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
For more information please contact us at info@esergiou.com