Comprehensive Update on Citizenship Requirements in Cyprus

In accordance with the latest amendments to the Civil Registry Laws 2002 – 2023, the criteria for obtaining the Cypriot citizenship, though naturalization, by persons who have been legal residents of Cyprus, have been revised. These changes, officially published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Cyprus on December 19, 2023, aim to streamline the citizenship acquisition process, rectify past deficiencies, and enhance existing safeguards.

General Requirements:

1. Residency Period: Applicants must have a minimum of 7 years of legal residence in Cyprus within the 10 years preceding the application. In addition to this, there must be a continuous legal stay of 12 months immediately prior to the submission of the application. Absences of up to 90 days within this 12-month period do not disrupt continuity.

2. Character Assessment: Applicants are required to demonstrate good character, by providing clean Criminal Record Certificate(s).

3. Language Proficiency: Applicant is required to hold either a Level B1 Greek language certificate, obtained through written examinations or a diploma from a recognized Secondary Institution, whose main language is Greek, or an academic degree in a program whose language of instruction is Greek, depending on the case.

4. Knowledge of the social and political status of Cyprus: Applicants must exhibit basic knowledge of Cyprus' social and political landscape, through government-administered written exams, reinforcing the importance of cultural and civil awareness.

5. Accommodation and Financial Stability: A suitable place of residence in Cyprus and proof of steady and sufficient financial means to support oneself are required to be proven. This criterion ensures that applicants can sustainably live in Cyprus without relying on state support.

6. Intent to Reside in the Republic of Cyprus: A declared intention to reside in Cyprus must be established, underscoring the commitment to integrate and contribute to Cypriot society.

Importantly, periods spent in Cyprus as a student, or under international, subsidiary, or temporary protection, do not count towards the required residency period.

Special Provisions, applicable to ‘Highly Skilled Employees’:

Recognising the value of skilled professionals, special provisions are included for highly skilled employees of specific classifications of companies; including companies of ‘foreign interests’, or companies operating in the sectors of shipping, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, technology and innovation.

‘High Skilled Employees’ are considered the following individuals, who together with being employed by an eligible company, meet one of the following:

• Holder of a temporary residence permit, employed as ‘Director’, or ‘Specialist’ or ‘Key personnel’.
• Holder of any type of immigration status in Cyprus, who holds a position relevant to their academic and professional qualifications and past experience and is remunerated by a minimum monthly gross salary of €2,500.

Criteria for Highly Skilled Employees:

1. Residency Period:

Option A: Completion of at least 4 years of legal, physical presence in the Republic of Cyprus, within a period of 10 years preceding the application. In addition to this, there must be a continuous legal stay of 12 months immediately prior to the submission of the application. Absences of up to 90 days per year within these periods, do not disrupt continuity.

Option B: Completion of at least 3 years of legal, physical presence in the Republic of Cyprus, within a period of 10 years preceding the application. In addition to this, there must be a continuous legal stay of 12 months immediately prior to the submission of the application. Absences of up to 90 days per year within these periods, do not disrupt continuity.

2. Language Requirements:

Option A: Proven knowledge of the Greek language at a minimum level ‘Level A2’.

Option B: Proven knowledge of the Greek language at a minimum level ‘Level B1’.

3. Knowledge of the social and political status of Cyprus / Character Assessment / Accommodation and Financial Stability / Intent to reside in the Republic of Cyprus: As per the basic general requirements, as applicable to all applicants.

Provisions for family members:

Spouses / civil partners of highly skilled employees can apply under the same conditions, either simultaneously with their spouse or at a later stage. Children, who at the time of the submission of the highly skilled employee’s application were underage, are eligible to apply as minors, even if they reach adulthood by the time the highly skilled employee is naturalized as a Cypriot citizen.

Expedited Application Processing:

An expedited processing option is available, subject to the payment of a governmental fee of €5,000. This ensures that applications are processed within 8 months from the date of submission.

These comprehensive updates reflect Cyprus’s commitment to attracting and retaining skilled individuals, ensuring robust integration processes while maintaining stringent standards. For further details and personalized assistance, please contact the GES Mobility – Immigration Services team.