Cyprus Citizenship Based on Years of Residence
On November 30, 2023, an amendment to the Civil Registry Law was voted. The new Cyprus citizenship law allows:
Highly skilled foreign workers with four years of residence to apply with a B1 Greek certificate, and those with five years with an A2 certificate.
Other third-country nationals need eight years of residence.
All applicants must have 12 months of continuous residence, with up to 90 days of absences allowed.
New Cyprus Citizenship Requirements
Exceeding 90 days of absence interrupts the 12-month period. Arrival and departure days count toward residency.
For Highly Skilled Foreign Workers:
Residency:
12 months lawful stay (up to 90 days' absence allowed) + 3 years (B1 Greek certificate) or 4 years (A2 certificate).
Socio-political knowledge:
At least 60% on relevant exams.
Financial stability:
Proof of accommodation and income (e.g., contracts, salary statements).
Good character.
The applicant is eligible to apple for last track only if they have kept the position of a highly skilled personnel the last two consecutive years.
For Other Applicants:
Residency:
12 months lawful stay (up to 90 days' absence) + 7 years, 8 years in total.
Language:
B1 Greek certificate.
Socio-political knowledge:
At least 60% on relevant exams.
Financial stability:
Proof of accommodation and income (e.g., contracts, salary statements).
Good character.
Full list of Required documents:
Birth certificate*
Criminal record*
Marriage certificate*
Copies of all passport pages showing arrivals and departures
List of arrivals and departures
Newspaper advertisements announcing the naturalization application
Two passport-sized photos (stampes by local Muhtar)
CV and work certificate
Fee payment receipts
Family Citizenship Applications
Eligible Family Members:
Spousese, partners, and dependent adult children with disabilities.
- Must reside in Cyprus for at least 7 years within the last 11 years.
- Must have lives legally in Cyprus for 1 years before applying (up to 90 days’ absence allowed).
- Must meet language requirements.
Military Service for Boys Acquiring Cypriot Citizenship:
Citizenship after the age of 18 and 1 day → 6 months of military service.
Citizenship after the age of 26 and 1 day → 3 months of military service.
Application Process:
Prepare Documentation:
Create a list of all entries and exits from Cyprus (based in passport stamps) to confirm requires days of stay.
Once all the documents for each application are ciollected, the applicant shoud submit the application to the relevant district office.
Immigration Fees:
Eur 500 plus two stamps at EUR 8.54 each. After approval, a EUR 500 registration fee applies.
Fast track reviewing procedure is available for the highle skilled personnel category.
The fast-track fees are €5000 per application
Frequently Asked Questions
What is naturalisation based on years of residence in Cyprus?
Naturalisation based on years of residence allows foreign nationals to apply for Cypriot citizenship after legally residing in Cyprus for a required period. The applicable conditions depend on whether the applicant qualifies as a highly skilled foreign worker or applies under the general category.
How many years of residence are required to apply for citizenship?
Highly skilled foreign workers may apply after four or five years of residence, depending on their Greek language certification. Other third-country nationals are required to complete eight years of lawful residence in Cyprus.
What is the continuous residence requirement before applying?
Applicants must complete 12 months of continuous lawful residence immediately prior to submitting the application. Absences of up to 90 days are permitted; exceeding this limit interrupts the continuity requirement.
What Greek language level is required for naturalisation?
Highly skilled foreign workers must present either an A2 or B1 Greek language certificate, depending on the residence track. Other applicants are required to hold a B1 Greek language certificate.
Are exams required as part of the application process?
Yes. Applicants must demonstrate basic socio-political knowledge by achieving at least 60% in the relevant examinations prescribed by the authorities.
What financial and personal requirements must be met?
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, lawful accommodation, and good character. Supporting documents typically include employment contracts, salary statements, housing evidence, and official certificates.
Which documents are required for a citizenship application?
Required documents include civil status certificates, criminal record certificates, passport copies showing arrivals and departures, a detailed list of entries and exits, CV and work certificates, photographs, published newspaper announcements, and proof of fee payments.
Is a fast-track procedure available and what are the fees?
A fast-track review procedure is available for highly skilled foreign workers only. The standard application fee is EUR 500 plus stamp duties, with an additional EUR 500 payable upon approval. Fast-track applications are subject to a government fee of EUR 5,000 per application.
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