Organizing the relocation of elderly parents to Cyprus is an important step that requires careful preparation and understanding of the various immigration options available. Cyprus offers several residency status options for parents, allowing you to choose the most suitable one depending on the situation. Whether the applicant is a Cypriot citizen or resides on the island with a work visa, each situation comes with its own legal nuances and requirements. Additionally, there are opportunities to obtain temporary or permanent residency through programs for financially independent individuals or investments in real estate.
In this article, we will examine three key options for obtaining residency for elderly parents in Cyprus: family reunification for Cypriot citizens, joining the applicant’s work visa, and applying for separate residency permits such as a Visitor Visa or permanent residency through real estate investment.
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Reasons to relocate parents to Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the best places for elderly people to live due to its climate, healthcare quality, and safety.
Climate and its impact on health
Cyprus is known for its mild Mediterranean climate, which has a positive effect on the health of elderly people. Warm winters and moderate summer temperatures create comfortable living conditions, especially for those suffering from chronic conditions such as arthritis or respiratory problems. The absence of extreme temperatures helps reduce the risk of exacerbating diseases related to cold and humidity.
High-quality healthcare
Cyprus offers high-quality healthcare, both in public and private clinics. Elderly people who obtain residency can register with the national healthcare system GESY (the program is not available for all types of residency). This system provides a wide range of services, from doctor consultations to inpatient treatment and surgeries. This ensures that parents will receive the necessary medical care when needed.
Safety and peace of mind
Cyprus consistently ranks high in safety ratings, making it one of the safest places to live in Europe. The low crime rate and the friendliness of the local population create a calm atmosphere, which is especially important for elderly people who value a sense of security and confidence in their surroundings.
Convenience and infrastructure
Cyprus offers well-developed infrastructure and services aimed at providing a comfortable lifestyle for elderly residents. This includes easy access to medical facilities, transportation, shopping centers, and restaurants. Many residential complexes offer specially equipped apartments and houses with accessibility features for people with limited mobility, significantly easing daily life.
Ease of mobility
Cyprus has a well-developed transport infrastructure, making travel both within the country and abroad easy and convenient. International airports allow parents to maintain contact with family and travel back home when necessary. This provides additional comfort for those who wish to keep in touch with their loved ones.
Tax benefits
Cyprus offers several tax incentives for retirees, making it financially attractive. For example, there is no inheritance tax, and income tax rates, particularly on pensions and other passive income such as dividends, remain low. Holders of non-domicile status are exempt from paying taxes on dividends for 17 years, with only a 2.65% contribution to GESY required. All of this allows parents to save considerable funds and live in Cyprus with minimal financial expenses.
Relocating parents through the family reunification program
Cypriot citizens have the right to invite their elderly parents for permanent residence through the family reunification program. This program allows parents to legally obtain a residency permit. The process requires meeting several legal requirements and preparing the necessary documents.
Key conditions for participating in the program
Applicant’s citizenship
To apply for family reunification, the applicant must be a Cypriot citizen and permanently reside in the country. This is a key condition of the program, which confirms the right to invite parents to live on the island. It is important for the applicant to have sufficient funds to support their parents.
Financial support for parents
The applicant must demonstrate the ability to financially support their parents in Cyprus. This is confirmed by providing income certificates, tax declarations, and bank statements. A stable income that allows for the maintenance of parents without the need for their employment is essential.
Availability of housing for parents
The applicant must prove that they have suitable housing for their parents. This can be either owned property or rented accommodation. The rental agreement must be officially certified by a mukhtar or a certified officer to meet immigration service requirements.
Health insurance
Parents must have Plan A health insurance to reside in Cyprus. The minimum cost of the insurance starts at 120 euros per year.
Medical examinations
Parents must undergo a medical examination to obtain a residency permit. This examination includes tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B and C, as well as a chest X-ray to confirm the absence of tuberculosis from a state hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, properly certified by a state doctor. These tests are mandatory for obtaining residency. Medical tests are submitted only during the initial visit to the Migration Department.
Application process
- Document preparation.To apply, the following documents must be gathered: parents’ passports, birth certificates, criminal record certificates from the country of residence, proof of financial support, a rental or property agreement, and medical tests.
- Application submission.The documents are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department of Cyprus. The review process may take up to 9 months. During the review, parents can remain on the island based on a receipt confirming the submission of the documents.
Parents’ rights after obtaining a residency permit
Once the residency permit is granted, parents will be able to access state healthcare services provided by the Cypriot health system. However, to receive a pension in Cyprus, parents must reside on the island for a certain number of years. Pension rights typically arise after 20-35 years of residence, depending on the parents’ age and status.
The family reunification program is an excellent option for Cypriot citizens who want to relocate their elderly parents to the island, ensuring them stable and comfortable living conditions.
Residency for parents through a work visa in Cyprus
If you live in Cyprus on a work visa, you have the opportunity to invite your parents to reside with you through the family reunification program. In this case, your parents will be attached to your work visa as dependent family members, allowing them to legally stay in Cyprus and receive certain social benefits.
Key conditions
To invite your parents to Cyprus, you must have a valid work visa and legally reside on the island. Your residency permit must be valid for at least one year to guarantee your parents’ right to temporary residence.
Financial stability
You are required to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support your parents. This can be proven by providing bank statements, income certificates, or other documents that confirm your financial independence.
Housing
You must prove that you have suitable accommodation for living with your parents. This can be either rented or owned property, which must be confirmed with the appropriate documents.
Health insurance
Your parents will need to obtain Plan A health insurance, which covers basic medical expenses and care in Cyprus.
Application process
Document collection
To apply, you will need to gather the following documents: parents’ passports, birth certificates, proof of your legal status in Cyprus, income certificates, housing documents, and medical certificates.
Submitting the application
The documents are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department of Cyprus. After review and approval, your parents will receive a temporary residence permit, which will be linked to the validity period of your work visa.
Renewal of the residence permit
After the first year of residence, your parents will be able to renew their temporary residence permit for the same duration as your work visa. To renew, you will need to resubmit the required documents and proof of financial stability and housing.
The family reunification process allows your parents to live in Cyprus for the duration of your work visa, as well as enjoy certain rights, such as access to healthcare services.
Obtaining a separate Visitor Permit Visa for parents
For elderly parents who are not Cypriot citizens and plan to stay on the island for an extended period, the Visitor Visa, or Pink Slip, is one of the most suitable options for temporary residence. This status allows a stay of more than 90 days in Cyprus without the right to work, ensuring legal residence on the island.
Main requirements for obtaining a Visitor Visa
Financial independence
Parents must prove they have a stable income from abroad that fully covers their living expenses in Cyprus. A minimum of €2,000 per month (or €24,000 per year) is required for one person. If parents are moving together, the amount increases by 20% for the spouse and 15% for each additional family member.
Housing
You must provide a rental agreement or property ownership documents. The lease must be for at least one year and certified by a mukhtar or certified officer.
Health insurance
Parents must obtain Plan A insurance, which covers outpatient and inpatient medical care. Having health insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the Pink Slip.
Medical certificates
Before applying, parents must undergo a medical examination, which includes tests for infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, as well as a chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis.
Other documents are also required. For more details on the Visitor Visa, we have covered this in a separate article.
Application process
Document preparation
The required documents include proof of income, copies of passports, translated and apostilled criminal record certificates, medical tests, and a rental agreement.
Submitting the application
The application is submitted to the local migration office. At the time of submission, government fees of €140 per person (for Russian citizens) are paid. After this, parents can legally stay in Cyprus while their application is being processed.
Biometric data
Parents must personally visit the migration office to submit biometric data: fingerprints and photographs.
Processing time
The application review process typically takes around 6 months. Upon completion, a plastic temporary residence permit card is issued.
Renewal and restrictions
The Pink Slip is issued for a period of one year with the option for annual renewal. However, if parents leave Cyprus for more than 3 consecutive months, their residence permit will be revoked. Therefore, it is important to consider the need for continuous presence on the island. The state fee for renewal is €70 per person (for Russian citizens).
This process is suitable for those planning long-term stays in Cyprus without the intention to work, such as retirees or individuals with income from abroad.
Permanent Residency in Cyprus through Real Estate Investment
If your parents are not Cypriot citizens, but you want to secure their long-term stay on the island, one of the most popular options is obtaining permanent residency through real estate investment. This path allows parents to acquire permanent resident status in Cyprus. Parents must apply as independent, separate applicants, just like when applying for a Visitor Visa.
Key requirements for obtaining permanent residency
To qualify for permanent residency, a minimum investment of €300,000 + VAT in the purchase of new real estate is required. This can be either residential or commercial property. Additionally, VAT of 19% must be paid. However, if the property size is up to 140 m², a reduced VAT rate of 5% may apply. More details are provided in our separate article on VAT reduction.
Financial requirements
In addition to the real estate investment, applicants must prove a stable income from abroad. The minimum annual income for one applicant must be €50,000. For each dependent family member (spouse, children), this amount increases by €10,000.
Application process
The application is submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department of Cyprus. After submitting the documents, applicants must provide biometric data, such as photographs and fingerprints.
Processing time
The application review process takes up to 12 months. Once approved, parents will receive a permanent resident card.
Additional expenses
Besides the cost of real estate, there are government fees of approximately €500 per applicant. There may also be additional expenses for legal assistance with the transaction and document processing.
This option is suitable for those who want to ensure long-term residence for their parents in Cyprus and provide them access to the benefits of permanent resident status.
Moving elderly parents or retirees to Cyprus can be an excellent option for ensuring their comfortable and secure life. With family reunification programs, Visitor Visas, and the option to obtain permanent residency through investments, there are several legal pathways for their long-term stay on the island. Cyprus offers a mild climate, accessible healthcare, developed infrastructure, and safety, making it an ideal place for elderly people seeking a peaceful and high-quality life in retirement.
