Offshore Guidebook | Real Estate Investor Magazine REIM Offshore 2020 | Page 22

CYPRUS 13 reasons to own a property in Cyprus JENNY ELLINAS Cyprus was recently crowned the safest country in the world and saw an increase of 65% in property sales to overseas buyers. Cyprus was also voted as having the best permanent residency & dual-citizenship programme in Europe. There’s never been a better time to invest in Cyprus. E urope remains the preferred offshore invest- ment hotspot for the majority of South Af- ricans. There is positive economic growth, decreasing unemployment rates and on-going po- litical stability, all of which has cemented Europe as being a very safe destination for our hard-earned ZAR. The lifestyle benefits The best programmes The lifestyle in Cyprus is very similar to the lifestyle in South Africa, with beautiful beaches and golf courses. But unlike South Africa, Cyprus has been voted as one of the safest countries in the world. Cyprus was recently voted as having the best permanent residency & 2nd citizenship programmes available in Europe. Cyprus’ Fast Track permanent residency programme entitles 3 generations in the same family line to all secure permanent residency FOR LIFE in 2 months of making application. All dependent children up to the age of 25 as well as both the parents AND the parents-in-law automatically qualify under the main investor. In addition to being a full member of the EU and the Common Wealth, Cyprus is a very popular choice not only because of the affordable investment entry- level to secure permanent residency and the speed to secure a 2nd citizenship, but also because of the lifestyle benefits. 13 reasons to own a property in Cyprus: 1. The minimum property investment on the permanent residency programme is €300,000 – the 2nd cheapest in Europe after Greece. You can rent out the property and you do not need to live in Cyprus for the residency permits to be valid, you only need to visit the island 1 day every 2 years. 2. If you are looking for 2nd citizenship, then having an EU passport has enormous benefits. You and your family (including dependent children up to age 28) have unlimited access to the EU and UK. Benefits include being able to travel, live and work anywhere in the European Economic Area; plus visa-free travel to more than 171 countries in the world. 4. Cyprus’ 2nd citizenship programme was voted as being the best. It is the quickest in Europe, it only takes 6 months to process, but more importantly, citizenship is passed down to future generations and you do not need to live in Cyprus for your citizenship to remain valid. On both programmes your property ownership gives you a solid investment, good rental returns, a superlative lifestyle in The Med; and easy access to Europe. Both the permanent residency and the dual-citizenship property investment programmes immediately benefit the investor and his/her family: 3. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 1. 2. 20 OFFSHORE GUIDEBOOK 2020 Securing Permanent Residency in 2 months on the Fast Track Residency Programme Securing EU Citizenship in 6 months on the Citizenship Through Investment Programme 13. There is no language barrier as everyone speaks English – no need for a translator. Europe is on your doorstep: Cyprus has 2 International Airports and several marinas. Cyprus has been voted one of the safest countries in the world – your personal safety is assured. Cyprus is a full member of the EU, economically stable and politically secure and not flooded with refugees. You can acquire permanent residency or EU 2nd citizenship by buying property: Properties in Cyprus offer excellent value for money when compared to other European countries – especially homes right on or near to The Med. Cyprus is a very popular tourist destination so owning an investment property will reap an attractive offshore income. There is no inheritance tax, so you can implement effective tax planning. The lifestyle on offer in Europe is similar to South Africa: golf courses, breath- taking countryside, modern cities etc. You do not need to live in Cyprus every year to retain your residency status; You can rent out your property to earn a Euro-based income; Euro-accredited education gives your children / grandchildren a distinct advantage when they enter the global job market; 1st world medical facilities & affordable healthcare are on offer with highly qualified doctors & specialists. OFFSHORE GUIDEBOOK 2020 21