Cyprus changes 'golden passports' to 'golden shots': new naturalization rules

At the end of 2023, Cyprus updated the Civil Registration Law, amending the naturalization rules. These changes mark a new era in the country’s immigration policy, emphasizing the attraction of highly skilled professionals and stimulating economic growth. Let’s deal with everything in order.

New opportunities for BCS

Skilled Personnel Priority: Skilled employees of companies of foreign interest (BCS) now have the opportunity to obtain Cypriot citizenship after only 4 years of legal residence. This represents a significant reduction from previous requirements, making Cyprus a more attractive destination for talent.

Family Reunification: Spouses/partners/life partners of such employees can obtain citizenship at the same time as them, subject to language and residency requirements. This is an important step that allows families to reunite and start a new life in Cyprus.

Language proficiency: A B1 (intermediate level) certificate in Greek is required to apply after 4 years. This is a reasonable requirement that ensures the integration of new citizens into Cypriot society.

Flexibility for those who have not reached the B1 level: If the B1 level is not achieved in 4 years, it is possible to apply after 5 years with an A2 (basic level) certificate. This provides an alternative route to citizenship for those who for whatever reason have not been able to learn Greek to B1 level.

Who cannot apply for citizenship?

Those who are in Cyprus on a student visa or under temporary protection. Years lived on a student visa or under temporary protection (including for Ukrainian citizens) are unfortunately not counted. This is due to the fact that these categories are not intended for long-term residence and citizenship. Therefore, we advise you to think about changing the type of visa if this is your case and you want to apply for citizenship.

Refugees. Time in refugee status also does not count.
Those who have migrated illegally. Applications will not be accepted from those who arrived on the island illegally (through occupied territory/arrived by boat). This is to ensure law enforcement and security.

Residency Requirements:

Count calendar days of legal physical residence in Cyprus. Citizenship requires continuous residence in Cyprus for 7 out of the last 10 years. This is a reasonable requirement that ensures that applicants do have ties to Cyprus.

Restriction on Departures. No departures outside Cyprus for more than 90 days during the year prior to application. This is necessary to confirm the applicant’s intention to reside in Cyprus.

Additional requirements include having no criminal record both in Cyprus and abroad. It is also necessary to have suitable accommodation in Cyprus. Successful completion of the process requires demonstration of financial self-sufficiency, proving sufficient income to support oneself and one’s family.

The applicant must also have knowledge of the history and politics of Cyprus, including an awareness of the problem of the occupied territories. This aspect is considered important for successful integration into Cypriot society. And, of course, a demonstration of intent to permanently reside on the island is required.

For those who have applied before:

No re-application is required. Those who have already applied for citizenship under the old rules do not need to reapply. But under the new rules, there is a language requirement. You will need a B1 certificate in Greek for the interview.

We dare to consider these changes in a positive way, as a positive trend in the development and positioning of Cyprus at the international level. The new naturalization rules position Cyprus as an attractive destination for highly qualified professionals, offering them an accelerated path to citizenship. We look forward to the State’s promised speed in processing applications and implementing innovative innovations like the first time.

Stay tuned. We will continue to share the latest information about the naturalization process and answer your questions.
We are also preparing materials for you about Greek language courses and certificates. So, as they say stay tuned, or better yet μείνετε συντονισμένοι!