The Ministry of Interior has recently published a comprehensive list of criteria for naturalization in Cyprus.
General Requirements for Naturalization
As per Article 111B(1) of the relevant law, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Residency: Lawful and continuous residency in government-controlled areas of Cyprus for 12 months before the application date. Brief absences not exceeding 90 days in total do not count as interruptions.
- Overall Residency: Lawful residency for a cumulative period of at least seven years within the ten years preceding the aforementioned 12-month period.
- Criminal Record: No criminal convictions.
- Greek Language Proficiency: Knowledge of Greek at the B1 level.
- Knowledge of Cyprus: Adequate knowledge of the political and social realities of Cyprus.
- Suitable Accommodation: Proof of suitable housing.
- Financial Means: Stable and regular income, and sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family.
- Intention to Reside: Declaration of intent to continue residing in the Republic of Cyprus.
Requirements for Highly Skilled Workers
Article 111B(2) of the law outlines different criteria for highly skilled workers employed by companies specified in Cabinet Decision No. 92.018 of October 15, 2021. These include:
- Residency: Lawful and continuous residency for 12 months before the application date. Brief absences not exceeding 90 days in total do not count as interruptions.
- Overall Residency: Lawful residency for a cumulative period of at least 4 or 3 years (depending on Greek language proficiency of A2 or B1 respectively) within the ten years preceding the 12-month period. Brief absences not exceeding 90 days in total do not count as interruptions.
- Criminal Record: No criminal convictions.
- Greek Language Proficiency: Knowledge of Greek at the A2 or B1 level.
- Knowledge of Cyprus: Adequate knowledge of the political and social realities of Cyprus.
- Suitable Accommodation: Proof of suitable housing.
- Financial Means: Stable and regular income, and sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family.
- Intention to Work and Reside: Declaration of intent to continue working and residing in the Republic of Cyprus.
These employees must be employed by the following companies:
- Foreign companies operating in Cyprus with physical offices in the country, located in appropriate premises separate from any private residence or office of another company.
- Cypriot shipping companies.
- Cypriot high-tech and/or innovative companies producing products related to the aerospace industry, computers, information technology and communications, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical equipment, chemicals, non-electrical equipment.
- Cypriot pharmaceutical companies.
- Cypriot companies operating in the field of biogenetics and biotechnology.
- Companies already registered with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver’s Department’s Registry of Foreign Companies.
The recently published criteria for citizenship in Cyprus offer a clear roadmap for applicants. By meeting the outlined requirements, individuals can gain access to the numerous benefits of Cypriot citizenship, including the right to live, work, and study in the country.
