Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship

Cypriot citizenship provides access to numerous opportunities, as Cypriot passport holders become citizens of the European Union, allowing them to live, work, and study in any EU country and travel visa-free to 178+ countries worldwide. In 2025, the Cypriot passport ranks 12th in the Henley Passport Index for freedom of movement. Due to these advantages, Cypriot citizenship remains one of the most sought-after options among foreign applicants.

There are different ways to obtain Cypriot citizenship, each with its own requirements and conditions. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of all the available options.

Benefits of Cypriot Citizenship

Obtaining Cypriot citizenship provides a number of significant advantages:

• Freedom of movement – Cypriot citizens have the right to live, work, and study in any EU country without visa or migration restrictions.
• Visa-free travel – The Cypriot passport grants visa-free access to over 178 countries worldwide.
• Favorable tax system – No inheritance, wealth, or property taxes, along with a low personal income tax and social contribution rates.
• Access to the European healthcare and education system – Cypriot citizens are entitled to social benefits, including healthcare services and pension rights in EU countries.
• Citizenship by descent – Children of Cypriot citizens automatically receive Cypriot citizenship and a passport.
• Dual citizenship – Cyprus allows dual citizenship, enabling individuals to retain their original nationality. Holding a second citizenship provides greater flexibility in managing legal status, assets, and tax obligations while expanding opportunities for international business and personal travel.

Ways to Obtain Cypriot Citizenship and Passport

The official website of the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior provides information on acquiring Cypriot citizenship based on descent, marriage, or naturalization. The specific conditions and procedures depend on the basis of the application, with some categories of applicants benefiting from simplified or expedited procedures.

1. Cypriot Citizenship by Descent

According to the 1967 Cyprus Citizenship Law, an individual born after August 16, 1960, is recognized as a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus, provided that at the time of birth, one or both parents were Cypriot citizens.
This principle is based on jus sanguinis (right of blood), meaning citizenship is acquired by descent rather than by birthplace. As a result, children born in Cyprus to Cypriot parents automatically obtain Cypriot citizenship.
The application procedure and required documents may vary depending on specific circumstances.
Applications for Cypriot citizenship by descent are submitted using either Form M121 or Form M126, depending on the civil status of the applicant’s parents.

2. Cypriot Citizenship Through Marriage

Foreign spouses of Cypriot citizens may apply for citizenship under the following conditions:

• If the couple resides in Cyprus, the minimum marriage duration for application is 3 years, and the applicant must have lived in the country for at least 2 consecutive years before submitting the application.
• If the Cypriot citizen’s spouse resides abroad, they must also have been married for at least 3 years and provide a justified explanation supporting their request for citizenship.

The application process includes signing the request in the presence of an authorized official, paying a government fee of €300, and submitting all necessary documents. Upon approval, the foreign spouse receives full Cypriot citizenship rights, including eligibility for a Cypriot passport.

3. Cypriot Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization is a legal process through which a foreign national acquires citizenship based on prolonged lawful residence in the country and compliance with legislative requirements. In the Republic of Cyprus, naturalization is one of the primary ways for foreigners to obtain citizenship.

The minimum residency period required to apply for naturalization ranges from 4 to 8 years, depending on the applicant’s category and immigration status.

Below, we outline the key requirements and conditions for acquiring Cypriot citizenship through naturalization.

How to Obtain Cypriot Citizenship by Naturalization

1. General Residency Requirement – 8 Years
   Foreign nationals applying for Cypriot citizenship by naturalization must meet the primary requirement of residing in the country for at least 8 years within the last 11 years before submitting their application.
2. Reduced Residency Period – 4 to 5 Years
   Highly skilled professionals employed by Cypriot companies may qualify for a shortened path to Cypriot citizenship. Eligible applicants can apply under the following conditions:

• After 5 years of residence, provided they have A2-level Greek language proficiency.
• After 4 years of residence, if they demonstrate B1-level Greek language proficiency.

Requirements for Naturalization in Cyprus

These conditions apply to all applicants, whether they are applying based on the general residency period (8 years) or through the fast-track process for highly skilled professionals (4–5 years).

• Valid Residence Permit – The applicant must hold a Temporary or Permanent Residence Permit (PRP) in Cyprus at the time of application.
• Continuous Residency – In the final year before submitting the application, the applicant must have continuously resided in Cyprus, with total time spent outside the country not exceeding 90 days.
• Alien Registration Certificate (ARC) – The applicant must provide both the original and a copy of this document to verify their legal residency status in Cyprus, along with proof of a registered residential address.
• Greek Language Proficiency – All applicants must demonstrate Greek language skills. However, individuals who have completed secondary or higher education in an institution where Greek was the primary language of instruction are exempt.
• Knowledge of Cypriot History and Culture – The applicant must pass an exam administered by the Examination Service of the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth, achieving a minimum score of 60%.
• Financial Stability – The applicant must provide evidence of a stable income, such as an employment contract, salary statements, bank statements, or other documents proving legal financial resources.
• Clean Criminal Record – The applicant must prove they have no criminal history and no ongoing legal proceedings.

Simplified Naturalization Process for Highly Skilled Professionals in Cyprus

As of December 19, 2023, amendments to the Population Registration Law have been published and officially enacted, introducing a fast-track procedure for obtaining Cypriot citizenship for certain categories of foreign professionals.

This accelerated process aims to attract IT specialists and highly paid employees from third countries who work for Cypriot companies or foreign-interest companies registered in Cyprus. Under the new provisions, foreign nationals can obtain Cypriot citizenship after:
✔ 5 years of residence with A2-level Greek proficiency
✔ 4 years of residence with B1-level Greek proficiency

Key Requirements for Applicants:

• Residency Duration & Language Proficiency – Applicants can apply for a Cypriot passport after 4 or 5 years of residence, depending on their Greek language proficiency. Those with a high school diploma or university degree where Greek was the language of instruction are exempt from providing a language certificate.
• Minimum Salary Requirement – At least €2,500 per month.
• Professional & Academic Qualifications – A degree or diploma confirming qualification in a relevant field and proof of at least 2 years of work experience in a relevant position.

The introduction of the simplified naturalization process makes Cyprus an attractive jurisdiction for highly skilled professionals and their families. This new policy allows foreign employees to obtain EU citizenship in a shorter timeframe, granting them additional rights and freedoms.

How to Apply for Cypriot Citizenship?

The application process consists of several key steps:

1. Document Preparation – Gathering required certificates, passports, proof of residence, financial documents, and language certificates.
2. Filling Out the Application – Depending on the basis of application (naturalization, marriage, descent), different forms are used (M121, M126, M127, etc.).
3. Submitting the Application – Documents are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus.
4. Payment of Government Fees – Fees vary depending on the applicant category (e.g., €500–€1000 for naturalization).
5. Waiting Period – The standard processing time is 12–24 months. Additional document requests may occur during this period.
6. Interview – The applicant may be invited for an additional interview.
7. Oath of Allegiance – Once approved, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Cyprus.
8. Issuance of Documents – The applicant receives a Certificate of Naturalization, which allows them to apply for a Cypriot passport and ID card.

Since obtaining Cypriot citizenship involves legal procedures and strict document requirements, our immigration lawyers in Cyprus provide professional assistance at every stage – from document preparation to representation before the Ministry of Interior.

Investment-Based Permanent Residency as a Path to Cypriot Citizenship

Cyprus previously offered citizenship by investment, but this program was discontinued in 2021. Currently, there is no direct route to Cypriot citizenship through investment. Instead, the government provides an investment-based permanent residency program, known as the Cyprus Fast Track Permanent Residence Permit, which serves as an alternative pathway to naturalization.

Under this program, investors who commit at least €300,000 to real estate, business, or investment funds are granted permanent residency (PR) in Cyprus rather than a temporary residence permit (TRP). This means that the applicant and their family receive an indefinite resident status, eliminating the need for annual renewals.

The initial residence permit is issued for 10 years, making Cyprus’ program more attractive compared to similar EU residency schemes.

By meeting the required residency conditions, investors and their families may eventually apply for Cypriot citizenship, gaining all the benefits of an EU passport, including freedom of movement and residence across EU countries.

As a result, investment-based permanent residency in Cyprus remains one of the most accessible and secure options for foreign investors seeking long-term European residency with a pathway to naturalization.

Legal Services for Obtaining Cypriot Citizenship

Feod Group provides a comprehensive range of legal services, assisting clients throughout the entire immigration process—from obtaining a residence permit (PRP), opening a bank account, and registering a company to securing Cypriot citizenship.

Our immigration lawyers in Cyprus offer full legal support for acquiring citizenship, including:

✔ Consultations on Cypriot citizenship – assessing the applicant’s eligibility based on legal requirements.
✔ Document review and legalization – ensuring all documents meet the necessary standards for submission.
✔ Completion of official forms and drafting of supporting letters.
✔ Representation of the applicant before the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus and submission of the citizenship application.
✔ Assistance throughout the process, including communication with government authorities until citizenship is granted.

Contact us! Our legal team is ready to guide you through every step of obtaining Cypriot citizenship.

We look forward to welcoming you to our office in Larnaca!