Cyprus is your emigration golden ticket

You've made up your mind. This year, you'll emigrate to a new country. For a slice of the good life, Cyprus should definitely be on your radar. Low crime, gorgeous landscapes, sunny weather, great schools, advanced healthcare, and a rich culture all make it a top choice. Plus, you can move to this greener pasture without saying goodbye to your South African citizenship.

Benefits of Cyprus citizenship

Becoming a Cypriot is your gateway to new opportunities. Here are some of the advantages you gain with this passport in hand.

See the world: You'll get to travel visa-free to 115 countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and France.

Study further: Your undergrad studies at a public university are free. As Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU), your qualification will also be recognised across all EU countries. You can also opt to study in an EU country with the same conditions and fees as the nationals of the said country.

Work even better: Cyprus's strategic location is a great place for business dealings between Asia, Africa, and Europe. As a Cyprus citizen, you can also gain employment within all 27 EU countries.

Get social security: Employed Cypriots are covered by the Social Insurance Scheme. This provides a wealth of benefits for sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, and your old age.

Enjoy attractive taxing: Tax is an inevitable part of life. However, Cyprus has a simple and transparent tax system - one of the best in the EU. There are multiple exemptions for both individuals and corporates. If you choose not to reside in Cyprus, you won't have to pay tax in the country.

Through Cyprus's Permanent Residence Programme (also known as a golden visa programme), you can fast-track your citizenship by investing in the country. Purchasing Cyprus property is a popular way to do this.

Cyprus citizenship via real estate investment

If you have the required funds, you can snap up residential and commercial property on the island to qualify. There are two options investors can choose.

Option 1: You must purchase property (multiple or single properties) for a value of Euro 2M +VAT. Of such an amount, a residential property purchased for at least Euro 500,000 +VAT must be earmarked and kept as a prime residence. The balance of Euro 1.5M + VAT will be invested in other properties which you must retain for 5 years.

Option 2: You must purchase a single property for Euro 2M +VAT. This must be maintained indefinitely. You will need to make donations towards Cyprus's research and housing projects. You will also need a Schengen visa and a clean criminal record.

Read our Moving Abroad page to learn about this in more detail.

The process is smoother than other routes towards EU citizenship. It's quick as your passport can be issued within six months. You don't have to live in Cyprus for an extended period, pass a language test, or give up your South African citizenship. You can also acquire citizenship for your spouse, dependent children (under 28), and parents.

With many beautiful townhouses, villas, and apartments up for grabs, you can also make a fine investment.

Cyprus properties for sale

3-bedroom Paphos villa: Located in the Peyia region, this villa offers close proximity to retail outlets, fish taverns, cafes, and coffee bars.

3-bedroom Paphos townhouse: This home's design style features stone walls and terracotta roofs. You'll find it blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

1-bedroom Tala apartment: With its elevated position, this apartment gives you breathtaking mountain and Mediterranean sea views.

Invest in Cyprus with Century 21

Looking for more Cyprus real estate options? View our properties for sale and give our SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.™ property professionals a call. We'll help you on your path to EU citizenship.