Cypriot Citizenship by Naturalization

Naturalization by years of residence (form M127)

Since the Civil Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023 took effect on 19 December 2023, adult applicants need twelve months of legal and continuous residence right before applying, with absences of up to 90 days in total allowed, plus at least seven years of legal residence in the ten years before that. They must also show good character, Greek at B1 level, a score of at least 60% in an exam on the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus, suitable housing, stable and regular income, and an intention to reside in the Republic. Applications are filed on form M127 at the District Administration Offices and signed in front of a registrar.

Residence

7 of the prior 10 years, plus 12 continuous months

Language

Greek at B1, or a Greek-taught diploma or degree

Civics exam

Pass mark of 60% on Cyprus political and social reality

Government fee

EUR 500 to apply, EUR 500 on approval, 2 stamps of EUR 8.54

Dual citizenship

No renunciation of the current nationality required

Investment route

Closed to new applications on 1 November 2020

Requirements

• Twelve months of legal and continuous residence immediately before filing, with absences of no more than 90 days in total.
• At least seven years of legal residence within the ten years preceding that final year.
• A B1 Greek certificate from the Greek Language Centre exams or the University of Cyprus School of Modern Greek.
• A certificate showing a score of at least 60% in the official exam on contemporary Cypriot political and social reality.
• Proof of suitable accommodation and of stable, regular income, plus a Cyprus criminal record certificate valid for six months.
• Copies of passport pages with entry and exit stamps and notices from two consecutive daily newspaper publications.

How to apply

1. Pass the Greek language exam and the civics exam run through the Ministry of Education's Examination Service.
2. Publish the naturalization notice in a daily newspaper on two consecutive occasions.
3. Complete form M127 with the document checklist and sign it in front of a registrar.
4. File at the District Administration Office, paying EUR 500 and attaching two EUR 8.54 stamps.
5. On approval, pay a further EUR 500 for the certificate of naturalization.

Naturalization for highly skilled employees (Article 111B(2))

Status: Only for staff of companies covered by Decision 92.018

Article 111B(2) gives a shorter path to people living in Cyprus for highly skilled work in companies covered by Council of Ministers Decision 92.018 of 15 October 2021, such as companies of foreign interests, Cypriot hi-tech and innovation firms, and accredited international universities. After the same twelve continuous months, they need four years of legal residence in the preceding ten with Greek at A2, or three years with Greek at B1. They must have worked for a qualifying company for at least two years. Staff outside the director, specialist and key personnel categories also need a gross salary of at least EUR 2,500 a month plus a degree or two years of relevant experience.

Residence

4 years with Greek A2, or 3 years with B1, plus 12 months

Employment

At least 2 years with a company under Decision 92.018

Salary test

Category 2 staff: EUR 2,500 gross a month plus a degree

Accelerated review

EUR 5,000 for a decision within 8 months

Family

Spouse or partner may apply with or after the employee

Requirements

• Current employment, on filing and on examination, with a company covered by Council of Ministers Decision 92.018.
• At least two years of employment with such a company before applying.
• Greek at A2 for the four-year route or at B1 for the three-year route.
• A pass of at least 60% in the civics exam, plus good character, housing and stable income.
• Where needed, a certificate from the Business Facilitation Unit or the Migration Department that the company meets the Decision's criteria.

How to apply

1. Confirm that the employer falls under Decision 92.018 and obtain the certificate if required.
2. Pass the Greek exam at the level matching the chosen residence period, and the civics exam.
3. File form M127 at the District Administration Office with the employment evidence.
4. Pay EUR 5,000 if requesting the accelerated examination of no more than eight months.