Immigration Permit – Own Financial Means
Category F Permanent Residencein Cyprus
An Immigration Permit category for eligible third-country nationals who have secured income from abroad and can support their residence in Cyprus without engaging in employment, business, trade or profession in the Republic.
ITMETA LTD can assess whether Category F may be relevant to your circumstances, review the supporting financial and family documentation and confirm the appropriate procedural route before submission.
- Income From Abroad
- No Local Employment Requirement
- Family Dependants
- Permanent Residence Framework
Important
Category F should be assessed before relying on it as an application route
Category F remains included in the official Cyprus Immigration Permit framework and the Migration Department continues to publish Category F forms and document requirements.
However, the practical administrative treatment of new Category F cases has historically been subject to restrictions and delays.
For this reason, ITMETA LTD recommends confirming the current procedural position before preparing or relying on a Category F application.
Overview
Permanent residence based on secured financial means
Category F applies to persons who have sufficient secured annual income from abroad to maintain a decent standard of living in Cyprus without having to undertake business, trade, profession or employment in the Republic.
Unlike the Regulation 6(2) investment route, Category F is not based on a mandatory €300,000 qualifying investment.
The central consideration is the applicant's secured financial position and ability to support themselves and eligible dependants from resources originating abroad.
Official Minimum Income
Current Official Income Threshold
Principal Applicant
€9,568per year
Official minimum secured annual income stated for the main Category F applicant.
Each Dependant
+ €4,613per year
Additional official minimum annual income for each dependent family member.
These figures are the minimum amounts stated in the current published Category F framework.
The authorities may consider whether the applicant's overall financial position is sufficient to provide a decent standard of living in Cyprus. Meeting the numerical minimum alone should not be presented as a guarantee of approval.
Income Sources
What type of income may be considered?
The official Category F framework refers to secured annual income originating from abroad.
The source, regularity, legal ownership and documentary evidence of the income should be reviewed before the application is prepared.
Examples may include
- pensions
- dividends from shares
- interest from fixed deposits
- rental income
- other stable income sources from abroad
Not every income source will automatically be accepted.
Who It May Suit
Who this route may suit
Retired Applicants
Persons receiving stable pension income or other secured resources from abroad.
Financially Independent Individuals
Applicants with regular foreign income sufficient to support long-term residence in Cyprus.
Families With Income From Abroad
Applicants wishing to reside in Cyprus with eligible dependent family members while remaining financially independent from local employment.
Important Condition
Category F is not an employment-based residence route
Category F is intended for applicants who can support themselves without engaging in business, trade or profession in Cyprus.
The permit should not be presented as a general right to work or carry out economic activity in the Republic.
Applicants who intend to work in Cyprus should consider whether an employment-based residence category is more appropriate.
Explore BCS & Work PermitsProperty / Accommodation
Accommodation in Cyprus
Category F does not contain the same mandatory €300,000 qualifying-investment requirement as Regulation 6(2).
However, the applicant should provide suitable evidence regarding their intended residence and accommodation in Cyprus in accordance with the applicable document requirements.
Looking for investment-based permanent residence?
Explore Regulation 6(2)Depending on the case, supporting documentation may include
- property ownership documents
- rental agreement
- accommodation evidence
- address-related documentation
- other supporting evidence requested by the authorities
Purchasing property does not in itself guarantee approval.
Family
Including Dependants
Under the Immigration Permit framework, eligible dependants can be included subject to the applicable rules.
The official Category F income requirement increases by at least €4,613 annually for each dependant.
Spouse
The applicant’s spouse may be included as an eligible dependent family member subject to the applicable requirements.
Children Under 18
Dependent children under the age of 18 may be included under the Immigration Permit framework.
Documentation
Documents commonly required
Personal documents may include
- valid passport
- completed MIP2 application
- photographs / biometric requirements
- criminal record documentation where required
- medical examination documentation where applicable
- marriage certificate where applicable
- birth certificates for dependent children
- other civil-status documents
Financial / supporting documents may include
- evidence of secured annual income from abroad
- pension statements
- dividend evidence
- bank statements
- deposit-interest evidence
- rental-income documentation
- tax or accountant evidence where applicable
- accommodation documentation
- supporting declarations
- other documents requested by the Migration Department
Foreign documents must comply with the applicable official translation and certification requirements.
Medical documentation
The Migration Department publishes specific medical-examination requirements in connection with Immigration Permit applications.
The exact medical documents required should be reviewed against the current official checklist before submission.
Our Process
How the Category F Process Works
- 01
Initial Assessment
We review the applicant’s residence objectives, family composition and source of foreign income.
- 02
Current Procedure Check
Before preparing the application, we confirm the current administrative position and applicable Category F submission requirements.
- 03
Financial Documentation
We review the evidence supporting the applicant’s secured annual income and financial independence.
- 04
Personal & Family Documents
We coordinate civil-status, criminal-record, medical and accommodation documentation where applicable.
- 05
Application Preparation
The MIP2 application and supporting documents are prepared for submission.
- 06
Submission
Applications are submitted according to the procedure currently required by the Migration Department.
- 07
Follow-Up
We assist with subsequent requests, updates and the authority’s examination process.
Submission
Where is the application submitted?
The Migration Department currently states that Immigration Permit applications and the required original supporting documents are submitted at the Department's offices in Nicosia.
Applications may be submitted personally or through an authorised representative in accordance with the applicable procedure.
All accompanying foreign documents must be officially translated and duly certified or ratified as required.
Submission of an Immigration Permit application does not itself grant a right to enter or remain in Cyprus without a valid visa or residence status.
Timing
How long does Category F take?
A fixed or guaranteed processing period for Category F should not be assumed.
The practical examination of Category F applications has historically experienced substantial administrative delays.
Timing and current processing practice should therefore be confirmed before an applicant relies on this route.
ITMETA LTD will confirm the current procedural position before advising a client to proceed.
Validity
Permanent residence under the Immigration Permit framework
Under the current Immigration Permit framework, the residence right is of unlimited validity for the holder and adult dependants, provided the applicable conditions continue to be respected.
The physical residence card issued to adult holders has a validity period of ten years and must be replaced upon expiry.
For minor dependants, the card is valid until the age of 18.
Residence Right
Unlimited validity subject to the applicable legal conditions.
Residence Card
10-year validity for adult holders.
After Approval
Important obligations after approval
Where the applicant is residing outside Cyprus at the time the Immigration Permit is approved, the permit can cease to be valid if residence in Cyprus is not acquired within one year from approval.
The permit can also cease to be valid if the holder and dependants acquire permanent residence abroad or remain outside Cyprus for two years.
One-Year Requirement
Where applicable, residence in Cyprus must be acquired within one year from approval.
Two-Year Absence
An absence from Cyprus for two years may result in loss of the permanent residence right.
Comparison
Category F or Regulation 6(2)?
Category F
- based primarily on secured income from abroad
- no fixed €300,000 qualifying-investment requirement in the Category F rule itself
- no local employment / business / profession
- not an expedited investment procedure
- current practical availability should be confirmed
Regulation 6(2)
- based on qualifying investment
- minimum qualifying investment of €300,000 under current criteria
- separate financial and quality criteria
- official expedited examination framework
- detailed investment-maintenance requirements
Not sure which route applies?
Request an Eligibility AssessmentWhy ITMETA LTD
A careful assessment before you rely on the route
Current-Procedure Review
We verify the current administrative position before advising you to prepare a Category F case.
Financial Evidence Review
We organise and review evidence of secured foreign income.
Family Documentation
We coordinate dependent and civil-status documentation.
Alternative Route Assessment
Where Category F is not appropriate, we can assess Visitor, Regulation 6(2), BCS or another relevant residence option.
ITMETA LTD is an independent private company. Immigration decisions are made by the Migration Department and the competent Cyprus authorities.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
General answers only. Your specific circumstances are reviewed individually during consultation.
What is Category F permanent residence?
Category F is an Immigration Permit category for eligible third-country nationals who have sufficient secured annual income from abroad to live in Cyprus without engaging in business, trade or profession in the Republic.
What is the official minimum income?
The current published Category F framework states at least €9,568 per year for the principal applicant and an additional €4,613 per year for each dependant.
Can I work in Cyprus with Category F?
Category F is not intended as an employment route. It is based on the applicant being able to support themselves without undertaking business, trade or profession in Cyprus.
Do I have to invest €300,000?
No. The €300,000 qualifying-investment requirement relates to the separate Regulation 6(2) investment route, not the Category F criteria themselves.
Can my spouse and children be included?
Eligible dependants can be included under the Immigration Permit framework, including a spouse and children under 18, subject to the applicable requirements.
How long does Category F take?
A reliable fixed processing period should not be assumed. Category F has historically experienced significant administrative delays, and the current procedural position should be confirmed before relying on this route.
Is Category F currently available?
Category F remains included in the official Immigration Permit framework and current official documentation. However, the practical administrative treatment of new cases should be confirmed before an application is prepared.
Is Category F the same as Regulation 6(2)?
No. Regulation 6(2) is a separate expedited permanent-residence route based on qualifying investment and different financial criteria.
Is the residence card permanent?
The residence right can be of unlimited validity subject to the applicable conditions, while the physical residence card issued to adult holders has a ten-year validity period and must then be replaced.
Can I remain outside Cyprus permanently?
No. Extended absence may result in loss of the Immigration Permit. Under the current framework, an absence from Cyprus for two years can cause the permanent residence right to cease.
Consultation
Considering Category F Permanent Residence?
Tell us about your income sources, family circumstances and residence plans. We will assess whether Category F is currently appropriate or whether another Cyprus residence route may be more suitable.
Consultation
Discuss Your Category F Case
Share a few details about your income sources, family and residence plans. We will review them and outline the appropriate next steps.
- Initial case assessment
- Clear documentation requirements
- Step-by-step procedural guidance
- Ongoing communication and support