Compare Portugal and Cyprus's residency-by-investment programs to find the best path for your EU residency, weighing investment costs, residency rules, and citizenship options. For complete details, see our Portugal Golden Visa guide.
Both Portugal and Cyprus offer attractive residency-by-investment programs that provide non-EU citizens with a pathway to European residency. These programs differ significantly in investment requirements, residency conditions, and paths to citizenship. To compare with other options, see our guide to the best Golden Visa programs worldwide.
Portugal's Golden Visa program has evolved since 2023, shifting focus from real estate to investment funds, business creation, and cultural contributions. Cyprus's Permanent Residency program centers on real estate investments and offers immediate permanent residency status.
This comprehensive guide compares both options to help you determine which program might be more suitable for your specific goals, whether they involve eventual EU citizenship, tax optimization, or lifestyle preferences.
Investment: €300K investment
Citizenship: 7 years, B1 Greek
Stay: 1 visit/2 years
Tax: Non-dom tax benefits
Both programs offer distinct investment paths tailored to different goals. For Portugal's fund options, explore our comprehensive fund list.
| Investment Type | Portugal | Cyprus |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | N/A | €300K (residential) |
| Investment Funds | €500K (venture capital) | €300K (collective funds) |
| Business Investment | €500K (10 jobs, or 5 in low-density) | €300K (5+ employees) |
| Cultural Donation | €250K (€200K low-density) | N/A |
| Scientific Research | €500K | N/A |
Portugal offers more diverse investment options but at higher price points, while Cyprus maintains a consistent €300K threshold across its investment paths with real estate being the most popular option.
Portugal: Requires 7 days/year in the first year, then 14 days every 2 years. Residency permit renewed every 2 years, with investment maintained for 5 years.
Cyprus: No minimum stay requirement; just visit once every 2 years. Grants permanent residency for life, with residence cards renewed every 10 years. Investment must be maintained indefinitely.
Comparison: Cyprus offers greater flexibility with lifelong PR and minimal visits, while Portugal's minimal stay requirement better suits those seeking citizenship.
Portugal: IFICI offers 20% tax for research/tech roles (with 183+ days stay). Standard rates: 13–48% apply otherwise. No wealth tax; 10% inheritance tax on local assets.
Cyprus: Non-dom status exempts foreign dividends/interest for 17 years (with 183+ days). Income tax: 0–35%; no wealth tax. Extensive tax treaty network applies.
Comparison: Cyprus offers more comprehensive tax benefits for high-net-worth individuals; Portugal's benefits are narrower, favoring specific professionals.
Portugal: Invest (€250K–€500K), submit via AIMA's ARI portal, attend biometrics. Takes 12–15 months. Fees: €5K–€8K (main applicant), €500–€2K (dependents 18+). For expert guidance, consider hiring a specialized Golden Visa lawyer.
Cyprus: Invest (€300K), submit via Migration Department, complete biometrics. Takes 2–3 months. Fees: €500–€1K (main applicant), €70–€100 (dependents).
Comparison: Cyprus offers a significantly faster and more affordable application process; Portugal's process is delayed by backlogs.
Portugal: Includes spouse, dependent children (under 18, or under 26 if students), parents (any age). Fees: €5K–€7K per dependent. All gain residency.
Cyprus: Includes spouse, children (under 18, or under 25 if students), unmarried adult students. Fees: €70–€100 per dependent. All gain permanent residency.
Comparison: Portugal is more inclusive for parents and older dependents; Cyprus offers significantly lower dependent fees and lifelong residency. For current trends, view Portugal Golden Visa statistics.
Portugal: Eligible after 5 years from application, with 7 days/year stay and A2 Portuguese language proficiency. Dual citizenship allowed, subject to home country laws.
Cyprus: Eligible after 7 years of residency, including 12 months of continuous stay before application, with B1 Greek language ability. Dual citizenship allowed. A separate €2M+ investment program offers faster citizenship.
Comparison: Portugal offers a faster, more flexible citizenship path; Cyprus requires longer residency and continuous stay for naturalization.
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