Cyprus runs an open permanent residence route for investors. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme to new applicants in 2023. Here is how the two compare today.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Cyprus offers permanent residence by investment through the Civil Registry and Migration Department. The status is granted for an indefinite period once conditions are met. Ireland stopped accepting new Immigrant Investor Programme applications in 2023, so it is shown here as a closed route rather than a live option.
Both are European routes, but Cyprus is not in the Schengen Area, while Ireland is outside Schengen as well. Neither route grants a passport at the start.
Cyprus sets a qualifying investment from EUR 300,000, which can go into a new residential property, other property, shares in a Cypriot company with real activity, or units in a Cypriot investment fund. Applicants also show a secure annual income from abroad, with the often cited figure around EUR 50,000 plus additions for a spouse and each child. Confirm the current thresholds with the official authority.
Ireland is closed, so there is no current price to quote. Earlier enterprise and endowment figures no longer describe an available route.
Cyprus offers a relatively quick route to a permit that does not expire, subject to keeping the investment and meeting conditions. Ireland is not issuing new approvals, and only applications already on hand at the 2023 closure continue under transitional handling.
A Cyprus permit gives residence but not Schengen access by itself, since Cyprus is outside the Schengen Area. Cypriot citizenship is a separate step, generally available after several years of lawful residence. Irish citizenship carries a strong passport, but it is not reachable through a new investor application now that the route is closed.
Cyprus suits an applicant who wants a fast, indefinite permanent residence with a clear property or fund investment and minimal stay requirements. Ireland is relevant only to those already inside the closed programme. For anyone starting now, Cyprus is the live comparison.
| Item | Cyprus Permanent Residence | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Open | Closed to new applicants since 2023 |
| Outcome | Permanent residence, indefinite | Residence, route closed |
| Investment | From EUR 300,000 in property, company shares or fund units | Closed, formerly enterprise and endowment routes |
| Income test | Secure annual income from abroad, often cited around EUR 50,000 plus family additions | Not applicable |
| Authority | Civil Registry and Migration Department | Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Civil Registry and Migration Department, Ministry of the Interior, Cyprus publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Ireland closed it to new applicants on 15 February 2023. Only applications already on hand at that date continue, under the authority's transitional arrangements.
A qualifying investment from EUR 300,000 in property, company shares or fund units, plus proof of secure annual income from abroad. Confirm the current thresholds with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Not by itself. Cyprus is outside the Schengen Area, so a Cyprus permit does not grant Schengen access on its own. Check the current travel rules before you rely on them.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The rules for this route changed recently. Confirm the current position with current guidance before you act.
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