Quick answer
To retire in Cyprus, EU citizens register for a yellow slip, while UK and other non-EU retirees usually apply for a one-year visitor residence permit (pink slip) or a Category F permanent residence permit, both of which require income from abroad and forbid work. As of 2026, tax-resident retirees can choose a flat 5% tax on foreign pension income above €5,000 a year, or the normal scale with its €22,000 tax-free band.
- EU/EEA citizens register with the Migration Department for a yellow slip (MEU1).
- Non-EU retirees, including UK nationals arriving since 2021, use a visitor permit (pink slip) or Category F.
- Category F requires secure income from abroad of at least €9,568 a year plus €4,613 per dependant (official figures).
- From 2026, foreign pensions can be taxed at 5% above €5,000, or at normal rates with a €22,000 tax-free band.
- UK State Pension recipients may be able to use an S1 to join GESY.
Sunshine, a relaxed pace and a favourable tax regime for pensions make Cyprus a popular place to retire. The right residence route depends mainly on your nationality, and the 2026 tax reform changed how pensions are taxed.
Which residence route applies to you?
| You are | Usual route | Can you work? |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA or Swiss citizen | Registration certificate (MEU1, "yellow slip") as a self-sufficient person | Yes |
| UK national resident in Cyprus before 2021 | Residence document under the Withdrawal Agreement | Yes |
| UK national arriving since 2021, or other non-EU national | Visitor residence permit ("pink slip") or Category F permanent residence | No |
See our residency permits guide for the wider picture.
How does the visitor permit (pink slip) work?
The visitor residence permit is a temporary permit for non-EU nationals who want to live in Cyprus without working, such as retirees. It is issued for up to one year and renewed annually while you still meet the conditions.
Under the policy in force since 2023, as reported by KPMG Cyprus, first-time applicants needed to show income of at least €2,000 a month (€24,000 a year), increased for a spouse and children, and transfer funds from abroad. Applicants also provide health insurance, a criminal record certificate, a medical examination in Cyprus and a rental agreement or title deed. Requirements are revised from time to time, so check the current list on the Migration Department's visitors page before you apply.
The permit can be cancelled if you stay outside Cyprus for long periods, and it does not allow any economic activity.
What is Category F?
Category F is a permanent residence permit (sometimes called an immigration permit) for people with a secure income from abroad. The Migration Department's published requirement is income of at least €9,568 a year for the applicant plus €4,613 for each dependant. The income can come from pensions, dividends, interest or rent, and must allow a decent standard of living in Cyprus.
Category F holders may not work or run a business in Cyprus. Applications take longer than the visitor permit, so many people hold a visitor permit while their Category F application is examined. A government fee applies; check the current amount with the Migration Department.
How do you apply? Step by step
1. Arrive legally
Enter Cyprus on a valid visa or visa-free stay, within the 90 days in any 180-day limit that applies to many nationalities.
2. Find a home
Sign a rental agreement or buy a property. You will need it for your application.
3. Gather documents
Typically: passport, proof of income and funds, health insurance, criminal record certificate (certified and translated where needed), rental contract or title deed, and photos.
4. Submit to the Migration Department
Apply through the Migration Department. Some residence permits can now be renewed online (since July 2026), but biometrics are still taken in person.
How are pensions taxed in Cyprus?
If you become a Cyprus tax resident (see our 183-day and 60-day rules guide), you are taxed on worldwide income. For pensions from work done abroad you can choose, each year, between:
- A flat 5% on the amount above €5,000 a year (as of 2026; previously €3,420), or
- The normal income tax scale, where the first €22,000 is tax-free.
As a rough illustration, if a foreign pension were your only income, the normal scale would be cheaper up to about €27,700 a year and the flat rate cheaper above that. Other income changes the calculation, so compare both options every year.
Government service pensions (for example from a civil service or armed forces career) are usually taxed only in the country that pays them under double tax treaties. Check the treaty with your home country. Non-domiciled residents are generally exempt from defence contribution on dividends and interest; see our non-dom guide.
From the 2026 tax year, residents under 71 must file a return even with no taxable income, so most new retirees will file. See how to file a tax return.
What about healthcare?
Legal residents who contribute can join GESY, the national health system; GESY contributions also apply to pension income. If you receive a UK State Pension, you may be entitled to an S1 form, which you request from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services and then register with GESY. Read our GESY guide.
Common problems
- Income from Cyprus sources: Category F income must come from abroad.
- Long absences: both permits can be lost if you spend long periods away.
- Tax residency surprises: spending more than 183 days in Cyprus makes you tax resident, whatever your permit.
- Untranslated documents: use certified translations into Greek or English.
What to do next
- Get a Cyprus tax number.
- Budget with our cost of living guide.
- Compare districts with our area finder.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
Can I retire to Cyprus from the UK?
Yes. UK nationals who were not living in Cyprus before 2021 are treated as non-EU nationals, so they usually apply for a visitor residence permit (pink slip) or a Category F permanent residence permit, both based on income from abroad.
How much income do I need for Category F in Cyprus?
The Migration Department's published figure is at least €9,568 a year for the applicant plus at least €4,613 for each dependant, from secure sources abroad such as pensions, dividends, interest or rent.
Is a pink slip the same as Category F?
No. The visitor pink slip is a temporary residence permit renewed every year. Category F is a permanent residence permit for people with secure income from abroad. Neither allows you to work.
How is my pension taxed if I retire to Cyprus?
If you are Cyprus tax resident, a pension for work done abroad can be taxed at a flat 5% on the amount above €5,000 a year (as of 2026), or at normal rates if that is cheaper. Some government pensions are taxed only in the paying country under tax treaties.
Do retirees get free healthcare in Cyprus?
Retirees who are legally resident and contribute can join GESY, the national health system. UK State Pension recipients may be able to register an S1 form so the UK covers their GESY costs.
