Cyprus has moved further into the final stages of its Schengen accession process following a positive technical assessment from the European Commission.
The Commission adopted its 2025/2026 Schengen Country Report for Cyprus after Member States gave a positive opinion in the Schengen Committee in June. The report was also included in the Council’s Working Party for Schengen Matters on 15 September 2026. A final Council decision is still required before Cyprus can fully join the Schengen Area.
The development is particularly relevant to holders and prospective applicants for Cypriot residence permits. Cyprus is an EU Member State but is not yet fully part of the Schengen Area, meaning Cypriot residence permits do not currently provide the same Schengen travel framework as residence permits issued by participating Schengen countries.
Once accession is completed and the relevant rules take effect, eligible Cypriot residence permit holders are expected to benefit from the Schengen short-stay framework, subject to the applicable entry conditions.
For investors considering residency in Cyprus, now may be a good time to apply and benefit from the current investment value. Once Cyprus joins the Schengen Area, property prices are expected to increase.
For information on the Cyprus residency routes currently available to investors and their eligibility requirements, contact Reach Immigration.
