What is Category F residency in Cyprus?

What is Category F residency in Cyprus?

Category F is a permanent residency permit for non-EU nationals who can support themselves from foreign income — pensions, dividends, rents or investment returns — without working in Cyprus. It is granted under Regulation 5 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations (Cap. 105) and, once approved, lasts indefinitely, covering the applicant, spouse and dependent children. Applications go to the CRMD.

What are the income requirements for Category F?

The statutory minimum is a secured annual income of about €9,568 for a single applicant, with roughly €4,613 more for each dependant — so a couple needs more, and a family proportionally so. The income must come from outside Cyprus; Cyprus employment income does not qualify. These figures are indicative and the authorities may require higher amounts, so confirm the current thresholds with the CRMD before applying.

How does Category F compare to the fast-track route?

Both lead to the same permanent permit but suit different people. Category F needs no property investment and works for retirees and passive-income earners on modest incomes, but processing currently takes years because of backlogs. The Regulation 6(2) fast-track requires a €300,000 investment but is processed in around two months. Choose Category F if cost matters more than speed.