How to get citizenship of Cyprus: 3 ways

Cypriot citizenship provides many benefits, including free movement within the EU and Schengen area and access to the labor market and business in Europe. Previously, a program for obtaining Cypriot citizenship by investment was available. However, since November 2020, it has been closed. As of today (2023), there are 3 legal ways to obtain a Cypriot passport.

The main requirements for obtaining citizenship in Cyprus:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• You must have a financial obligation to the state of Cyprus (be a tax resident).
• You must pass a medical examination and have no infectious diseases.
• You must have no criminal record and be free of criminal convictions.

3 Ways to Obtain Cyprus Citizenship and Passport

In 2023 the following ways of obtaining a Cypriot passport are valid:

1. Naturalization by years of residence.
2. Marriage to a native Cypriot.
3. Origin (birth in Cyprus).

1. Getting Cypriot citizenship through naturalization by years of residence

If you are a foreigner legally residing in Cyprus and have a Temporary Residence Permit (TPL) or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP), you can obtain a passport for the country.

A residence permit (Pink Slip for non-EU citizens and Yellow Slip for EU citizens) allows you to reside on the island for 7 years, after which you can apply for citizenship by naturalization.

If you are a relative of a native Cypriot or Cypriot woman, then you, in the case of a residence permit, will have to legally reside on the island, not 7, but only 5 years.

Holders of a permanent residence permit can live in the country for 5 years, after which they can apply for a passport.

To obtain citizenship of Cyprus by naturalization, the applicant must provide a complete list of his entries and exits from Cyprus, based on the stamps in his passport, to confirm the required number of days of stay on the island. It is imperative to note that each family member wishing to obtain citizenship must file a separate application and pay the appropriate fee.

Necessary list of documents for Cyprus citizenship:

• Application for naturalization filled out in Greek.
• Copy of applicant’s birth certificate.
• Copy of valid passport of the applicant.
• Copy of the applicant’s identity card if he is not a citizen of his passport country.
• Copy of applicant’s marriage certificate, if any.
• Copies of birth certificates of the applicant’s children (if any).
• Copy of applicant’s marriage registration certificate (if any).
• Certificate of no criminal record from the country where the applicant has lived for the last 5 years.
• Documents confirming the stable and legal source of income.
• Documents confirming property ownership in Cyprus or lease contract.
• Documents confirming the payment of taxes.

Remember that these requirements may change over time, so before starting the process, you should check the current information from official sources and competent legal experts.

2. Getting Cypriot citizenship through marriage to a native Cypriot

Couples where one spouse is Cypriot and the other is a foreigner may apply for Cypriot citizenship if the applicant has lived in Cyprus for at least 2-3 years (depending on the residence) and they have been married for 3-5 years. 

For foreign Cypriot spouses who apply for citizenship from abroad, justification is required as to why they use it. No explanation is needed if the couple has a child and has been married for five years.

Obtaining a Cypriot passport through marriage with a native Cypriot is possible under the following conditions:

• The marriage must be registered in Cyprus or another country recognized by Cyprus.
• The Cypriot spouse must have Cyprus citizenship at the time of application.
• The applicant must prove that they have been a lawful resident in Cyprus for at least three continuous years before the date of application.
• Applicants must have a clean certificate of no criminal record from the country where they have resided for the last five years.
• The applicant must have undergone a medical examination.
• The applicant must have a means of subsistence.
• Cypriot spouse must give their written consent to the application for citizenship.
• Applicants must pay the state fee.

In this case, you need to provide the following documents:

• Certificate of marriage to a Cypriot.
• Birth certificate.
• Certificates of no criminal record from your country of citizenship and all the countries where you have lived for more than 6 months in the last 10 years.
• Documents proving the legality of your stay in Cyprus during your marriage.
• A copy of your passport.
• Evidence that your marriage is genuine and not a sham.
• Citizenship application.
• The Cypriot authorities may require other documents.

3. Getting Cypriot citizenship by descent

Cyprus citizenship by descent, also known as «right of return», allows foreign-born Cypriot descendants to obtain citizenship. If one of your parents is a native Cypriot, you can get a local passport.

Here are some primary conditions required for obtaining Cypriot citizenship by descent:

• Be a descendant of a Cypriot. You can apply for Cyprus citizenship if you are a Cypriot descendant born in Cyprus or if your grandparents were Cypriots.
• Prove a connection to Cyprus — you need to prove your connection to Cyprus through your relative. This can be done, for example, with the birth certificate or marriage certificate of your Cypriot relatives.
• You need to register in Cyprus and obtain documents proving your residency in Cyprus.
• It would be best if you abode by the laws and obligations of Cyprus and not be involved in any crime or nefarious activity.
• Apply to the relevant government authorities and pay the required fee.

Some additional requirements may be set depending on the specific situation. For example, other documents may be required if your citizenship will impact your military service in Cyprus.

If you meet all the above conditions, you can apply for Cyprus citizenship by descent and start the citizenship process. However, you will need to contact SPM Real Estate specialists for more detailed information and consultation. Our experience shows that without professional help solving such issues is sometimes not as quick as one would want. Our legal advisors will assist you in the citizenship process.

Cyprus provides three options for applying for Cyprus citizenship by descent:

1. Application for Consular Birth Certificate for minors or adults born abroad after August 16, 1960, whose father was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth, and for those born after June 11, 1999, whose mother was a Cypriot citizen at the time of their birth.
2. Application for registration of minors born before June 11, 1999, in Cyprus or abroad, whose mother was a Cypriot citizen and whose father was a foreigner or a child whose father acquired Cypriot citizenship after their birth. Also the M126-type application is available for minors whose father or mother acquired Cypriot citizenship by naturalization or registration due to marriage to a Cypriot national.
3. Application for adult candidates born after the 16th of August 1960 and neither of their parents was a Cypriot national at their birth date.

Application for Cyprus citizenship, authentication, and translation of documents

You can submit the above applications for citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus at the Civil Registry and Migration Department, at district offices in each city, and at embassies/consulates abroad. The Citizenship Section of the Civil Registry and Migration Department will process all applications.

Our practice shows that some documents required to obtain citizenship must be translated into English or Greek and stamped with an apostille.

What does Cypriot citizenship give me?

Cypriot citizenship provides many benefits, including:

• Total freedom of movement and stay in any EU country without restrictions.
• The right to work in any EU country.
• The right to education in any EU country and the opportunity to receive a quality education in Cyprus.
• The ability to buy and own property and businesses in Cyprus and any other EU country.
• Visa-free travel to 173 countries, including the USA, Canada, and Australia.
• Improved access to medical services and social security systems.
• Protection of Cypriot citizenship rights and the rights of EU citizens.
• Ability to vote in European Parliament elections.
• Ability to obtain an EU passport.

In addition, Cyprus citizenship allows you to live in one of Europe’s most beautiful and sunny countries, where you can enjoy a high quality of life, nature, culture, and rich history.

If you want to make sure that you have correctly collected and processed all the documents and understood all the nuances, you can apply for the services of SPM Real Estate specialists. Our company will help you properly execute all the necessary documents and provide the cost and prices of all state fees and charges.

The advantages of Cyprus: why it is worth getting citizenship in this country

Becoming a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus will bring you some advantages of this country, which may include:

• Good international position: Cyprus has good global connections and relations with other countries, making it attractive to businesses and investors.
• Tax advantages: the country has one of the lowest income tax rates in Europe (12.5%) and offers other tax benefits to citizens.
• Climate: the island has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an attractive place to live and relax.
• Culture and lifestyle: Cyprus has a rich history, culture, and diverse lifestyle. It can also offer high-quality education and health care.

For investors, Cypriot citizenship also brings several specific benefits:

• Freedom of movement: citizens can move freely within the European Union and travel freely to more than 170 countries.
• Tax optimization of business: you will have tax benefits and privileges, including the possibility of reducing the tax base, exemption from tax on dividends and interest, and preferential taxation of foreign income.
• Business Opportunities: Cypriot citizens can establish and run a business in Cyprus and enjoy freedom of movement within the EU to work and do business in other EU countries.
• Favorable economic environment: Cyprus is a good investment destination with a stable economy, a high standard of living, and a mild business climate.
• Education and health care: the country provides access to high-quality education and health care and freedom of movement for education and treatment in other EU countries.
• Inheritance: As a citizen of Cyprus, you can legally inherit all your property in Cyprus and other EU countries.
• Security: Cyprus is a safe country with a low crime rate and police protection, which may be necessary for investors wishing to ensure unprecedented safety for their businesses.

FAQ

How long does the process of getting Cypriot citizenship take?

The time it takes to obtain Cyprus citizenship can vary depending on the path chosen. Usually, the process takes from 6 months to 2 years.

Can I have dual citizenship in Cyprus?

Yes, Cyprus recognizes dual citizenship.

Can I get Cypriot citizenship if I do not speak Greek?

Yes, knowledge of the Greek language is not required for Cyprus citizenship.

Can I get Cyprus citizenship if I have a criminal record?

Your Cypriot citizenship application may be denied if you have a criminal record. However, the decision is made individually and depends on the type and severity of your criminal record.

Can I get Cyprus citizenship if I have not lived here for 7 years?

Yes, you can get Cypriot citizenship earlier if you choose citizenship through marriage to a Cypriot.

---