How to Obtain a Cyprus Citizenship

Introduction

Cyprus, strategically located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure. Here are some compelling reasons to consider Cyprus citizenship:

Cyprus Citizenship Benefits

Cyprus, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and modern infrastructure. Here are compelling reasons to consider Cyprus citizenship:

1. European Union Membership: As a member of the EU, Cypriot citizens enjoy the right to live, work, and study in any of the 27 EU countries.
2. Business Opportunities: Cyprus boasts a favourable business environment, low corporate tax rates, and a robust legal framework aligned with European standards.
3. High Quality of Life: Cyprus is attractive to families and retirees due to its Mediterranean climate, excellent healthcare system, and high standard of living.
4. Education: Access to high-quality education, including international schools and universities.
5. Safety and Stability: Cyprus is known for its political stability, low crime rates, and welcoming atmosphere.

Pathways to Cyprus Citizenship

Several pathways exist for obtaining Cyprus citizenship, each with specific requirements:

1. Citizenship by Naturalization: For those residing in Cyprus for an extended period.
2. Citizenship by Marriage/Civil Union: For spouses of Cypriot citizens.
3. Citizenship by Descent: For those with Cypriot ancestry.

Note: The Cyprus Citizenship by Investment Program was discontinued in November 2020. Investors must now follow the residency-by-investment route.

Please click here to learn more about the residency by investment program page for the alternative way to get citizenship in 8 years.

Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is a common pathway for those residing in Cyprus for an extended period. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Residency Requirement: Must have legally resided in Cyprus for at least eight years in total, including a 12-month continuous lawful stay immediately before applying. Absences of up to 90 days within the last 12 months are allowed.
• Legal Residence: Must hold a valid residence permit during the residency period.
• Good Character: Clean criminal record.
• Language Proficiency: Knowledge of Greek, typically at a B1 level, means handling everyday communication independently. The Ministry of Education verifies this through examinations.
• Understanding of Local Realities: Must pass a socio-political knowledge exam with at least 60% to demonstrate an understanding of the Republic’s socio-political environment.
• Financial and Accommodation Proof: Provide proof of adequate accommodation and stable financial means to support oneself and family. This includes a contract of sale or rental agreement, payment receipts for rent and utilities, proof of salary, employment contract, income tax statements, social security documentation, and bank account statements.

It is noted that highly qualified foreign workers can acquire Cypriot citizenship after residing in Cyprus for 4 to 5 years (not eight years), depending on their knowledge of the Greek language.

Required Documents:

The applicant must fill out the ‘M127’ form and have it signed in the presence of a Registrar of Court or a Consular Officer. The ‘M127’ form should be submitted to the District Administration Office along with the following supporting documents:

• Original birth certificate.
• Original Certificate of Clean Criminal Record from the Republic of Cyprus (valid for 6 months).
• Copy of valid residence permit. 
• Marriage certificate/Civil partnership agreement (where applicable). 
• A copy of a valid passport or other travel document is required.
• Copies of passport pages with arrival and departure stamps.
• Detailed record of arrivals and departures to and from Cyprus
• Copies of announcements from two consecutive publications in a daily newspaper, notifying the submission of the naturalization application.
• Certificate of success in a Greek language examination
• 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 and payment receipts, rental agreement and rent payment receipts, and utility bill payment receipts.
• 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.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs, certified by the Community Leader.
• Copy of fee payment receipt (500 euros).

Application Processing Time:

• Highly Skilled Workers: Αpplications for highly skilled foreign workers processed within eight months.
• Other Applicants: As of April 2024, the processing time for other applicants is estimated to be 2 to 3 years.

Fees and Stamps:

• A fee of €500 is payable for the application.
• Two stamps of €8,54 each, which are affixed to the application
• If the application is approved, an additional fee of €500 is payable for the issue of the naturalisation certificate.

Military Service Requirements for Naturalized Male Citizens in Cyprus

Male applicants who gain Cypriot citizenship through naturalization (residence-based) are required to fulfil military service obligations. The specifics are as follows:

Ages 18-26:

• Service Duration: 6 months
• Enlistment Timeline: Must join within 2 years of acquiring citizenship.
• Penalties for Delay: Serving time increases to 8 months if not enlisted within the specified period.

Ages Over 26:

• Service Duration: 3 months
• Penalties for Delay: Serving time increases to 5 months if not enlisted promptly.

Citizenship by Marriage / Civil Union with a Cypriot Citizen

Spouses of Cypriot citizens can apply for citizenship through a more streamlined process. Here are the key points:

Eligibility Criteria:

Applications can be submitted:

• by foreign spouses of Cypriot nationals who completed three (3) years of marriage prior to the date of application (at least the last two years before the submission of the application should be residing in the Republic).
• by foreign spouses of Cypriot nationals who completed three (3) years of marriage prior to the date of application and are living permanently abroad.

Required Documents:

The applicant must fill out the ‘M125’ form and have it signed in the presence of a Registrar of Court or a Consular Officer. The ‘M125’ form should be submitted at the District Administration Office along with the following supporting documents:

• Original birth certificate of the applicant.
• Original police clearance certificate /non-criminal record certificate of the applicant (document power for six months).
• Copies of children’s birth certificates ,or passports, or identity cards.
• Copy of passport or identity card of the applicant.
• Passport or identity card copy of Cypriot spouse.
• Harmonious declaration.
• Statement of cohabitation from the local authority (foreign residences are excluded).
• Copy of receipt for the amount of 300 euros paid as fees.

Fees and stamps

• For submitting the application, a fee of €300 should be paid.
• Two stamps of €8.54 should be affixed to the application.

Citizenship due to Cypriot Origin 

Eligibility Criteria:

Cyprus offers citizenship by descent through six distinct pathways, determined by factors such as the applicant’s birth date, age (minor or adult), and the Cypriot status of their parents. The pivotal date for these criteria is August 16, 1960, when Cyprus achieved independence from the United Kingdom. Each pathway requires specific application forms, supporting documents, and fees.

The six pathways are:

Persons of Cypriot descent (by male parentage) who were born before 16 August 1960 and are citizens of the United Kingdom and its colonies:

Required Form:
The ‘M71’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original birth certificate of the applicant.
• Copy of passport of applicant and parents.
• A copy of the applicant’s father’s birth certificate or identity card is required.
• Proof of payment of application fees must be provided.
• To apply, a fee of €20 should be paid.
• A stamp of €1.71 should be affixed to the application.

Persons of Cypriot descent (by male parentage) who were born before 16 August 1960 and are not citizens of the United Kingdom and its colonies

Required Form:

• The ‘M72’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original birth certificate of the applicant.
• Copy of passport of applicant and parents.
• Copy of birth certificate or identity card of the applicant’s father.
• Proof of payment of application fees must be provided.

Fees and stamps

• To apply, a fee of €20 should be paid.
• A stamp of €1.71 should be affixed to the application.

Persons born abroad after the 16th of August 1960 and whose at least one parent at the time of their birth was a Cypriot citizen, or was entitled to acquire the Cypriot citizenship by registration due to Cypriot origin.

Required Form:

• The ‘M121’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original Birth certificate of the applicant.
• Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents.
• Copy of the applicant’s passport. 
• Copy of passport and parents’ passports of the applicant.
• Certificate of Cypriot citizenship of the Cypriot parent
• Copy of a receipt for paid fees.

Fees and stamps:

• A fee of €20 should be paid for applying.
• A stamp of €8.54 should be affixed to the applicatiοn.

Persons born on or after August 16, 1960

Required Form:

• The ‘M123’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original birth certificate of the applicant.
• Copy of the marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents 
• Copy of the passport of the applicant and his/her parents.
• If the parent has not acquired Cypriot citizenship, a copy of the certificate of citizenship or the birth certificate of the parent should be provided.
• Proof of payment of the application fees.

Fees and stamps:

• A fee of €50 should be paid for applying.
• A stamp of €8.54 should be affixed to the applicatiοn.

People of Cypriot descent born before August 16, 1960

Required Form:

• The ‘M124’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original birth certificate of the applicant.
• Original Certificate of a clean criminal record.
• Copy of the applicant’s/applicant’s passport.
• Evidence proving the applicant’s Cypriot origin (e.g. identity cards, birth certificates etc. of the applicant’s parents, if the applicant was born abroad).

Fees and stamps:

• For submitting the application a fee of €80 should be paid.
• A stamp of €8.54 should be affixed to the applicatiοn.

Registration of a minor child as a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus

Required Form:

• The ‘M126’ form should be submitted.

List of accompanying documents:

• Original Birth certificate of the applicant.
• Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents.
• Copy of the applicant’s passport. 
• Copy of passport and parents’ passports of the applicant.
• Certificate of Cypriot citizenship of the Cypriot parent.
• Declaration of the foreign parent signed before an officer of the District Administration Office or the diplomatic authority consenting to the granting of Cypriot citizenship to a minor child.
• Copy of school registration confirmation.
• Two photos.
• Copy of a receipt for paid fees.

Fees and stamps

• A fee of €80 should be paid for applying.
• A stamp of €8.54 should be affixed to the applicatiοn.

How does van Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC assist you?

Navigating the complexities of obtaining Cyprus citizenship can be challenging without expert guidance. Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC offers comprehensive legal services to ensure a smooth and successful application process. Here’s how we can help:

Personalized Consultation

Our experienced lawyers will conduct a thorough assessment of your situation and advise you on the best pathway to citizenship based on your circumstances. We provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Document Preparation and Submission

We assist with preparing and submitting all necessary documents, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and minimizing the risk of delays or rejections. Our team will handle all the paperwork.

Legal Representation

Our firm offers robust legal representation throughout the application process. We will liaise with relevant authorities, attend hearings if required, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your application is processed efficiently.

Post-Citizenship Services

Our services don’t end once you obtain citizenship. We offer ongoing support to help you settle in Cyprus, including assistance with property acquisition, business setup, and integration into the local community.

Conclusion

Obtaining Cyprus citizenship offers many opportunities and benefits, from enjoying EU privileges to accessing a high standard of living in a beautiful Mediterranean country. Whether you choose to pursue citizenship through naturalization, marriage, or investment, Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC is here to provide expert guidance and support every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards your new future in Cyprus. With Polycarpos Philippou & Associates LLC by your side, you can confidently and easily navigate the path to citizenship.