Nationality of Cyprus: all obtaining pathways
Cyprus combines citizenship by descent and by marriage — three years of union, two of residence — with an eight-year ordinary naturalization. Its fast track for highly skilled employees stands out: four or five years of residence depending on the Greek level, with processing resolved in at most eight months.
1Citizenship by descent
Citizenship by descent
Requirements
- Child of Cypriot citizen fathers or mothers (Citizenship Law Cap. — registration in the Civil Registry)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Documents of the Cypriot parent
2Citizenship through marriage or a registered union with a Cypriot
Citizenship through marriage or a registered union with a Cypriot
Requirements
- Three completed years of marriage or registered civil union with a citizen of Cyprus (registration pathway, Form M125)
- Residence in the Republic for at least 2 of those 3 years (if residing in Cyprus)
- Application card with a 300 € fee
Documentation
- Form M125 signed and certified by the Registrar of a court with the spouse's signature
- Marriage/union registration records and birth certificates
3Naturalization by years of residence
Naturalization by years of residence
Requirements
- Legal and continuous residence in Cyprus during the 12 months immediately before the application (absences of ≤90 days in total)
- Accumulated legal residence of at least 7 years within the 10 years preceding those 12 months
- Good conduct
- Sufficient command of Greek, level B1 (exam certificate)
- Knowledge of the basic elements of contemporary Cypriot political and social reality
- Suitable accommodation and stable, regular resources for the applicant and their family
- Intention to reside in the Republic
Documentation
- Form M127 plus fees of 500 € on application and 500 € on issuance
- Language certificate (Centre for the Greek Language / University of Cyprus)
- Residence and means certificates
4Fast-track naturalization for highly qualified employees
Fast-track naturalization for highly qualified employees
Requirements
- Highly qualified employment in a company meeting the criteria of the Council of Ministers' Decision
- Legal and continuous residence of 12 months (absences ≤90 days) plus accumulated legal residence of 4 years (B1) or 3 years depending on command of Greek (A2/B1)
- Remaining employed by the same company for 12 months before the decision
- Stable minimum salary of €2,500/month, accredited academic and professional qualifications, accommodation, good conduct
Documentation
- Application under the regime of the amended 2023 Civil Registry Law
- Proofs of employment/qualifications/salary
- Greek A2/B1 certificate
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Cyprus
How many years of residence does Cyprus require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Cyprus (Naturalization by years of residence), the term is 8 years of legal residence (7 within the last 10 plus 12 continuous months). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Cyprus cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is 500 € application + 500 € certificate. Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Cyprus be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Citizenship through marriage or a registered union with a Cypriot pathway (3 years of marriage (2 of residence)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Cyprus require?
The Naturalization by years of residence pathway requires: Form M127 plus fees of 500 € on application and 500 € on issuance; Language certificate (Centre for the Greek Language / University of Cyprus); Residence and means certificates.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Cyprus?
Cyprus provides 4 pathways: Citizenship by descent, Citizenship through marriage or a registered union with a Cypriot, Naturalization by years of residence, Fast-track naturalization for highly qualified employees.
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Anything to correct or add about Cyprus?
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