Updated
GL-S-07
Glossary · Cyprus PR
Sale contract in Cyprus - the main document of the deal
The main purchase contract: price, payment schedule, delivery and title transfer dates
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- The main purchase contract: price, payment schedule, delivery and title transfer dates
- What to attach
- A DLS search certificate no older than 5 working days
- What next
- Deposit it with the DLS, fee €50
- For PR
- A deposited contract in your name and €300,000 paid are the basis of the application
02 / In plain words
What Sale contract in Cyprus means
The contract of sale (SPA, in Greek Πωλητήριο Έγγραφο) is the main document of a property purchase in Cyprus. It describes the property, price, payment schedule, delivery and title transfer dates, penalties and how money is refunded.
A DLS search certificate no older than 5 working days before signing is attached (Law 132(I)/2023). Stamp duty was abolished for contracts from 01.01.2026. On a new build buyers usually pay 10-30% on signing and the rest by construction stage.
For PR the contract is the central document: the criteria require a contract or title in the name of the applicant or spouse, filed with the Department of Lands and Surveys. So we deposit the contract right after signing.
A simple example
A client buys a flat for €320,000 + VAT. The lawyer orders the certificate, the contract is signed 3 days later and the client pays 30% on schedule. A week later the contract is deposited; once €300,000 is paid the client applies for PR.
When you need a sale contract
- Buying a new build from a developer
- Buying commercial property
- Applying for PR
- Opening a Cyprus bank account
- Annual proof of the investment
03 / What it covers
What the contract must contain
Property
- Description and plot number
- Area
- Unit number
Money
- Price and VAT
- Payment schedule
- Seller's account
Dates
- Delivery
- Title transfer
- Penalties
Protection
- Refunds
- Developer mortgage
- Certificate attached
04 / How it works
How a sale contract is signed
Property checks
Title, certificate, mortgage, permits, VAT.
Draft
The buyer's lawyer amends the terms.
Signing
A certificate no older than 5 working days is attached.
First payment
From a personal account abroad to the seller's account.
Deposit
The contract is filed with the DLS.
05 / Key facts
What matters
01Certificate for the contract
Max 5 working days old
Law 132(I)/2023. It shows the owner, mortgages, seizures and deposited contracts.
02Stamp duty
€0
Abolished for contracts from 01.01.2026 (Law 239(I)/2025).
03Payment
From your account abroad
Money goes from the personal account of the client, spouse or their company abroad to the seller's account in a Cyprus bank.
04For PR
Deposited before applying
The application needs a contract in the name of the applicant or spouse filed with the DLS, and €300,000 paid.
Common mistakes
Signing the developer's draft as is
The buyer's lawyer adds title transfer dates, penalties and terms on the developer mortgage.
Paying before signing and checking the seller's account
First the contract and a check of the seller's account, then the money.
Not depositing the contract at once
The law allows 6 months, but we file within 1-2 weeks: before the deposit there is no priority and no PR application.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Before signing, get a Cyprus tax number and give your lawyer a power of attorney. Prepare the personal account abroad the payment will come from and proof of where the money comes from.
What we do for you. We check the property, amend the developer's draft in the buyer's favour, handle the signing and deposit the contract straight away.
Igor VentsHead of real estate, Title Deed and property checks
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
The main contract of the deal: property, price, payment schedule, dates and penalties.
A DLS search certificate no older than 5 working days before signing.
No, it was abolished for contracts from 01.01.2026.
On a new build usually 10-30%, the rest by construction stage.
Yes, through a lawyer with a power of attorney.
The contract is deposited with the DLS, fee €50.
Cyprus PR glossary
- Cyprus PR programme →
- Cyprus PR
- ARC (Cyprus alien registration)
- Form MIP2
- Cyprus residence card
- Cyprus PR criteria
- Cyprus Migration Department
- Secure annual income
- Dependent students 18-25
- Cyprus PR monitoring
- Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys
- Title deed in Cyprus
- Encumbrance in Cyprus
- Separate title deed in Cyprus
- Developer mortgage in Cyprus
- Specific performance law
- Direct title issue to the buyer
- Cyprus transfer fees
- Foreign buyer permit (Cap. 109)
- Planning permit
- Building permit
- Certificate of final approval
- Division permit
- First sale from a developer
- Resale property in Cyprus
- 18-month new building rule
- Commercial property for Cyprus PR
- Short-term rental licence
- VAT on Cyprus property
- Reduced 5% VAT on housing
- Cyprus tax identification code
- Cyprus stamp duty
- Cyprus capital gains tax
- Special defence contribution
- Cyprus non-dom status
- GESY health contribution
- Cyprus tax residency
- Cyprus income tax
- €300,000 investment for Cyprus PR
- Investment in a Cyprus company
- Investment in a Cyprus fund
- Cyprus PR government fees
- Source of funds for Cyprus PR
- Cyprus bank account
- Family members in Cyprus PR
- Apostille for Cyprus
- Certifying officer in Cyprus
- Citizen Service Centre (KEP)
- Sworn translator in Cyprus
- Police clearance for Cyprus
- Plan A health insurance
- Power of attorney for Cyprus
- Income affidavit
- Non-employment declaration
- Medical tests for Cyprus PR
- Cyprus citizenship by residence
- All terms →
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