How does the acquisition permit for non-EU buyers work, and what timeline should I plan for?

• Non-EU buyers need an Acquisition Permit from the District Administration (acting for the Council of Ministers) before title transfer.
• Apply after you sign and stamp the sale contract. A lawyer files Form COMM 145 with passport details, proof of funds, and the property particulars. The state charges no application fee.
• There would be a 2–3 week review. Plan for roughly 30–45 days. Some districts or complex files can run two to four months.
• File the stamped sale contract at the Land Registry within six months to protect your rights until transfer. The permit typically covers one residence or a plot up to about 4,014 m² for personal use.
• When comparing properties for sale Cyprus, build this timeline into your plan and sequence payments around permit and title-transfer dates.