Country guide

Cyprus,
decoded.

A Category F permit needs €9,568 a year in foreign income. Foreign pensions are taxed at a flat 5%. English is everywhere, and they drive on the left. Here's everything else — from official sources, checked and dated.

Cyprus quick facts · verified July 8, 2026
983kPopulation in the government-controlled areas, end-2024 (CYSTAT)
€9,568/yrForeign income required for the Category F permanent residence permit (+€4,613 per dependant)
5%Flat tax on foreign pension income above €5,000/year — an annual election (2026)
0%Tax on dividends and interest for non-domiciled residents, for 17 years
€300kMinimum investment for fast-track permanent residence under Regulation 6(2)
83.2 yrsLife expectancy at birth, 2024 — above the euro-area average of 81.7 (Eurostat)
2.65%GeSY health-system contribution on pension income (capped at €180k/yr of income)
7 yrsCumulative legal residence required for citizenship, plus B1 Greek (Dec 2023 law)
The Cyprus guide

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2026 rule changes

Three things that changed recently — and matter

The 2026 tax reform rewrote the numbers. Voted December 22, 2025 and in force since January 1, 2026: the tax-free band rose to €22,000, the foreign-pension exemption rose to €5,000 (then 5% flat), SDC on rental income was abolished, dividends for domiciled residents now carry 5% SDC, and stamp duty was abolished entirely. Any guide with pre-2026 figures is out of date.
Cyprus is still not in Schengen — but it's close. As of July 2026, Cyprus and Ireland are the only EU members outside Schengen. Cyprus says technical readiness was achieved end-2025; the political decision at Council level is pending. Until it joins, your 90 visa-free days in Cyprus don't count against the Schengen 90/180 clock — useful for scouting trips.
The US raised its travel advisory to Level 3 in March 2026. After a drone strike on the RAF Akrotiri base (March 1, 2026) amid the regional conflict, the State Department moved Cyprus to "Reconsider Travel" on March 3, 2026. Flights and daily life continue normally, but factor it into your planning and check travel.state.gov before you book.
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