How to Obtain Cypriot Citizenship [Requirements and Procedures]

What are the benefits of a Cyprus passport? Not everyone knows that acquiring Cypriot citizenship can open up a gateway to strategic business opportunities, a comfortable lifestyle, and unobstructed financial freedom.

It does not matter if you weren't born and raised on the island. These days, you can explore alternative ways of getting a Cypriot passport. Whether you choose to marry a Cypriot citizen or trace your ancestry to the island, several legal routes can lead to citizenship in the country. While investment can support permanent residency, direct citizenship through investment is no longer permitted.

Care to learn more about the intricate legalities, requirements, application process, and nontrivial perks of acquiring Cypriot citizenship? You have come to the right place! We break down complex notions into clear and perceptible steps!

Definition of Cyprus Citizenship

Just like any other citizenship, Cyprus citizenship is a legal status that a person can acquire if they comply with the existing acquisition criteria. As you become a rightful citizen of Cyprus, you will gain access to all the perks and benefits that local people enjoy, along with the advantages that being a valid member of the European Union offers. You can travel across the EU without requiring a visa and benefit from its healthcare, security, education, and other social services.

Moreover, you can also contribute to the island's well-being through voting and other social or individual initiatives.

Not so long ago, there were four primary ways for a person to obtain Cyprus citizenship. They were the following:

• Long-term legal residence
• Parents of Cypriot origin
• Marriage to a Cypriot citizen
• Citizenship by investment into the local economy

Legal Ways to Obtain Cypriot Citizenship

Starting from November 2020, the citizen-by-investment option is no longer available due to corruption and other loopholes being exploited for personal gain. Yet, the former three are still valid and up for the taking. So, let's discuss them in further detail, shall we?

Citizenship by Naturalisation

A long-term country resident has the right to apply for Cyprus citizenship if they have spent, on average, seven years out of the last ten years in the country. However, over the previous 12 months preceding the application, you must have resided in the country on a regular basis, with the exception of up to 90 days that can be spent abroad. One day over the 90-day period will reset the 12-month period.

Successful applicants must provide proof of a stable income (e.g., an employment contract) and a place of residence for themselves and their families, if applicable. Moreover, you must have a spotless criminal record supported not only by your words but also by your country of origin.

Another critical requirement is your good character and at least B1 Greek language proficiency.

Once you comply with these Cyprus citizenship requirements and provide the required documents, you can expect the Civil Registry and Migration Department to process your application within a period of one to three years.

NOTE! As of 2025, there are reduced residency requirements for highly skilled foreign workers. In this case, the residency terms are around 4-5 years, based on how the country values your contribution to its economy.

Citizenship by Marriage

Another way how to get a Cyprus passport would be to get married to a native. A foreign spouse is eligible for Cyprus citizenship after a minimum of three years of lawful marriage. However, there are also conditions to comply with. These often include, but may not be limited to, the following criteria:

• The couple must spend at least two years of their married life together in the country before applying for a Cyprus passport.
• The spouses may be asked to provide valid proof of the genuine nature of their union. The applicant has to fill out the M125 form and provide the required documents, such as

1. Original marriage certificate
2. The original birth certificate of the applicant
3. Original of the clean criminal record of the applicant issued by their country of origin
4. Copy of applicant's passport or ID
5. Copies of children's birth certificates, if any
6. Cypriot spouse's passport
7. Harmonious declaration from the Officer of the District Administration Office
8. Statement of cohabitation from the local authority
9. Copy of the paid receipt for the submission services of 300 euros.

NOTE! The application must be submitted in two copies.

If the couple lives abroad but has spent time together for over five years and has children together, they may file the application without the required two-year residence in the country. However, such couples are often asked why they seek citizenship in Cyprus.

Citizenship by Descent

If Cyprus literally runs in your blood, you can get local citizenship as well. This is often viewed as the most direct and swift way to acquire a Cyprus passport. The Ministry of Interior lists six major cases in which a person can obtain citizenship. Keep in mind that every option requires a separate form to be filled out, but the necessary documents are usually the same:

• If your father was a Cypriot, you were born before August 16th of 1960, and you are a lawful citizen of the UK or its colonies, you should fill out the M71 form.
• In case two of the conditions — the descent and the time of birth — coincide, but you aren't a current citizen of the UK or its colonies, you will have to proceed with the M72 form.
• Those who were born abroad after Cyprus gained independence, but at least one of their parents was a rightful citizen of the Republic, should continue with the M121 application form.
• Individuals born on or after August 16, 1960, may obtain citizenship in Cyprus if at least one parent was a citizen at the time of birth. Depending on your circumstances, you may be required to complete different forms, such as M121 or M123. Carefully review which form matches your case based on your birth date, your parents’ citizenship status, and country of birth.
• You can also acquire Cypriot nationality if you were born after the country gained independence, have valid origins, and have lived on the island for at least one year as a legal resident. M124
• A minor born in Cyprus, regardless of the year, can be entitled to Cyprus citizenship on the condition that their parent has acquired the legal status at the moment of application. In this case, the M126 form needs to be submitted.

NOTE! The required documents and the submission fees will vary depending on the type of form you choose. However, usually, they include such basic documents as:

• Applicant's birth certificate
• Parent's citizenship documents
• Parent's marriage certificate
• Copy of applicant's passport or ID

Permanent Residency as a Step Towards Citizenship

In case you don't fall under any of the described categories, it does not mean that you can't acquire citizenship in Cyprus. Obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus can be a crucial step for non-Cypriots to initiate the process of gaining citizenship. The major condition in such a case is the investment that you are expected to make to further boost the Republic's economy.

A potential investor willing to make a €300K contribution to the real estate market of Cyprus will reap more benefits than simply acquiring high-end property in a scenic location. The residency-by-investment program opens the doorway to citizenship in as few as seven years, provided the permanent status is maintained.

The primary conditions to obtain permanent residence status are to either buy new residential property from Cyprus developers worth €300,000 or invest in commercial property, company shares, or investment funds for the same amount.

Although the acquired permanent residence permit does not bind you to live in the country all the time, if you wish to obtain citizenship, there are specific legal deadlines to stick to. A potential citizen of Cyprus must reside in the country for at least seven years out of ten as a legal resident.

Application Process and Required Documents

As you can see, the country is more than interested in repaying the investor's favour in its economy. Not only can you receive a permanent residence permit, but you can also become a lawful citizen in the future. With that being said, the application process is investor-oriented and streamlined, but it is slightly document-heavy.

Here's the list of steps to take to succeed with the purpose:

Step 1: Pick the desired object of investment. Make sure that you are buying luxury property from valid and reliable Cypriot companies.

Step 2: Gather the necessary documents. Usually, the applicant is asked to provide the following:

• A valid proof of foreign-source annual income that is at least €50K (the amount will increase if there are any dependents you want to include).
• A clean criminal record is required for every applicant to the submission form.
• A valid health insurance coverage for every family member included in the application.
• A proof that you don't plan to undertake any employment in the country.
• An official confirmation of property acquisition worth the stated amount — you can use a sales contract or title deed for the purpose.

Step 3: Submit the application. You can do it in person through the Migration Department or a trusted legal representative (advised) and pay the submission fee of €500 plus an additional €70 for every family member added to the application form.

Step 4: Application processing and approval. Wait around 60 days for the application to be evaluated.

Special Provisions for Skilled Workers

Cypriot authorities are set on making the country flourish through as many changes as possible. Since 2023, valuable professionals who can contribute to the rapidly developing tech, finance, innovation, and other vital economic sectors have been allowed to accelerate their naturalization process and acquire Cyprus citizenship in four to five years.

How does it work? Once again, there's a list of requirements to comply with. Mainly, these requirements concern the residence period, personal attributes, and knowledge of the Greek language.

To qualify for the program, a skilled worker must:

• Skilled workers must reside continuously in Cyprus for at least 12 months before submitting their naturalization application. This period cannot include absences exceeding 90 days.
• Have a spotless criminal record and confirm their good character.
• Qualify for legal residence in the country.
• Showcase adequate knowledge of the Greek language: level A2 is required if you want to obtain citizenship in 5 years, and B1 is a must for individuals willing to naturalize in 4 years.
• Provide actual proof of their professional qualification.
• Provide evidence of sufficient monthly income, not less than 2.5K.
• Applicants must demonstrate basic civic knowledge during the interview process, including familiarity with Cypriot society, democratic institutions, and legal norms.

Military Service Obligations

Male applicants who have citizenship in Cyprus are military-bound. From the day when a man turns 18 years old till the day he reaches his 50th birthday, all men must fulfill their military service obligations. However, there isn't a single military service requirement that fits all cases. Depending on the nature of your citizenship, you are expected to serve a different amount of time in the military. For instance:

Naturalized citizens:

• Male citizens aged 18-26 who acquired the status through naturalization are expected to serve 6 months in the National Guard within 2 years of obtaining citizenship. If you fail to do so within the stated validity period, the penalty will be projected through an additional 2 months, added to the serving time.
• Male citizens older than 26 years are expected to serve in the military for only 3 months after they acquire the status. The delay in fulfilling the duty will add two more months to the serving time.

Citizens by descent

The standard service duration for all men who receive Cyprus citizenship based on their bloodline is 14 months. However, if these individuals or their parents lived abroad for over 10 years, then the service time applicable to male citizens will be the same as in the case of naturalization.

Exceptions

Not all male citizens are required to serve in the military after obtaining citizenship. Whether you:

• Reside abroad on a permanent basis
• Have dual citizenship (Greek and Cypriot)
• Have four or more dependents
• Have a specific medical condition
• Have a father or brother who went missing while serving in the Guard

You are exempt from the obligation.

IMPORTANT!

Even if you live abroad, you should settle your military status, or it can trigger various penalties and consequences, including but not limited to financial and legal implications.

Military conscription starts in the first 10 days of July every year. You can visit the nearest military office and figure out all the details that concern your case.

Dual Citizenship and Other Considerations

Some people fear that getting a valid Cyprus identity card may contradict the citizenship they already have and lead to renunciation. However, according to Cypriot legislation, every citizen in the country is entitled to dual nationality. This means that you can hold your previous citizenship and top it with the perks of a newly acquired one.

Yet, you must keep in mind that some European countries frown upon double citizenship. In contrast, in countries like China, India, and Saudi Arabia, such a double status is straight off forbidden. Also, the President of the Republic has the right to veto the acquisition of foreign citizenship by a country's national, but this veto hasn't been applied once yet.

Benefits of Cyprus Citizenship

Cyprus passport eligibility offers access to extensive rights within the EU, including free movement, healthcare, and business opportunities. Additionally, by becoming a rightful citizen of Cyprus, you will become entitled to the following privileges:

• Hidden gem of EU-rate healthcare: Cypriot citizens gain access to the national healthcare system (GESY), which offers quality services at subsidized costs. The country also features a competitive tax regime, with no tax on foreign-sourced dividends and a 12.5% corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in the EU.
• Unobstructed residence in a vacation paradise: As a lawful citizen, you won't need to worry about time-consuming legal hassles aimed at acquiring a tourist visa. By the way, the advantage goes both ways since, with citizenship intact, you can travel across the EU visa-free.
• People-oriented tax system: Whether you receive foreign-sourced dividends, interests, or capital gains, the income tax in the country is exceptionally well-thought-out and aimed to serve both the country's economy and its citizens.
• High-end education scale and tuition discounts: Aside from the fact that Cypriot citizens can qualify for a range of student tuition discounts across the EU, the local government offers top-tier education spiced with zero tuition fees for the first round of studying at Public universities.
• No-stress family relocation: After you acquire a Cypriot passport, you can bring your loved ones into the country with as little fuss as possible at the Cyprus embassy.
• Growing business opportunities: Once again, the tax system of Cyprus is perfect for running businesses. Not only does the country offer some of the lowest corporate tax rates (12.5%), but it also supports various startups and initiatives as long as they contribute to the republic's growing economy.
• Enhanced stability in the shifting geopolitical environment: The country's political situation is stable and secure. Holding a citizenship is like having a valid backup plan at all times.

Common Questions About Cyprus Citizenship

Can I Hold Dual Citizenship in Cyprus?

The Republic of Cyprus allows dual citizenship without any restrictions or exceptions imposed. However, there's a list of countries that either frown upon dual nationality status or completely prohibit it. You should always check your home country's laws to avoid any unexpected turns when you apply for citizenship on the island.

Is Citizenship by Investment Still Possible?

No, Cyprus discontinued its Citizenship-by-Investment program in 2020. However, non-EU nationals can still apply for permanent residency via a €300,000 property or business investment. After maintaining residency for 7+ years, they may become eligible for citizenship through naturalization.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The time required to acquire citizenship in Cyprus depends on the path you choose. For skilled workers, it may take as little as 4 years. For standard applicants, the naturalization route typically requires 7 years of legal residence, including one uninterrupted year before application.

What Benefits Come with Cyprus Citizenship?

There are multiple benefits that a Cypriot passport can grant you. Starting with visa-free travel, low taxes, and high levels of security, the status will open up fresh markets for your business or services, grant you the right to vote, and allow you to live freely in a citizen-oriented environment.