Cyprus Immigration and Citizenship Lawyer

Thanks to its comfortable climate, rich culture, numerous tourist attractions, and favourable tax environment, an increasing number of migrants are choosing Cyprus as their permanent place of residence. To attract migrants, entrepreneurs, and investors, the Cypriot government offers various options for obtaining residency permits and even citizenship for highly skilled workers, investors, and long-term residents.

Our team of experienced Cyprus immigration lawyers will assist, not only in obtaining permanent residence permit or temporary residence permit as swiftly as possible but also in navigating cyprus immigration law and avoiding any procedural errors. We will analyse all available legal mechanisms and develop a bespoke strategy for each client.

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How Can One Obtain Cypriot Citizenship?

Cyprus offers several ways to obtain citizenship or permanent residence permit: naturalisation, descent, citizenship through marriage, and other legal mechanisms.

The following categories of individuals may be eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship:

  1. Individuals, one or both of whose parents are citizens of Cyprus;
  2. Spouses of Cypriot citizens;
  3. Children of Cypriot citizens born abroad
  4. Foreigners who have continuously lived in Cyprus for more than 7 years;
  5. Foreign investors can obtain citizenship through a fast-track naturalisation programme.

After choosing the method of obtaining citizenship, you need to prepare a set of necessary documents. Then, the application is submitted to the relevant Cypriot authorities. As part of the application review, the authorities conduct checks on the legality of all provided documents and confirm your compliance with all the programme’s conditions. In the event of a positive decision, you will be issued a certificate of citizenship, after which you can apply for a Cypriot passport.

How to Apply for Cypriot Citizenship

The procedure for submitting an application for immigration permits depends on the chosen method of acquiring citizenship. For a better understanding, let’s examine the procedure for applying through naturalisation.

The applicant must be over 18 years of age and have lived continuously in Cyprus for no less than 7 years directly before the date of application. For individuals married to a Cypriot citizen, this period can be reduced to 5 years.

The required document package includes the following:

  1. Official form for submitting application M127;
  2. Copies of all pages of a valid international passport;
  3. Documents confirming legal status of residence in Cyprus;
  4. A notarised copy of the birth certificate and a translation into Greek or English;
  5. A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship and from Cyprus.
  6. Proof of residence: rental agreements, utility bills, tax returns;
  7. 4 passport-sized photographs;
  8. Marriage certificate, if applicable;
  9. Documents on financial stability: employment references, bank statements.

Form M127 must be completed in Greek or English without any errors or corrections. The application fee is €500. Payment is made upon submission of the documents.

The application must be submitted in person to the Cyprus Ministry of Interior or to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in your area of residence.

Authorities are checking the completeness and authenticity of the documents provided. An interview may be scheduled to assess language proficiency and integration into Cypriot society.

The process of reviewing the application can take from 1 to 2 years, depending on individual circumstances and the workload of government services.

You will receive an official notification regarding the decision on your application for permanent residence permits. In the event of approval, it is necessary to take an oath of allegiance to the Republic of Cyprus. Following the taking of the oath, a certificate confirming your citizenship will be issued.

With a certificate of Cyprus citizenship, you can apply for a Cypriot passport and identity card at the local Civil Registry and Migration Department office.

Our firm of Cyprus immigration lawyers offers legal support at all stages of obtaining a Cypriot passport. We will assess each individual situation and propose the most suitable strategy for acquiring citizenship, explaining all the immigration law nuances and legislative requirements in detail. An experienced specialist will assist in gathering a complete set of documents for the application, arrange for notarisation and professional translation. Additionally, we will prepare you for any potential interviews and assist with organising the oath-taking procedure.

Cypriot Citizenship by Descent

Acquiring Cyprus citizenship by descent is based on the principle of jus sanguinis (right of blood). The following categories of individuals may be eligible for a passport:

  • Children of Cypriot citizens born after the 16th of August, 1960, are eligible for citizenship. For children born between the 16th of September, 1960, and the 11th of June, 1999, citizenship is passed down through the paternal line. For children born after the 11th of June, 1999, citizenship can be acquired through either the paternal or maternal line.
  • Individuals of Cypriot descent, born before 16 August 1960 (if they are descendants of individuals who were entitled to Cypriot citizenship in accordance with British colonial laws);
  • Grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Cypriot citizens, provided that proof of kinship is presented.

Individuals born after 16 August 1960, whose father is a citizen of Cyprus, must complete form M121. Those born after 11 June 1999, whose mother is a Cypriot citizen, must fill out form M126. Persons of Cypriot descent born before 16 August 1960 are required to fill in form M123.

In addition to the basic documents, it is also necessary to provide a completed M121, M123, or M126 application form, the original and a notarised copy of the birth certificate, the parents’ marriage certificate, as well as documents proving the Cypriot citizenship of one of the parents (passport, citizenship certificate, birth certificate).

The application must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior of Cyprus or a local Civil Registry and Migration Department office. Outside of Cyprus, the application can be made through a Cypriot embassy or consulate in your country. The review process for the application usually takes from 6 months to 1 year. There is no requirement to permanently reside in Cyprus to obtain citizenship by descent.

Acquiring Cyprus Citizenship Through Naturalisation

On the 19th of December, 2023, the naturalisation criteria based on residency duration were amended. From this point forward, applicants are required to have 12 months of lawful residence in Cyprus with a permissible absence of up to 90 days, plus lawful residence for 7 out of the last 10 years, making a total of 8 years.

Over a seven-year period, absences from the country are permitted, but the total time away must not exceed 14 days in any given year. If the 90-day limit is exceeded, the 12-month cycle will be interrupted.

For individuals with Cypriot heritage, the minimum residency period can be reduced to 5 years. If the applicant is married to a Cypriot citizen, the period of continuous residency is also reduced to 5 years.

An amendment regarding highly skilled professionals was also adopted. They can obtain a Cypriot passport after 4-5 years of residing in the country, depending on their proficiency in the Greek language. The procedure for applying for citizenship through naturalisation and the necessary documents package were discussed earlier in this article.

Our team of experienced Cyprus immigration lawyers is ready to provide personalised consultations, assess the applicant’s compliance with requirements, and consult on immigration regulations and optimal solutions. We will assist in compiling a complete set of documents, ensure their proper formatting, translation, and notarisation. We prepare the applicant for any potential interviews, offering recommendations and advice.

Cypriot Citizenship by Marriage

The applicant must be in a legal marriage with a Cypriot citizen for at least 3 years at the time of application. It is also necessary to prove cohabitation for 2 years. The authorities may conduct a check to verify the authenticity of the relationship.

In addition to the basic documents required for citizenship, you must also submit a completed Form M125, the original and a notarially certified copy of the marriage certificate translated into Greek or English, a copy of your spouse’s identity card or passport, and proof of cohabitation (lease agreements, utility bills, bank statements).

Form M125 must be completed in Greek or English, without any mistakes or corrections. The application fee is €300. The government fee is paid upon submission of the documents. The application must be submitted in person to the Cyprus Ministry of Interior or to the Civil Registry and Migration Department at your place of residence.

Cypriot Citizenship by Investment

Previously in Cyprus, there was a citizenship-by-investment programme in place, through which participants could obtain a passport in just 6 months. From 2020, it has become impossible to acquire citizenship through investment, however, the programme for obtaining permanent residency (PR) via investment remains available.

By investing from 300,000 euros in property or the economy of Cyprus, you can obtain permanent residency (the first resident card is immediately for 10 years). Moreover, this allows you to reduce the residency period required for citizenship from 7 to 5 years through the naturalisation programme.

You can invest the specified amount in the following options:

  • 1 or 2 properties;
  • The share capital of the company, which is physically located in Cyprus;
  • Units of the Cypriot Collective Investment Scheme (Purchasing bonds, bills, and securities).

Foreign nationals over the age of 18 with an annual income of €50,000 can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus. Additionally, an application for temporary residency can include members of the investor’s family. In this case, the required income level increases by €15,000 for a spouse and by €10,000 for each child.

How Can One Obtain a Cypriot Passport and Identity Card?

To apply for a Cypriot passport and identity card, you will need to gather the following set of documents:

  1. Form Date A: application for a passport;
  2. Form Date B: Application for an Identity Card (ID card);
  3. For naturalised citizens: a citizenship certificate issued by the Cyprus Ministry of the Interior;
  4. For citizens by birth: a birth certificate confirming citizenship;
  5. Valid foreign passport;
  6. Proof of address: utility bills no older than three months, a rental agreement, or a property ownership certificate;
  7. Two colour photographs measuring 40 mm x 50 mm for a passport;
  8. Two colour photographs measuring 35 mm x 45 mm;
  9. Payment of the state duty for a biometric passport (£70 for adults and £45 for children);
  10. Certificate of No Criminal Record.

You need to fill out an application form, which is available at local branches of the Civil Registry and Migration Department or on the official website of the Cyprus government. Applications must be completed in Greek or English.

The standard processing time is between 10 to 15 working days. In the case of urgent processing, expedited handling can be requested, but this may incur additional charges.

Your identity card (ID card) will be produced within 7 working days. You will be notified by phone or email when your documents are ready for collection. The validity period of the identity card is 10 years, regardless of the owner’s age.

Dual citizenship in Cyprus

Cyprus officially allows dual citizenship. This enables individuals to retain their previous passport and enjoy the rights of citizenship of multiple countries, including the freedom of movement, access to social services, and legal protection.

Military Service

Men who have acquired Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation are required to complete military service.

Applicants aged between 18 and 26 are required to serve in the army for 6 months and to enlist within 2 years after receiving citizenship. In the event of a delay, the period of service will be extended by 2 months.

Applicants over the age of 26 must serve in the army for 3 months. If a man does not enlist within 2 years, the term will be extended to 5 months.

If you weren’t given any military documents when you received your passport, you should contact the local military office in your area of residence. There, you will be assigned a military number and receive the relevant documents. Conscription into the army takes place in the first 10 days of every July.

Our Law Firm Can Assist with the Immigration Process to Cyprus

Immigrating to Cyprus presents a wealth of opportunities: conducting business in a favourable tax environment, enjoying a high standard of living, experiencing a comfortable climate, and immersing yourself in a rich culture. Our team of international lawyers is ready to analyse your specific situation and suggest the best immigration options to Cyprus in accordance with current legislation.

An experienced professional will prepare all the necessary documents and permits, as well as develop an effective personalised action plan taking into account your goals and needs. We are also ready to advise you regarding property acquisition and investments in the Cypriot economy, overseeing transactions to ensure their legality and security.

We have a successful track record in resolving complex cases related to Interpol notices. Our specialists provide comprehensive legal support, protecting the rights and freedoms of our clients in accordance with international standards. Contact us to schedule a consultation and discuss all possible ways of immigrating to Cyprus.

Anatoly Yarovyi
Senior Partner, Attorney-at-law, admitted to the Bar (Certificate to practice Law #701 as of 28.12.2009)
Anatoly Yarovyi is a highly experienced lawyer with 20 years in the field, specializing in law enforcement, intelligence activities, International Public Law, and human rights. His current focus is on Interpol and Extradition cases, as well as advising high-profile clients on personal and business security, data protection, and freedom of movement. Anatoly's diverse background includes roles in the Prosecutor's Office, intelligence agencies, and top multinational law firms.
What are advantages of obtaining Cypriot citizenship?

Obtaining Cypriot citizenship offers numerous benefits: the right to freely move and reside in any EU country, visa-free access to more than 170 countries, a favourable tax system for businesses, high-quality healthcare, and education.

Is Cyprus a member of the EU?

Yes, Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Cypriot citizens have all the rights of EU citizens, including the right to work, reside, and conduct business in European countries.

What should I do if my application for Cypriot citizenship has been rejected?

If your application has been rejected, a solicitor can help you challenge this decision, analyse the reasons for the refusal, and prepare an appeal. Thanks to a professional approach and a well-thought-out strategy, it's possible to achieve a positive outcome even after an initial rejection.

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