Cyprus

Cyprus gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. Despite a constitution which guaranteed a degree of power-sharing between the Greek Cypriot majority and the Turkish Cypriot minority, the two populations – with backing from the governments of Greece and Turkey, respectively, clashed in 1974, with the end result being the occupation of the northern and eastern 40% of the island by Turkey. In 1983, the Turkish-held area declared itself the “Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus”. So far, only Turkey recognizes the TRNC, while all other governments and the United Nations recognize only the government of the Republic of Cyprus over the whole island. The UN operates a peacekeeping force and a narrow buffer zone between the two Cypriot ethnic groups. Fortunately, open hostilities have been absent for some time, as the two sides (now with the growing involvement of the European Union) gradually inch towards a reunification of some sort.
Climate
Temperate; Mediterranean with hot, humid summers and cool, wet winters.
Terrain
Central plain with mountains to north and south; scattered but significant plains along southern coast.
Cyprus International Press Service sells maps of the whole island of Cyprus and regional maps.

Cyprus is a perfect location for those who want a diverse culture and mild Mediterranean climate. Cyprus has an investor immigration program for investors looking for opportunities.

Within three months, an investor application will be fast-tracked for citizenship. There are no language requirements nor any requirement to be physical present in the country (however, you will have to visit every 7 years). The requirement is to either hold a permanent privately-owned residence in the Republic of Cyprus of which the purchase price must be at least 500,000 Euros and must choose one of the prescribed investment options and maintain it for the requisite time.

There are 6 options:

1. Mixed Investments and a donation to a state fund

Deposit and three year maintenance of 2 Million Euros for purchase of shares and/or bonds of the State Investment Company and should make a donation of 500,000 Euros to the Research and Technology Fund.

2. Direct Investment

Make a investment of at least 5 Million Euros, maintaining it for 3 years in one of the following:

• Property
• Businesses or companies
• Financial Assets

3. Bank Deposit

Applicants choosing this option must have a fixed term deposit of at least 5 million Euros for 3 years in a Cypriot bank.

4. Combination of options 1, 2, and 3 which must amount to at least 5 million Euros
5. Business activities

To use this option, you must be a shareholder or beneficiary owner of a company, the management of which is in the Republic of Cyprus and the company has contributed at least 500,000 Euros per year, in the past 3 years to state funds.

6. Persons whose deposits with the Bank of Cyprus or Popular bank have been impaired

Those applicants that have incurred an impairment in deposits amounting to a total of at least 3 Million Euros can apply for Cypriot citizenship and if the amount is less than 3 million Euros, the difference can be made through additional investment.

As a citizen of Cyprus, you are able to live, work and study anywhere in Europe.