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Ministerial Approval

The definition of alien by law is any person who is not a citizen of the Republic (whether resident or not) including an alien controlled company, but it does not include aliens of Cypriot origin or the alien wife of a person who is a citizen of the republic.

Note: EU members and companies can acquire and invest in any type of property and are treated as ordinary Cypriots since 1st of May 2004

For the purpose of the legislation, acquisition of real estate property includes:

1. Freehold ownership.

2. Long leases of more than 33 years.

3. The acquisition of shares in a company, which owns real estate, if such an acquisition results in the company becoming controlled by aliens.

4. The establishment of a trust or any type of set-up, which is connected with the ownership of real estate, for the benefit of an alien. Any registration of property not complying with the law is invalid. The following general points of real estate acquisition are hereby provided as a very rough and general guidance:

5. A foreigner can buy a house for his own use only. In case of a long established person who has business (e.g. offshore company) or is residing in Cyprus, a permit to buy another house may be forthcoming. E.g. a foreigner has a house in Nicosia and wishes a beach-flat in Larnaka or a villa in Platres for holidays.

6. A foreigner can buy land, for building, up to the extent of three donums (4.000m²). A permit to buy a plot of land outside the development area will most likely be refused (this is not so in the case of a house purchase so situated).

7. No transfer of a share in property can be effected, i.e. a permit will be refused in case of a foreigner acquiring a share in property.

8. One couple (husband and wife) can only buy one house (not one house each).

9. In the case of foreign companies they can buy/build their offices only. No permit will be given for the purchase of a residence unless the house can be registered in the name of the company's director and he makes the application.

10. A house cannot be bought in joint ownership save husband and wife.  In case an alien will construct a building, the cost must be paid in foreign currency.

11. In granting a permit to build, the Government may impose a time limit to effect the transfer/construction of the property. Such limit may be extended, however, on application depending on the circumstances. A period of three years is considered as a maximum but this can also be extended.

12. A foreigner wishing to rent property for periods of thirty-three years or more requires the Council of Ministers' approval.

13. A foreigner can sell his house and buy another. Any bona fide repeat purchaser will be granted a permit.

14. A foreign purchaser may let his property for periods in excess of 30 days to a resident of Cyprus (not short lettings). This does not apply to offices.

15. Any contract in purchase/lease etc. of real estate is valid even if the Council of Ministers rejects the foreigner's request. As such when purchasing property it is recommended that the contract includes a provision for such an event so as to secure a refund or other remedy to cover such an unlikely occurrence.

The time period required for obtaining an answer from the Council of Ministers, provided all documentation is in order is approximately two-three months. As a general rule, all foreigners are permitted to acquire house/ business premises in Cyprus, provided they have:

1. No criminal record in their own country or in Cyprus.

2. The financial means to support themselves in Cyprus (an income per couple in the region of €25.000 per year. is considered satisfactory).

3. Companies with dubious past, unclear ownership, unclear business etc. are not looked upon favourably.