According to Nomad Capitalist, an international platform specializing in investment immigration, Cyprus ranked seventh on the list of the ten best Golden Visa programs for 2025. This result confirms once again that the island nation remains one of the most attractive destinations for those considering living, working, and doing business in Europe.
Features of the Cypriot Golden Visa program
Cyprus offers investors the opportunity to obtain permanent residence through investment, with no strict residency requirements. To maintain this status, investors must visit the country at least once every two years. The residence permit is long-term and renewable.
A major advantage is that the investor's spouse and minor children also receive the right to reside in Cyprus. This is particularly beneficial for those who are not considered tax residents ("non-domiciled").
Investments can include the purchase of residential or commercial real estate worth €300,000 plus VAT, investments in Cypriot companies, or investments in Cypriot investment funds. These options make the program more flexible and accessible than similar programs in other countries. Cyprus also offers the prospect of obtaining European citizenship in the future, a significant competitive advantage.
A comparison with other popular programs
Greece tops the Nomad Capitalist ranking for 2025. The minimum real estate investment threshold ranges from €250,000 to €800,000, depending on the region. The program provides full access to the Schengen Area, extensive tax breaks, and the possibility of naturalization.
Portugal took second place by shifting its focus from property purchases to more strategic investments, such as cultural support, business funds, and job creation.
Malta rounds out the top three by offering a combination of conditions ranging from property rental or purchase to government fees and charitable contributions.
Italy and Hungary also made the top five, each offering unique options ranging from investments in start-ups to long-term residence permits through funds. The only country outside of Europe on the list is the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which offers long-term visas for five and ten years, zero income tax, and complete freedom to do business.
Cyprus has several advantages over its competitors.
Unlike Italy, Malta, or the UAE, where minimum investments and obligations are significantly higher, Cyprus maintains an affordable threshold of €300,000 while offering long-term residency and the possibility of obtaining EU citizenship.
The country also benefits from its geographical location and stable banking system. Many investors value that Cyprus combines European jurisdiction and an English-speaking environment with favorable tax regimes for businesses and individuals.
Cyprus's Advantages Over Its Competitors
Unlike Italy, Malta, or the UAE, where minimum investment and obligation thresholds are significantly higher, Cyprus maintains an affordable €300,000 threshold. In return, investors receive long-term residency and the possibility of obtaining EU citizenship.
The country also benefits from its geographical location and stable banking system. Many investors value that Cyprus combines a European jurisdiction and an English-speaking environment with favorable tax regimes for businesses and individuals.
Tourism and real estate are key drivers of investment.
It's important to note that the Cypriot "golden visa" is closely linked to the real estate market.
Thanks to record-high tourist numbers in 2024 (more than 4 million visitors), buying a house or apartment in Cyprus is a profitable investment with potential for growth in returns, not only a way to obtain a residence permit. Resort areas such as Paphos, Limassol, and Famagusta are particularly in demand, and prices there remain attractive compared to those in Greece or Portugal.
Cyprus' inclusion in the top ten best golden visa programs worldwide confirms the country's high level of interest among international investors. The affordable investment threshold, flexible conditions, possibility of covering the whole family, and prospect of obtaining EU citizenship make the Cypriot program one of the most competitive offers on the market.