Cyprus blends Mediterranean lifestyle with robust legal protections and EU standards—making it a magnet for international buyers. This 2025 guide walks you through eligibility, taxes and fees, purchase steps, and hot investment locations. At Ameti Residences, we go beyond advice: we secure the best property deals in Cyprus through our trusted developer network and provide our own independent lawyers to protect every step of your investment.
1) Can foreigners buy property in Cyprus?
Yes.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: buy without restrictions.
- Non-EU nationals: can purchase (typically one dwelling) but must apply for an acquisition permit from the District Officer under the Aliens Law. In practice, bona fide applications are commonly approved.
👉 At Ameti Residences, we guide non-EU clients through this process, prepare the paperwork, and liaise directly with the District Officer to ensure a smooth approval.
2) Cyprus Permanent Residence via property (optional)
Foreign investors can seek Permanent Residence (PR) by investing €300,000+ (plus VAT) in first-sale residential property and meeting income and other criteria. This is not citizenship, but it offers long-term residency benefits.
👉 We regularly secure PR-eligible properties for our clients, advising on which projects fully comply with the latest 2025 criteria.
3) Taxes & one-off fees when you buy
- VAT (new builds): 19% standard, or reduced 5% VAT on the first 130 m² for qualifying primary residences (subject to the 2023 rules and caps).
- Transfer fees (resales): Payable on tiered scale (3% / 5% / 8%), exempt if VAT was charged.
- Stamp duty: Progressive but low.
- Municipal fees: Instead of the abolished state property tax, expect small local rates.
👉 Our in-house legal team ensures you don’t overpay by checking VAT eligibility, calculating transfer fees, and applying for reduced VAT rates where possible.
4) Title Deeds & buyer protection (critical in Cyprus)
Cyprus is a safe investment market if handled correctly—but title deeds remain a key issue. Always:
- Use an independent lawyer (not the developer’s).
- Deposit the contract at the Land Registry on time.
- Verify planning/building permits and encumbrances.
👉 With Ameti Residences, you don’t need to search for lawyers—we provide our own trusted legal team to secure contracts, handle deed transfers, and protect your rights.
5) The step-by-step buying process with us
- Property consultation & shortlisting – We present curated off-market deals and top developer projects.
- Reservation – Small deposit secures your chosen property.
- Legal due diligence – Our lawyers perform a full title and planning check.
- Contract signing & registration – We handle stamping and lodging with the Land Registry.
- Acquisition permit (non-EU) – Prepared and filed by our team.
- VAT/transfer fee management – Optimized for your case.
- Handover – We check snagging lists, connect utilities, and arrange insurance.
- Title transfer – Deeds issued securely in your name.
6) Where to buy in 2025
- Limassol: Seafront luxury and highest rental yields.
- Paphos: Holiday-let hotspot, PR program favorite.
- Larnaca: Rapidly developing, marina projects driving growth.
- Nicosia: Strong long-term rental market.
👉 We have exclusive partnerships with top developers in all four cities, meaning our clients access pre-market prices and priority units not available to the general public.
7) Financing & structuring
- Mortgages: Available for foreigners, but terms vary—our financial partners assist in applications.
- Company purchases: We advise if structuring through a Cyprus company could optimize taxes.
8) Common pitfalls (and how we protect you)
- Skipping due diligence → Our lawyers run full checks.
- Misunderstanding VAT rules → We apply for 5% where possible.
- Not depositing contracts → We file everything at Land Registry.
- Delayed permits → We liaise directly with authorities.
Why choose Ameti Residences?
Buying overseas can feel overwhelming. With us, it’s seamless:
- Exclusive property deals – We negotiate directly with top developers.
- Independent in-house lawyers – Protect your interests, not the seller’s.
- Residency expertise – Full guidance on Cyprus Permanent Residence.
- End-to-end service – From search to title deeds and rental setup.
Final word
The Cyprus real estate 2025 market offers both lifestyle and investment rewards. With the right partner, you can secure high yields, safe ownership, and even EU residency. At Ameti Residences, we combine exclusive access to the best property deals in Cyprus with full legal protection and end-to-end support—making your investment as smooth and profitable as possible.
📩 Contact us today at info@ametiresidences.com to start your Cyprus property journey.