Is Cyprus the right place to call home? Many people wish to live in a place with low tax, good health care, and safe streets. Cyprus offers all this and more. If you want to live, work, and invest in the EU, this island may be the best choice.
This guide will show you how to get Cyprus citizenship, what rules you must meet, and why this choice may work for you.
Ways to Get Cyprus Citizenship for Expats
To get Cyprus citizenship, you must follow some rules and regulations. There are multiple paths to citizenship if you’re living in Cyprus, have Cypriot family, or are a skilled worker. Let’s explore your options:
1. Becoming a Citizen Through Naturalization
This is the most common way for expats to get Cyprus citizenship. If you’ve lived in Cyprus for several years, you may qualify for citizenship through naturalization. You must:
- Live in Cyprus for at least 7 years in the last 10 years.
- Have lived in Cyprus without long trips away for 12 months before applying.
- Have a good character (no criminal record).
- Have a job or steady income.
- Know Greek at B1 level and pass a test on Cyprus politics and society.
2. Citizenship for Skilled Professionals
Cyprus offers a route to citizenship for highly skilled workers contributing to the economy. If you work in a tech or foreign company, you may qualify with fewer years:
- You must live in Cyprus for at least 4 years (or 3 if your Greek is A2 level).
- Your job must be in a government-approved company.
- Your salary must be €2500 or more per month.
- You can fast-track your application in 8 months for €5000.
3. Getting Citizenship Through Marriage
Have you married a Cypriot citizen? You may be eligible for citizenship after a few years of marriage and residence. The conditions are:
- You have been married for 3 years and lived in Cyprus for 2 years.
- You can prove your marriage is real.
- You pass an interview with officials.
4. Citizenship for Children of Cypriot Parents
If you have Cypriot parents, you could qualify for citizenship by descent, even if you were born abroad. You must satisfy these conditions:
- At least one of your parents was Cypriot when you were born.
- You can show official proof of your family link.
How to Get Cyprus Citizenship: Step-by-Step Process
Once you check that you qualify, here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to do, step by step.
Step 1: Collect Your Documents
Before applying, make sure you have all the required paperwork in order. To start the Cyprus citizenship process, gather these:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Proof of residence (bills, rent receipts)
- Job contract and tax records (for workers)
- Bank records or salary slips
- Greek language test result (B1 or A2)
- Certificate from Cyprus knowledge test
- Marriage certificate (if applying by marriage)
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Once your documents are ready, submit your application to the District Administration Office and fill form M127.
- Pay €500 when you submit.
- Attach two official stamps (€8.54 each).
- Sign the form in front of an official.
Step 3: Pass the Language & Knowledge Exams
- Take a Greek test (B1 or A2).
- Pass a test on Cyprus’ laws and society (you need at least 60%).
Step 4: Wait for Approval
- Most applications take 12-24 months.
- If you are a high-skilled worker, you can pay €5000 for fast processing (8 months).
- After approval, pay €500 for your naturalisation certificate.
Step 5: Get Your Cyprus Passport
If approved, congratulations! You’re now a Cyprus citizen and can apply for:
- A Cypriot passport
- A Cyprus ID card
- Full EU citizenship rights
Required Documents for Cyprus Citizenship
Here’s a detailed checklist of documents you’ll need to submit:
| Document Type | Who Needs It? | Notes |
| Birth Certificate | All applicants | Must be in Greek or English |
| Passport | All applicants | Must be valid |
| Proof of Residence | Naturalisation applicants | Rent, bills, or tax papers |
| Work Contract/Employment | Skilled workers | Confirmed by employer |
| Greek Language Certificate | Naturalisation applicants | B1 or A2 level |
| Cyprus Knowledge Exam | Naturalisation applicants | At least 60% score |
| Marriage Certificate | Spouses of Cypriots | Must prove real marriage |
| Bank Statements | All applicants | Must show stable income |
Why Consider Cyprus Citizenship?
Once you become a Cyprus citizen, there are a number of perks you can enjoy. Here are some of them:
- Live & Work in the EU – Move freely across 27 countries.
- Low Taxes – Cyprus has one of the lowest tax rates in Europe.
- Good Education & Health – Access public services like locals.
- Family Perks – Once you get Cyprus citizenship, your family can apply too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Cyprus Citizenship
Many people make errors when applying for how to get Cyprus citizenship. A small mistake can lead to delays or rejection. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Forgetting Important Documents
Many applications fail because people forget important papers. Always check the full Cyprus citizenship process list before applying. If you miss proof of income, Greek language results, or residence papers, your application will be rejected.
2. Struggling with Greek Language Requirements
You must prove B1 Greek for naturalisation or A2 Greek for high-skilled workers. Many fail because they do not prepare for the test. Take classes or practice before applying.
3. Gaps in Residency History
To get Cyprus citizenship, you must stay in the country for 7 years within the last 10 years. If you leave Cyprus for more than 90 days a year, your application may fail.
4. Insufficient Financial Proof
You need proof of stable income. Bank statements, job contracts, and tax records help. If you cannot show enough money, your application will not be approved.
5. Applying Without Meeting the Criteria
Some apply without checking if they qualify. Read the full Cyprus citizenship for expats rules before you start. If you apply without meeting the conditions, you waste time and money.
Fix these mistakes before applying to make sure your process is smooth.
Wrap Up
Now you know how to get Cyprus citizenship. The process takes time, but if you meet the rules, Cyprus is worth it.
If you are thinking about moving, share this guide with family and friends. Looking for more help? Visit Expatify.Guide for the latest updates on Cyprus citizenship for expats.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to get Cyprus citizenship?
It takes 12-24 months. High-skilled workers can apply for fast-track (8 months) if they pay €5000.
2. Can I keep my current citizenship?
Yes, Cyprus allows dual citizenship. You don’t need to give up your first nationality.
3. Do I need to live in Cyprus before applying?
Yes, you must have 7 years of legal residence in Cyprus in the last 10 years before you apply.
4. What if I don’t speak Greek well?
You need to pass a Greek language test. Skilled workers can apply with A2 level Greek instead of B1.
5. What if my application is denied?
You can appeal or fix the issue and reapply. Many people fail due to missing documents or language tests.
