With the cessation of direct citizenship by investment options, alternative pathways have emerged for acquiring a Cypriot passport. This guide elucidates the primary pathway: Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalization. Emphasizing the latest requirements:

Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalization Process:

To qualify, applicants must adhere to the following provisions:

Main provisions:

  • Applicants are required to have resided in Cyprus for a minimum of 8 years within the 11 years preceding their application. Absences of up to 90 days per year are not subtracted from the total residency period.
  • Continuous residency during the final year preceding the application submission, except for the aforementioned 90-day allowance, is mandatory.
  • Proficiency in the Greek language at Level A2
  • Basic knowledge of the Island’s history and political/social status
  • Must exhibit good character
  • Be financial self-sufficiency and
  • Express the intention to remain in the Republic.

Special provisions for highly skilled employees*:

  • Highly skilled employees* must have completed at least 5 years of residency within the 11 years before application submission. This duration can be reduced to 4 years with a B1 certificate of Greek language proficiency. Similar to the main provisions, absences of up to 90 days per year do not affect the total residency period.
  • Spouses and civil partners of eligible applicants can also apply together or after under the same conditions. Additionally, minor children reaching the age of 18 during the parents’ application process and dependent adult children, with a disability can apply through the minor registration process.
  • Similar to the main provisions, applicants must demonstrate good character, and financial self-sufficiency, and express the intention to stay in the Republic.

Highly skilled qualified employees are defined as:*

    • Persons who hold temporary residence permits for employment in companies of foreign interests, assuming that they belong to the following categories:
      • Director
      • Specialist
      • Key personnel
    • Persons regardless of their residence status:
      • receive a minimum gross monthly salary amounting to €2500
      • Hold a university diploma or title or equivalent qualification or certificates of experience in a corresponding employment position lasting 2 years (e.g. tax returns).

Persons belonging to the second category should provide a certificate, either from the Company Facilitation Unit or from the Population and Immigration Registry Department, confirming that the company meets the Decision criteria.

The applications will undergo expedited processing (up to 8 months) upon payment of an expedition fee.

Commencing Residency in Cyprus: A Prelude to Acquiring Cypriot Citizenship through Naturalization

The country provides a range of pathways when it comes to initiating residency in Cyprus as a precursor to applying for and obtaining Cypriot citizenship through naturalization. Among these options are the Cyprus Residence Permit, a Cyprus work permit for third-country nationals, or obtaining the Yellow Slip.

In the context of individuals seeking to establish residency in Cyprus, the country offers several routes to initiate this process. These include obtaining a Cyprus Residence Permit, which grants legal authorization to reside in the country under various circumstances such as investment. Similarly, acquiring a Cyprus work permit for third-country nationals and, a Cyprus work permit for third-country nationals for highly skilled employment in companies as determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers regarding the Strategy for Attracting Companies** facilitates lawful employment for non-Cypriot individuals, enabling them to contribute to the workforce while establishing their residency status. Additionally, the Yellow Slip route involves a specific procedure that allows EU non-Cypriot nationals the right to reside in Cyprus, typically for any reason.

Cyprus work permit for third-country nationals for highly skilled employment in companies as determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers regarding the Strategy for Attracting Companies as defined**

The qualifications are differentiated for persons residing in the Republic for highly skilled employment in companies which are determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers regarding the Strategy for Attracting Companies to Activate and/or Expand their Activities, as well as for their family members. The following companies fall into this category:
1. Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office,
2. Cypriot shipping companies,
3. Cypriot hi-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, information technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery,
4 Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
5. Companies already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Department of Population and Immigration.

Cyprus Citizenship by Naturalisaiton Application Requirements:

Essential documents for Cypriot citizenship application include:

  • Original birth certificate
  • Original certificate of clean criminal record from the Republic of Cyprus
  • Copy of residence permit
  • Original marriage or civil union certificate (if applicable)
  • Employment confirmation (if applicable)
  • Passport copies and detailed statement of arrivals and departures
  • Detailed record of arrivals and departures to and from Cyprus
  • Copies of two daily newspaper publications affirming the applicant’s intention to acquire Cypriot citizenship and inviting objections, if any
  • Certificate of success in a Greek language examination at level A2 or B1, as applicable
  • Certificate of success with a grade equal to or greater than 60%, in an evaluation examination of the Basic Elements of the Contemporary Political and Social Reality of Cyprus
  • Proof of residence, such as title deed, purchase agreement, payment receipts, rental agreement
  • Rent payment receipts, and utility bill payment receipts in Cyprus
  • Proof of financial resources, such as payroll evidence, employment contract, social insurance, income tax, bank accounts, or any other evidence that can prove the applicant’s income
  • Individuals residing in the Republic to be employed as highly skilled employees in companies determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers,92.018 should provide a certificate, either from the Company Facilitation Unit or from the Department of Population and Immigration, confirming that the company meets the criteria of Decision
  • Two recent passport-size photos
  • Receipt of payment of fees (€500) (If the application is approved, an additional fee of €500 is paid for the issuance of the naturalization certificate)
  • Foreign documents must be apostilled unless exempt by bilateral agreements. Non-English documents require official translation by Ministry of Interior-approved translators.

Additional Requirements During Application:

  • Application form (M.127)
  • Business address of employer and applicant’s employer details, along with additional proof of employment (if applicable)
  • Curriculum vitae (if applicable)
  • Passport copies of parents and spouse translated into Greek or English
  • Full addresses of parents and spouse
  • An affidavit signed in the presence of an authorized official (Registrar)
  • Two designated independent references endorsing the application based on personal acquaintance, character, and loyalty are to be provided by professionals.
  • A list of all necessary supporting documents which must be duly certified and translated.

Citizenship and Benefits:

  • Cyprus permits dual citizenship.
  • Cyprus citizens enjoy visa-free travel to approximately 170 countries.
  • Unrestricted residence in Cyprus without additional permits.
  • Living, working, and studying opportunities within EU countries.
  • Reasonable living expenses in Cyprus.
  • Inheritance rights for children of Cypriot citizens.
  • Navigating the path to Cyprus citizenship may seem intricate, but with adequate knowledge and documentation, it is an attainable objective. The benefits of holding a Cyprus passport extend beyond borders, offering freedom, opportunity, and a Mediterranean lifestyle.

Alternative Paths to Attain Cyprus Citizenship

In addition to the method detailed previously, there exist two alternative paths to obtaining Cyprus Citizenship:

  1. Spousal Union with a Cypriot Citizen: Individuals who are not citizens of Cyprus but are married to Cypriot citizens are eligible to apply for citizenship.
  2. Citizenship by Birth Right: Children born to at least one parent who is a Cypriot citizen, under legal stipulations, are automatically granted citizenship.

How we can help

Ready to embark on your journey to Cyprus citizenship? Contact us today for personalized assistance and expert guidance. Your goal of a Cyprus passport is closer than you think.

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The authors expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person, entity, or corporation who acts or fails to act as a consequence of any reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication.

Accordingly, no person, entity, or corporation should act or rely upon any matter or information as contained or implied within this publication without first obtaining advice from an appropriately qualified professional person or firm of advisors, and ensuring that such advice specifically relates to their particular circumstances.