Property
Cyprus — Property: Foreign Ownership Restrictions
Foreign nationals (non-EU and foreign companies) must obtain government permission to purchase land or property in Cyprus. Permission is limited to a plot up to 4,000 m² for building a dwelling for owner occupation, or up to two residential units. Commercial property investment has different rules requiring minimum investment thresholds.
Why this matters
Foreign ownership is restricted by law; purchasing without permission can result in title being voided or the purchase being rescinded even after payment.
Key facts
- Foreign nationals must obtain written permission from the local District Administration before purchasing any immovable property; no permission = no legal purchase (gov.cy/moi/en/documents/purchasing-property/)
- Permission limited to: (1) a plot up to 4,000 m² to build a dwelling for owner occupation, or (2) up to two residential units in any stage of construction (gov.cy/moi/en/documents/purchasing-property/)
- Application via form COMM 145 to District Administration costs no fee and takes 2–3 weeks to process (gov.cy/moi/en/documents/purchasing-property/)
- Foreign companies and companies controlled by foreign nationals subject to same restrictions as individual foreign nationals (gov.cy/moi/en/documents/purchasing-property/)
- Commercial property (offices, shops, hotels) and land not for residential use have separate rules; minimum investment EUR 300,000 for investor residency under Immigration Permits scheme (gov.cy/mip-md/en/documents/companies-investors-permanent-residence-3/immigration-permits-for-investors/)
- Cypriot citizens, EU nationals, and residents with proper permits have fewer restrictions
- Title must be registered at Department of Lands and Surveys after purchase to be legally recognized
Permission Requirements
All foreign nationals (non-EU citizens, non-residents, and foreign-controlled companies) must submit form COMM 145 to the District Administration before signing any purchase contract or paying any funds.
Investment Alternative
Foreigners investing EUR 300,000+ in commercial property or new-build residential can apply for permanent residency under the Investment Scheme, which bypasses standard foreign-ownership limits.