Cyprus’ Ambitious Plan for Schengen Accession
Following Romania and Bulgaria's full accession to the Schengen Zone, Cyprus is now aiming to join the Schengen Zone, which would mark a significant milestone for the country. The Schengen Zone, which consists of 29 European countries, allows for visa-free travel across member states without border controls, making it easier for citizens and tourists alike to move without internal border checks within the area.
Although Cyprus is part of the European Union since 2004, the country remains outside the Schengen Zone, which means travelers to the island still have to go through border controls when entering from other EU countries. However, with the President’s announcement, Cyprus aims to fully integrate the Schengen Area by the end of 2025, a move that will grant its citizens and visitors unprecedented access to the rest of Europe.
For Cypriot citizens, this is an exciting development, as the integration is a long-desired path. The ability to move freely across Europe without being subjected to border controls could significantly strengthen Cyprus' role in the European Union, reinforcing its political and economic ties within the region.
For tourists, this integration will simplify travel plans to and from Cyprus, further enhancing the island's appeal as a travel destination. The Schengen Area offers one of the most convenient and robust travel systems globally, and Cyprus’ inclusion will ensure that travelers can enjoy seamless access to multiple countries in Europe.
Cyprus Golden Visa and Its Benefits
In parallel with this announcement, Cyprus continues to offer one of the most attractive Residency-By-Investment programs in Europe: the Cyprus Golden Visa. This program allows non-EU nationals to obtain Cypriot residency by making a qualifying investment in the country. Cyprus is one of the few European countries that still offers a Golden Visa through a €300,000 real estate investment, providing a pathway to access the benefits of Cyprus residency.
Currently, the residency program offers ability to work, study and live in Cyprus. However, once Cyprus joins the Schengen Zone by the end of 2025, the Golden Visa holders will gain immediate access to all Schengen Area countries without additional travel restrictions for 90 days within a 180-day period.
The upcoming accession to the Schengen Zone brings a sense of urgency for potential investors. As Cyprus integrates into the Schengen Area, the demand for residency through the Golden Visa is likely to increase, as well as pressure from the European Commission to the terminate the program, either partially or completely—as it happened in other member states such as the Netherlands, Hungary and Spain.
The time to invest in Cyprus Golden Visa is now, as specialists already predict that the recent news could lead to a rise in application fees and investment thresholds as the value of Cypriot residency becomes even more desirable for international investors seeking broader access to Europe.
Why Invest in the Cyprus Golden Visa Now?
Cyprus’ move toward Schengen Zone accession presents a critical window for investors to secure a Golden Visa before the program undergoes significant changes. Historically, the entry of EU member states into the Schengen Area has been accompanied by increasing pressure from European institutions to phase out Residency by Investment programs, especially in countries with rapidly growing demand for such visas. This has already been witnessed in other EU member states, where the Golden Visas were affected or terminated. Given Cyprus’ political alignment with European institutions and its commitment to full integration into the Schengen Area, it is highly likely that the Golden Visa program will undergo revisions or even be discontinued post-2025.
Another compelling reason to invest in the Cyprus Golden Visa now is the anticipated surge in demand for Cypriot residency and citizenship. Once Cyprus officially joins the Schengen Area, its passport will automatically gain much more value. The ability to live, work, and travel freely across all Schengen member states will make the Cypriot passport an increasingly sought-after asset in the global mobility landscape.
As the attractiveness of the Cypriot passport rises, the demand for Golden Visas will likely increase exponentially. With this, real estate prices will inevitably increase, making now the optimal time to secure a Golden Visa and invest in Cyprus’ growing property market.
For investors, the Cyprus Golden Visa offers a rare opportunity to purchase premium real estate, secure a European Union residency, and gain access to a market that is poised for significant appreciation in both value and demand as the country prepares for Schengen membership. Waiting until after Cyprus’ full integration could result in higher costs and fewer available opportunities, making early investment a critical decision for those looking to maximize their return on investment.
What to Expect from Cyprus in 2025
Cyprus’ imminent accession to the Schengen Zone presents a unique opportunity for investors seeking to enhance their mobility in Europe. As the country moves toward full integration, those who secure a Cyprus Golden Visa could benefit from greater access to the European Union’s 29 countries and avoid the expected price hikes after 2025.
With the current investment requirements for the Cyprus Golden Visa still relatively attractive, this is the right time to act before prices rise in anticipation of the Schengen accession. Stay tuned for updates as Cyprus continues to progress toward its goal of becoming a fully integrated Schengen Member State.
-
Relocating With Kids? These Are the Best Countries to Raise a Family
When considering relocation, finding the best countries to raise a family often involves looking at factors like excellent schools, safe...
