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Ministry of Interior

Information Regarding the Application for Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship by Naturalization

As of 19 December 2023, the Civil Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023 has come into force, according to the provisions of which adult individuals intending to apply for Cypriot citizenship by naturalization must cumulatively meet the following qualifications:

(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately before the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt the mentioned time period.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, the applicant must have a legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 7 years.
(c) Good character.
(d) Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at the B1 level.
(e) Sufficient knowledge of the basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus
(f) Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources, sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.

Proof for (d) A Certificate of Success in a Greek language   at the B1 level as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages of the Council of Europe. This certificate can be obtained after the Greek Language Certification Examinations conducted by the Greek Language Centre of the Hellenic Republic through the Examination Service of the Directorate of Higher Education of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth or a certificate from the School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus.

Exception: Holders of a high school diploma from a recognized Secondary Education Institution whose main language of instruction is Greek, or holders of an academic degree in a program whose language of instruction is Greek are excluded from this obligation.

Proof for (e) A 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, conducted by the Examination Service of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth.

The Certificates of Success from the examinations conducted by the Examination Service of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth in July 2023 and February 2024 can be accepted for application purposes. For the Certificates of Success from the July 2023 examinations that do not state a grade, interested parties can request their exact grade by emailing yp_exetaseon@moec.gov.cy, the Examination Service of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth.

Proof for (f)

  • Title deed, purchase agreement and payment receipts, rental agreement and rent payment receipts, and utility bill payment receipts.
    • Payroll evidence, employment contract, social insurance contribution statement, income tax, bank accounts, or any other evidence that can prove the applicant’s income.

APPLICATION FOR ACQUIRING CYPRIOT CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALIZATION FOR PERSONS RESIDING IN THE REPUBLIC FOR THE PURPOSE OF HIGH-SKILLED EMPLOYMENT IN COMPANIES

According to article 111B(2), the qualifications are differentiated for the persons who reside in the Republic for the purpose of highly qualified employment in companies which are determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers with no. 92.018 and date 15/10/2021, regarding the Strategy for Attracting Companies to Activate and/or Expand their Activities, as well as for their family members.  The following companies fall into this category:

1.   Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office,
2. Cypriot shipping companies,
3. Cypriot hi-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, IT, technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery,
4. Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
5. Companies that are already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
6.International Institutions of Higher Institution accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.

An adult foreigner who, on the day of application submission and on the day of examination   of application, is employed in a company that meets the following conditions and whose employment was high-skilled according to the following criteria can apply for Cypriot citizenship by naturalization if they cumulatively meet the following qualifications:
(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately before the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt the mentioned time period.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, the applicant must have legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 4 years or 3 years depending on their level of Greek language proficiency, i.e., A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not considered absences.
(c) Good character.
(d) Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1, as applicable.
(e) Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus
(f)  Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources   sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.

High-Skilled Employees

1.   Individuals holding temporary residence permits for the purpose of employment in companies of foreign interests, provided they belong to the categories:

  • Director
    • Specialist
    • Key personnel

2.   Individuals, regardless of their residence status, who:

  • receive a minimum gross monthly salary of €2500,
    • hold a university diploma or degree or an equivalent qualification, or certificates of experience in a corresponding employment position for a duration of 2 years (e.g., tax declarations).

Individuals in category (2) must provide a certificate either from the Business Facilitation Unit or from the Civil Registry and Migration Department confirming that the company meets the criteria of the Decision.

Family members

The following persons can apply together with or after the eligible person, provided they meet the residence and language requirements:
1.   Spouse or partner
2.   Dependent adult child with a disability (“disability” in relation to a person means any long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others).

Please note that:

Highly skilled employees and their family members can apply for an accelerated examination, not exceeding 8 months, by paying €5.000.

Submission of Applications

  • Applications are submitted using form M127 at the local District Administration Offices.
    • The application must be accompanied by the necessary supporting documents listed in the document checklist, which must be duly certified and translated.
    • It is noted the application must be signed in the presence of a Registrar
    • The necessary fees are paid for the submission of the application as listed below.

Fees and Stamps

  • A fee of €500 is payable for the submission of the application.
    • Two stamps worth €8.54 each must be affixed to the application.
    • In case of approval of the application, an additional fee of €500 is payable for the issuance of the certificate of naturalization.

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