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Getting a Cyprus citizenship for expats is possible through four main routes: descent, marriage, naturalisation, and investment. But in 2020, Cyprus closed its citizenship by investment program, leaving many expats like you wondering about their options.
Today, the most common way to gain a Cypriot passport I could see is through naturalisation. It’s a process of becoming a Cypriot citizen after living in the country for at least 7 years in the Republic out of the 10 years. You must have legally resided in Cyprus during this time, with a valid residence permit.Â
In 2023, the rate of naturalisation in Cyprus was 2.6 per 100 resident non-nationals, matching the EU average.Â
Let’s look at other ways to obtain Cyprus citizenship in this blog.
Before you apply for Cyprus citizenship for expats, knowing the right pathway can save time. Each way has unique rules. Below is a clear look at the main ways expats can become Cypriot citizens.
Naturalisation is the main way for long-time expats. To qualify, an applicant must have: 12 months of legal stay in the Republic (with a maximum of 90 days of absence allowed*) and at least 7 years of legal residence in the Republic within the 10 years prior to the 12-month period.
You will have to give proof such as tax records, rent or house deeds, utility bills and job records.
You must not have criminal cases or legal trouble during your Cyprus stay. Another big part is showing you can pay your bills and have a steady income in Cyprus. You should know a bit about Cypriot culture and basic language skills.Â
The application can take up to two years after you submit all documents.Â
Marriage to a Cypriot national can speed up the Cyprus citizenship process. You must have been married for at least three years to a Cypriot partner. Out of these three years, you need to have stayed in Cyprus for two years without breaks.
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
Main legal requirements for expats in Cyprus through marriage include a valid marriage certificate, proof you live with your spouse, and no criminal cases. You must also show you have enough money to care for yourself without state help.
Application Process and Timeline
You need to submit the filled M125 form along with marriage proof, income proof and residence proof. The government can also ask to check if the marriage is real. It will usually take one to two years from the date of applying.Â
Cyprus citizenship for expats through marriage is popular due to less waiting time than other ways.
Expats with parents or grandparents who were Cypriot citizens can get citizenship by descent. Cyprus citizenship for expats through descent is quicker than other paths.
Legal requirements for expats in Cyprus for this path include birth certificates, parent’s or grandparent’s Cypriot citizenship proof and family tree. Even if your parent or grandparent is not alive, you can still apply by showing their papers clearly.
Required Proof of Cypriot Descent
You must prove direct Cypriot lineage, and your family documents must be legalised. The Cyprus citizenship process through descent is shorter, usually taking 6-12 months.Â
Once accepted, you will get full rights just like any other Cypriot citizen. It is a popular option for expats who can prove their Cypriot family roots.
Cyprus permanent residence can be the first step towards Cyprus citizenship for expats. Once you get PR, you have to stay in Cyprus for at least five years without a break. After that, you become eligible to apply for naturalisation.
The legal requirements for expats in Cyprus to get PR are having enough income to sustain yourself, a clean criminal record, and proof of health insurance.
As of January 1, 2024, foreign citizens made up 6.4% of Cyprus’s population, one of the highest proportions in the EU. Many choose PR first, to later become citizens.Â
With PR, you can live, study and work. The Cyprus citizenship process after PR is simpler as you already fulfil many needed conditions.
Cyprus no longer gives direct citizenship through investment. But you can still get residency rights by investing. This route is suitable for expats with funds to buy property or business stakes.
Legal requirements for expats in Cyprus under this route include buying property valued at €300,000 or more. Another way is to invest in Cypriot businesses or keep a deposit of €30,000 in Cyprus banks.
After five years of staying legally in Cyprus, investment residents can apply for Cyprus citizenship for expats through naturalisation. This method is helpful for expats who want quick residency first, leading slowly to full citizenship.
Cyprus offers citizenship to refugees and asylum seekers who have stayed in Cyprus for at least five years after gaining official refugee status.
Integration and Rights After Citizenship Approval
Legal requirements for expats in Cyprus for refugees and asylum seekers include proof of refugee status, economic self-sufficiency and good knowledge of local life and customs.
As of December 2023, Cyprus had a foreign-born population of 259,939, up from 172,808 in December 2016. Many of these are refugees who later apply for citizenship. After proper checks, successful refugees get full citizenship rights.
Having your papers ready is vital. Without proper paperwork, your application can face delay. Here are the most common documents you will need:
| Document | Who Needs it? |
| Passport Copy | All |
| Residence Proof | Naturalisation, Marriage |
| Marriage Proof | Marriage Citizenship |
| Birth Records | Descent Citizenship |
| Criminal Check | All |
| Bank Statements | Investment Residency |
| Tax and Job Records | Naturalisation |
Keep copies and originals ready and ensure they are up to date.
Once you apply for Cyprus citizenship for expats, you will want updates. Cyprus gives several ways for checking application status.
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Usually, it takes 1-2 years to get final approval. Always stay patient and prepared.
There are clear pathways to Cyprus citizenship for expats, ranging from naturalisation to investment routes. Knowing the Cyprus citizenship process and the legal requirements for expats in Cyprus makes your journey smoother.Â
If Cyprus citizenship for expats is your goal, start collecting documents early and choose the right route that fits your condition.
Share this detailed guide with your family and friends who may find Cyprus a great new home.
1. Can I have dual nationality in Cyprus?
Yes, Cyprus law allows dual citizenship. Expats can keep their old passport along with Cypriot citizenship without any legal issues.
2. What if my citizenship application gets rejected?
If rejected, you can appeal or apply again after fixing issues pointed out by Cyprus immigration. Appeals must be through the Ministry of Interior.
3. Do I need to speak Greek to get citizenship?
Basic knowledge of Greek helps but is not strictly mandatory for investment residency or citizenship by descent. Naturalisation may need basic language skills.
4. Is citizenship possible if I live outside Cyprus?
Only through descent or marriage can you apply from outside. Naturalisation and PR need physical stay.
5. How much money is needed for Cyprus investment residency?
At least €300,000 in real estate or a €30,000 deposit in Cypriot banks. This gets you residency and later citizenship eligibility.
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