,000 when reapplying.
– The Applicant must provide detailed bank statements of bank account transactions in a financial institution in Cyprus for the last 12 months in case of renewal or from the date of opening the bank account in case of a first application for a Temporary Residency Permit, showing foreign remittances in the name of the applicant which in total should not be less than €2,000 per month or €24,000 per year for one person. This amount increases by 20% for the spouse and by 15% for each dependent child below the age of 18.
– The Applicant must either be renting or have bought a house or apartment in Cyprus.
– The Applicant must obtain a clean criminal record from their country of origin or residence if the Applicant resides in a country other than their country of origin.
– The Applicant must undergo medical examinations and blood tests and X-rays during their first application.
– The Applicant must have valid private health insurance for medical care in Cyprus.
What are the restrictions of a Temporary Residency Permit?
A holder of this Temporary residence Permit cannot stay out of the country for more than 3 months continuously, as the Permit will be cancelled.
Additionally, the permit does not entitle the successful Applicant to work in Cyprus.
The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed on an annual basis.
Can you keep renewing your Temporary Residency indefinitely?
Yes, it is possible to renew a Temporary Residence Permit on an annual basis, provided that the applicant continues to meet the necessary renewal requirements.
Recommended Practices
It is advisable once you have transferred money from abroad into your Cyprus bank account and arrive here, that you use a visa / credit card for living expenses, instead of cash.
This way, when you subsequently apply for your Pink Slip renewal each year, your bank statement will then clearly show that you are bringing money into the Cyprus economy, which is spent on living expenses. (I.e. you can easily prove for the last year that you were really here).
PERMANENT RESIDENCY:
Since Brexit, there are two routes that UK Nationals can take for permanent residency options in Cyprus. Category 5(F) – most suitable route for pensioners, individuals with passive income or families with stable income from abroad (ie, individuals with independent means to reside in Cyprus without participating in the local labour or business sector) / Regulation 6 (2) – the so called ‘fast track’ Cyprus Permanent Residency (PR) Programme, based on minimum property investment value – for purchase of new build properties with minimum purchase price of €300,000 + VAT.
Requirements for Permanent Residence in Cyprus, post-Brexit (for UK Nationals): CATEGORY 5(F)
Category F is considered the most suitable route for UK nationals who are pensioners, individuals with passive income (such as from rent or investments), or families with a stable income from abroad who wish to reside permanently in Cyprus without engaging in employment or business within the country. Each application is examined on its merits and a high level of discretion is exercised by the Migration Department.
This route is particularly appropriate for those looking to retire or establish a home in Cyprus under more flexible investment requirements compared to the Fast Track (Category 6(2)) route. Applicants must have fully and freely at their disposal a secure and regular annual income, which is high enough to provide a decent living in Cyprus without having to engage in any business, trade or profession in Cyprus.
Key requirements include:
- Stable and adequate income from abroad (e.g. pensions, rental income, dividends, or other passive sources), typically considered sufficient if it exceeds approximately €10,000–€15,000 per year for a single applicant, plus around €5,000 per dependent.
- Proof of sufficient savings or financial means to support themselves and their family without needing employment in Cyprus.
- Ownership or long-term lease of property in Cyprus to demonstrate genuine intention to reside. Although the place of residence can be a rental property, owning a property in Cyprus weighs heavily and positively when the application is processed and is a considerable advantage.
- Clean criminal record from the country of origin and/or current residence.
- Medical insurance covering the applicant and any dependents
- No employment in Cyprus is permitted under this category.
- The Applicant needs to have deposits in a Cypriot financial institution
Each application under Category F is assessed individually, and the Migration Department exercises a high level of discretion. Therefore, providing comprehensive and well-documented evidence of financial stability and genuine intention to reside in Cyprus is essential for approval.
Is there a minimum property value requirement for applicants under Category 5(F)?
There is currently no minimum investment amount required for the property being purchased under Category F, and the property does not need to be newly built—it may be either a resale or a new build of any value.
It is important to note that the Cypriot Government is considering amendments to the eligibility criteria for this category, which may include introducing a minimum property value threshold in the future. Prospective applicants are advised to stay informed of any legislative changes and consult with legal professionals to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.
Who can apply under Category 5(F)?
Main applicants under Category F (Regulation 5) may include their spouse and dependent children under the age of 18 in their application as dependents.
However, it is important to note that children who are granted Permanent Residency under Category F will not be able to renew or retain their residency status once they reach the age of 18, unless they meet the eligibility criteria independently and are able to submit their own application in their own right. This typically means demonstrating sufficient income or financial means, and fulfilling all other standard requirements under the category.
Families considering this route should plan ahead for any children nearing adulthood, particularly if long-term residency is intended.
How long does it take for the application to be processed?
The examination of applications under Category F is currently taking approximately four years, primarily due to a significant backlog at the Migration Department. Applicants should be prepared for extended processing times and are encouraged to ensure that all documentation is complete and accurate to avoid additional delays.
Are holders of Category 5(F) Permanent Residency Permit s under 5(F) allowed to work in Cyprus?
Holders of Permanent Residency Permits under Category F (Regulation 5) are not permitted to work in Cyprus, either as employees or through self-employment. They are also prohibited from holding officer positions (such as directors) in Cypriot companies.
The purpose of this residency category is to allow individuals with independent means to reside in Cyprus without participating in the local labor market or business sector.
Requirements for Permanent Residence in Cyprus, post-Brexit - Fast Track 'Cyprus Permanent Residency Programme' (for UK Nationals): REGULATION 6 (2):
The applicants under Regulation 6(2) are eligible to apply for a fast track Cyprus Permanent Residency Permit with the purchase of a house or an apartment of minimum purchase price of €300,000 + VAT from a development company (ie a new build, not a resale property – hence the addition of VAT). It is important to note that this permit does also not permit holders the right to work in Cyprus. Read full details of the Cyprus Permanent Residency Permit on our dedicated page HERE.
Obtaining the right to work in Cyprus as a UK National:
It is possible for UK Nationals to be employed by a Cypriot company and obtain a work permit, provided certain conditions are met. The application process involves submitting the application to the District Labour Office, which will investigate and confirm that the criteria for the employment of third country nationals are being met.
It is also possible, subject to certain requirements, to obtain a work Permit and Residence Permit as an employee of an existing or new company of foreign interests.
Citizenship - Can a UK National gain Citizenship in Cyprus?
To apply for Cypriot citizenship through naturalization, individuals must meet specific residency and legal requirements. The standard pathway requires a minimum of 7 years of legal residence within the 10 years preceding the application, including a continuous 12-month stay immediately before submission. Absences of up to 90 days within this 12-month period do not interrupt the continuity.
WHAT NEXT?
We strongly recommend that you use an agent to help you proceed with this process. They help speed things up and also tell you if part of this process has changed for your own personal situation.
There is a different set of rules for people moving for work (i.e. if a business is relocating to Cyprus, or if a branch is opening in Cyprus).
Regardless of your situation, the Agents working in this field come in different forms which you can search for online – some are “Immigration Law Firms”, others call themselves consultancies for “Red Tape Services” – we recommend working with their guidance to get you swiftly safely on our beautiful island.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Comark Estates on this page is for general informational purposes only, and is provided in good faith. Comark Estates are not liable to any changes to this information.
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