At the end of 2023, the government of Cyprus introduced significant changes to the naturalization law aimed at simplifying the process of obtaining citizenship for foreign nationals. These changes came into effect on November 30, 2023, and apply to both regular applicants and highly qualified professionals. Let’s take a detailed look at what has changed and the new opportunities now available for potential Cypriot citizens.
Contents
Key Criteria for Naturalization
According to the new rules, applicants must meet the following key criteria to obtain Cyprus citizenship as outlined in Article 111B(1) of the Civil Registry Law:
- Legal and Continuous Residence:
- The applicant must have continuously resided in areas of Cyprus controlled by the government for 12 months immediately prior to submitting the application. Short absences (up to 90 days in total) do not interrupt the residence period.
- Duration of Residence:
- Legal residence for a cumulative period of at least 7 years within the last 10 years preceding the 12-month period.
- No Criminal Record:
- The applicant must have no criminal convictions.
- Greek Language Proficiency:
- Knowledge of the Greek language at B1 level.
- Understanding of Cyprus’s Political and Social Realities:
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of Cyprus’s political and social realities (pass an exam on Cyprus’s politics and culture).
- Financial Stability:
- The applicant must have a stable income sufficient to support themselves and their family. The minimum income is €2,500 per month.
- Residential Property:
- The applicant must own or rent suitable accommodation.
- Intent to Reside:
- The applicant must demonstrate an intention to continue residing in Cyprus.
Citizenship by Naturalization for Highly Qualified Professionals
For highly qualified professionals working in certain sectors, special conditions are established, as outlined in Article 111B(2):
- Legal and Continuous Residence:
- Legal and continuous residence for 12 months before submitting the application. Short absences during this period (up to 90 days) do not break the residence period.
- Reduced Residence Period:
- Legal residence for a cumulative period of at least 4 or 3 years, depending on the level of Greek language proficiency (A2 or B1, respectively), within the last 10 years.
- No Criminal Record:
- The applicant must have no criminal convictions.
- Greek Language Proficiency:
- Knowledge of Greek at A2 or B1 level.
- Understanding of Cyprus’s Political and Social Realities:
- Sufficient knowledge of Cyprus’s political and social realities (certificate of exam completion).
- Financial Stability:
- A stable income and ownership or rental of a property.
- Intent to Reside and Work:
- The applicant must show intent to continue residing and working in Cyprus.
Eligible Companies for Highly Qualified Professionals:
- Foreign companies operating in Cyprus with offices separate from private residences.
- Cypriot shipping companies.
- High-tech and innovative companies involved in aerospace, IT, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine.
- Cypriot pharmaceutical companies.
- Companies working in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology.
- Companies registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Department of Registration and Migration.
Application Process and Consideration
Application Process
To apply for Cyprus citizenship, the applicant must gather all required documents and submit them to the Department of Civil Registry and Migration. The documents must confirm compliance with all the criteria mentioned above, including residence, income, language proficiency, and other aspects.
Required Documents:
- Passport and other identification documents.
- Documents proving legal residence in Cyprus.
- Certificates of Greek language proficiency (A2 or B1 level).
- Certificate of no criminal record.
- Documents confirming income and financial status.
- Rental agreement or property purchase contract.
- Certificate of exam completion on Cyprus’s politics and culture.
Application Review Period
After submitting the application, the Department of Civil Registry and Migration reviews it within 8 months. Applications from highly qualified professionals and their family members are processed on a priority basis.
Special Considerations for Family Members
Family members (spouses, partners, and minor children) can also apply for Cyprus citizenship. They must have resided in the country for at least 7 years within the last 11 years and have legally lived in Cyprus for one year before applying. Family members’ applications are considered after the approval of the main applicant’s application.
Military Service
Men who obtain Cypriot citizenship through naturalization are required to complete military service. The requirement depends on age:
- For those aged 18 to 26 – 6 months of service.
- For those over 26 – 3 months of service.
Changes in the naturalization legislation in Cyprus, effective from November 30, 2023, have made the process of obtaining citizenship more accessible to foreign nationals and highly qualified professionals. These changes are aimed at attracting investment, developing the economy, and strengthening Cyprus’s international standing. The new rules offer unique opportunities for those looking to become part of Cypriot society, making Cyprus an even more attractive place to live and work.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for general information purposes. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Do not rely on the information in this article without obtaining independent advice tailored to your specific circumstances. The authors and publishers are not liable for any losses that may arise from actions or inactions based on this article.
