Foreign nationals who have legally resided in the Republic of Cyprus may be eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation, subject to the applicable residence, language, financial and other legal requirements.
Since 19 December 2023, the naturalisation framework has included specific eligibility requirements for applicants residing in Cyprus for general purposes and a separate regime for highly skilled employees of qualifying companies and their eligible family members.
1. General Naturalisation – Residence-Based Route
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must cumulatively satisfy the following requirements:
- Legal and continuous residence: Legal and continuous residence in Cyprus for the 12 months immediately preceding the application. Absences totalling no more than 90 days during this period do not interrupt the required residence.
- Previous residence: At least 7 years of cumulative legal residence during the 10 years immediately preceding the required 12-month period.
- Good character: The applicant must satisfy the applicable good-character requirements.
- Greek language: Adequate knowledge of Greek at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- Knowledge of Cyprus: Adequate knowledge of the basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus.
- Accommodation and financial resources: Suitable accommodation and stable, regular financial resources sufficient to support the applicant and their family members.
- Intention to reside: The applicant must intend to reside in the Republic of Cyprus.
Greek Language Requirements
Applicants are generally required to provide evidence of successful completion of a recognised Greek language examination at B1 level.
Accepted proof may include:
- A recognised Greek language certificate at B1 level.
- A certificate issued by the School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus.
Applicants holding a recognised secondary school diploma from an institution where Greek is the principal language of instruction, or an academic degree from a programme taught in Greek, may be exempt from the Greek language examination requirement, subject to the applicable rules.
Knowledge of Cyprus
Applicants must provide a certificate confirming successful completion of the examination on the basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus, with a score of at least 60%, in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Proof of Accommodation and Financial Resources
Supporting evidence may include:
- Title deeds or a property purchase agreement and payment receipts.
- A rental agreement and evidence of rent payments.
- Utility bills and payment receipts.
- Employment contracts and payslips.
- Social Insurance contribution statements.
- Income tax documents.
- Bank statements and other relevant evidence of financial resources.
2. Naturalisation for Highly Skilled Employees (BCS Route)
A separate naturalisation framework applies to eligible highly skilled employees working for qualifying companies in Cyprus and certain eligible family members, under Article 111B(2) of the Civil Registry Law.
This route provides reduced residence requirements for qualifying applicants who satisfy the applicable employment, residence, language and other statutory criteria.
Qualifying Companies
The framework covers eligible employees of specified companies and institutions, including:
- Companies of foreign interests operating in Cyprus and meeting the applicable establishment and operational requirements.
- Cypriot shipping companies.
- Qualifying Cypriot high-tech and innovation companies.
- Qualifying pharmaceutical, biotechnology and biogenetics companies.
- Companies registered in the relevant Register of Foreign Companies maintained by the competent authorities.
- Eligible international higher education institutions accredited by the Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.
The company must fall within the applicable categories and satisfy the relevant criteria established by the Council of Ministers.
Who Qualifies as a Highly Skilled Employee?
The following categories may qualify, subject to the applicable conditions.
Category 1 – Employees of Companies of Foreign Interests
Individuals holding temporary residence permits for employment in companies of foreign interests under the following categories:
- Directors
- Specialists
- Key Personnel
Category 2 – Other Highly Skilled Employees
Individuals who meet the prescribed employment and qualification criteria, including:
- A minimum gross monthly salary of €2,500.
- A university diploma, degree or equivalent qualification, or qualifying evidence of at least two years of relevant experience in a corresponding position.
Applicants under Category 2 must provide confirmation from the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) or the Civil Registry and Migration Department that the employer meets the applicable company criteria.
Residence Requirements
Eligible highly skilled employees may qualify under the following reduced residence periods:
- With Greek language proficiency at A2 level: At least 4 years of cumulative legal residence during the relevant preceding 10-year period.
- With Greek language proficiency at B1 level: At least 3 years of cumulative legal residence during the relevant preceding 10-year period.
In both cases, applicants must also satisfy the requirement for legal and continuous residence during the 12 months immediately preceding the application. Absences during this final 12-month period must not exceed 90 days in total. Under the special route, absences of up to 90 days per year are not counted as absences for the cumulative residence requirement, subject to the applicable rules.
Applicants must also satisfy the good-character, Cyprus knowledge examination, accommodation, financial resources and intention-to-reside requirements.
Important: Applicants under the highly skilled employment route must have been employed by a qualifying company for at least two years before submitting the naturalisation application, in accordance with the applicable requirements.
Accelerated Examination
Eligible highly skilled employees and qualifying family members may apply for accelerated examination of their naturalisation application by paying an additional fee of €5,000.
The accelerated procedure provides for examination within a period not exceeding eight months, subject to the applicable statutory conditions and administrative requirements.
3. Applications by Eligible Family Members
Certain family members of applicants qualifying under the highly skilled employment framework may submit their naturalisation applications together with, or after, the principal applicant, provided that they satisfy the applicable residence, language and other requirements.
Eligible family members include:
- The spouse of the principal applicant.
- The civil partner of the principal applicant, as recognised under the applicable Civil Partnership Law.
- A dependent adult child with a disability who meets the relevant statutory definition and conditions.
Family members are not automatically entitled to citizenship and must satisfy the requirements applicable to their individual applications.
4. Application Procedure – Form M127
Applications for Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation are submitted using Form M127 at the competent District Administration Office.
Applicants must ensure that:
- The relevant application form is completed accurately.
- All required supporting documents are provided.
- Documents are duly certified or authenticated and officially translated, where required.
- The application is signed in the presence of a Registrar, in accordance with the applicable procedure.
- The relevant government fees and stamps are paid.
The required documentation may vary depending on the applicant’s residence history, employment category and individual circumstances.
5. Government Fees and Stamps
The standard fees specified for the M127 naturalisation procedure are:
- Application submission fee: €500.
- Application stamps: Two stamps of €8.54 each.
- Certificate of Naturalisation: An additional €500 payable upon approval.
- Accelerated examination: An additional €5,000 for eligible applicants under the highly skilled employment route.
Applicants should confirm the applicable fees and payment requirements with the competent authorities before submitting their application.
How MyConsultancy Can Assist
At M.S. MyConsultancy Services Ltd, we provide professional assistance to individuals and eligible employees seeking to acquire Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation.
Our services include:
- Preliminary assessment of eligibility and residence history.
- Assessment of eligibility under the general or highly skilled employment route.
- Review of employment history and qualifying company status.
- Guidance on Greek language and Cyprus knowledge examination requirements.
- Preparation and review of the application and supporting documents.
- Assistance with document certification, authentication and translation requirements.
- Coordination of the submission process and follow-up with the competent authorities.
Contact MyConsultancy to arrange an initial assessment of your eligibility for Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice or a guarantee of approval. Eligibility, residence calculations, documentation, fees and examination procedures are subject to the applicable legislation and the requirements of the competent authorities in the Republic of Cyprus. Individual eligibility should be assessed before an application is submitted.