Ask A Question  | Learn more about Cyprus

As a participant of Cyprus’ CBI program, can I file an application for my sister to immigrate to Cyprus?

I obtained my Cypriot citizenship about two years ago through its citizenship-by-investment program. I want my sister to join me in Cyprus and live here. Are there any types of long-term visas or resident permits that will serve this purpose? Can I file an application for her? How long does it take before she can enter the country legally and stay here?


Answers
  • Christodoulou & Partners LLC
    April 24, 2019

    If the CBI is based on a business scheme, you have the option to employ your sister in your business, specifically as a high-ranking senior manager. Thus, she may apply provided that she receives such a remuneration for the republic tax revenue of at least 100,000 euros over a three-year period, that this amount has already been paid or prepaid, and that she acquires a home of at least 500,000 in value. Another option is issuing permanent residency based on category F, or under 6.2. This category applies to persons who possess, and have fully and freely at their disposal, a secured annual income, high enough to give them a decent living in Cyprus, without having to engage in any business, trade or profession. The annual income required should be at least 9,568.17 euros for a single applicant. The time frame to acquire a permanent residency permit under category F is up to a year. Alternatively, an application under the rule 6.2 takes up to two months for a permanent resident permit to be granted, but in this respect, the applicant will have to acquire a residency from the primary market of value of at least 300,000 euros and have at their disposal an annual income of at least 30,000. Under both permanent residency schemes, there is a prohibition of employment in Cyprus. If a working visa is required, then an eligible employer must be sought in order to sponsor the employment application on her behalf. Rules and regulations apply with regards to who is considered an eligible employer and, for that matter, an eligible employee. Siblings of a Cyprus national are not entitled to apply under the scheme of family reunification.

  • Andreas Coucounis & Co LLC
    April 23, 2019

    We need the full information to answer this, even though at the outset I would say that the sister would need to file a separate application and comply with the investment criteria of the CBI. Alternatively, she can apply for the permanent resident permit.

  • Giorgos Landas LLC
    April 25, 2019

    Your sister has to apply for a separate application in order to acquire citizenship with her own investment. She also has the option to apply for permanent residency through the purchase of real estate valued at 300,000 euros, plus VAT.

  • Vasiliou Law
    May 02, 2019

    Your sister will not be able to apply under the investment that you have already done. However, she can apply for CBI on her own or apply for permanent residency under different investment criteria. There are different requirements for each application. We will need more specific details in order to advise accordingly.

  • Antis Triantafyllides & Sons LLC
    May 02, 2019

    Assuming your sister does not intend to work in Cyprus, then there are two possible permanent residence permits to apply for, both of which, if successful, are granted for life. Apply for a permit under Regulation 6(2) of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations. This permit: requires the applicant to prove that they have an annual income of at least 30,000 emanating from abroad; requires the purchase by the applicant of a property in Cyprus worth at least 300,000; and a declaration of the applicant’s intention not to be employed in Cyprus or not to be engaged in any form of business in Cyprus. An application for a permit under Regulation 6(2) takes two months to be examined. Apply for a Category F immigration permit. For this permit: the applicant must possess a sufficient secured annual income to cover living expenses in Cyprus (for a single application, this amount should be at least 9,568.17); this annual income must derive from legal sources from abroad and not from activities or self-employment in Cyprus; and the applicant has to option to either buy property or rent. An application for a Category F permit takes approximately one year to one-and-a-half year to be examined.

  • P. Angelides & CO LLC
    April 23, 2019

    A CBI application does not allow automatically for a sibling to be eligible for a residency visa and/or an otherwise long-term stay. You can file an application for her beforehand and the CBI will definitely be taken into account as a positive factor affecting the approval, but it is not a determinant. Usually within two months you should have a reply.

  • Evagoras Anastasiou & Associates LLC
    April 23, 2019

    Your sister cannot join you through your CBI program. Her solutions are: a new application for citizenship-by-investment; a permanent residency program with an investment of a privately owned house worth 300,000 and a deposit of about 30,000 in a Cyprus bank account (she is not allowed to work); a work permit at your company (if you have one) or any other Cypriot company of a one-year validity which can be renewed (it is mandatory that the company has a minimum capital of about 230,000 and your sister is allowed to work only at that company); a residence permit of validity of one year which can be renewed. It is required to have a place to stay and about 20,000 in her bank account. Sources of living must be only from abroad, as she is not allowed to work.

  • Fidescorp Chartered Accountants
    April 23, 2019

    Your sister can apply for permanent residency by investing 300,000 euros plus VAT in a residential property. The approval time takes approximately two months from the day of submission. Unfortunately, she cannot be accommodated through your own citizenship application.