Obtaining a Cypriot passport

Obtaining a Cypriot passport is possible by descent, marriage or naturalization. In the last case, foreigners who have lived on the island for a total of more than 7 years can apply for EU citizenship, since the state is a member of the union. The most common grounds for immigration are investment, work, family reunification. For highly qualified specialists and spouses of Cypriots are available accelerated procedures of status acquisition within 4 years. The main document regulating the process of citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus is the Law “On Citizenship”.

For foreigners from outside the European Union, immigration to Cyprus opens up many advantages, including visa-free travel to more than 160 countries, the right to live, work and study in any EU country. Also, many people are attracted to this state by its favorable tax regime, economic and social stability, high standard of living.

Advantages of Cypriot passport

Since the republic is a member of the EU, the holders of a Cypriot passport automatically become the owners of all the rights available to citizens of the association. Among the main advantages of acquiring permanent status in the state are:

1. consular protection and assistance outside the country;
2. freedom to travel to more than 160 visa-free countries;
3. the right to choose tax residency;
4. the ability to work and do business (the country offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe - 12.5%) in any EU country without permits;
5. the right to be elected to the European Parliament and local authorities and to vote;
6. access to high quality European education, scholarships and grants throughout the EU, priority over foreigners when considering applications for admission to higher education institutions;
7. the opportunity to purchase real estate in any EU state, to obtain mortgage loans at rates more favorable than for non-residents;
8. the right to receive medical services, social benefits such as unemployment or childcare allowance.

In order to access all the privileges of an EU passport, it is important to choose the right basis for relocation. International lawyers know all the nuances of the law - they will provide you with a customized immigration solution. With the help of experts, you will determine the easiest way to move to any of the countries of the European Union. All details of the accelerated procedure of acquiring European citizenship can be found out during a free consultation.

Main ways of obtaining a Cypriot passport

You can become a citizen of Cyprus through the naturalization procedure - this is the most common immigration option. This method takes quite a long time and requires a justified reason for long-term residence in the state. To qualify for a Cypriot passport through standard naturalization, you need to have been in the country for one year prior to applying, as well as 7 years cumulatively over the previous 10-year period. Let's take a look at the common grounds for staying in the republic.

Family reunification  

Cypriot residence permit holders can bring their spouses and children, including adult children, to the island if certain conditions are met. The initial residence permit for invited family members is issued for one year or until the expiry of the host country's permit. The document can be extended if the conditions for its issuance are still met.

To apply for a residence permit, birth and marriage certificates as well as account statements confirming transfers to the applicant's account of EUR 24,000 or more per year are required. This amount is increased by 20% for the spouse and another 10% for each child.

Employment

Employees can obtain a residence permit with a validity period of up to 3 consecutive years (for some professions there is no maximum period). An application for employment of a foreigner is submitted by the Cypriot employer on the basis of an employment contract, an application to cover the costs of deportation of the employee, a certificate of absence of criminal record and serious illness. The employee must also have an insurance policy and a registered residence in Cyprus. Fees for registration of residence permit and registration with the competent authority - 190 EUR, for extension - 130 EUR.

Education

A residence permit is granted upon presentation of a certificate of enrollment in a Cyprus university with the payment of a fee (140 EUR, including entry in the register of foreigners). The applicant must be able to cover living expenses during the period of study, have academic certificates, know the language of the teaching program.

The document is issued for one year and is renewed annually until the moment of graduation with the payment of a fee (55 EUR). The student has the opportunity to work for 20 hours per week (up to 38 hours during vacations). After graduation, foreigners can stay in Cyprus for 12 months to find a job or start a business.

Marriage

Applications for residence permits for foreign spouses of Cypriots are considered on an individual basis. In case of employment, the residence permit is granted for a maximum of 5 years. Cypriot spouses have the opportunity to obtain citizenship if they have been married for 3 years or more, including 2 years in Cyprus before submitting the application. The request must include a marriage certificate, a statement of cohabitation, a Cypriot passport of the husband/wife, proof of income of the receiving party (from 2000 EUR per month).

Highly qualified professionals

The EU Blue Card residence permit is issued to qualified professionals for a period of one year or more, but not longer than the period of validity of the employment contract. The residence permit is granted on the basis of proof of higher education or professional experience of 2 years or more, a valid employment contract guaranteeing an appropriate salary, and an insurance policy. The document can be extended while maintaining the conditions of the original residence permit.

Highly qualified workers can apply for citizenship under an accelerated scheme, provided they have been continuously residing for one year before the application and 3 to 4 years during the previous 10-year period. It is also necessary to know the Greek language at the level of A2 or higher, to pass an exam on the knowledge of social and political peculiarities of the country, to receive a salary of 2500 EUR per month. For accelerated processing (up to 8 months) a fee of 5,000 EUR must be paid.

Investments  

For foreigners from outside the EU investing in Cyprus from 300,000 EUR, an accelerated process of granting a residence permit is provided. Investments can be made in the share capital of a local company, real estate, including through the purchase of an apartment or house. It is worth considering that a residence permit for investment in a Cypriot company is granted if the staff consist of for at least 5 people. Among other requirements that need to be met to obtain a residence permit are:

1. personal annual income of 50,000 EUR or more (additional 15,000 EUR for spouse and 10,000 EUR for each minor child);
2. a criminal record certificate from the country of residence and country of origin, if different;
3. health insurance policy;
4. provision of information about the place of residence on the island (document on rent, ownership).

Depending on the category of the investment object, it is also necessary to present a real estate sale and purchase agreement, a certificate of incorporation of the company and employment of at least 5 employees, other proof of investment. The applicant and his spouse can only work in Cyprus as directors of the company they finance.

The residence permit for minor children included in the request is valid until they reach the age of 18.

It is also possible to make a separate application for a spouse or an adult child, if the amount of investment is increased accordingly (300 000 EUR per application). A fee of 500 EUR is payable upon submission of the documents.

The residence permit for investors has an unlimited validity period, but the document itself must be renewed every 10 years. The permit is canceled if you have stayed outside the Republic for more than 2 years or if you have obtained a residence permit in another country.

Requirements and procedure for obtaining a Cypriot passport

The process leading to obtaining a passport of the Republic, as well as the requirements will differ depending on the basis. The standard dossier for acquiring Cypriot citizenship consists of the following documents:

1. application;
2. passport of the country of origin;
3. birth certificate;
4. CV;
5. certificate of Greek language proficiency at A1 or B1 level, depending on the basis;
6. property ownership certificate or rental agreement, utility receipts;
7. certificate of criminal record;
8. certificate of successful completion of an exam (at least 60% out of 100%) on knowledge of modern political and social life of the country;
9. proof of the applicant's income (employment contract, bank accounts or any other evidence).

This list may vary depending on the grounds and individual situation. All documents that are submitted with the application must be translated into Greek or English and legalized. Obtaining citizenship by naturalization consists of the following steps:

1. Visa request. The entry permit is issued at the Cypriot consulate with the payment of a fee (90 EUR). To obtain a visa you need to fill in an application form, provide your passport, photo, insurance policy with coverage of 30 000 EUR. You also need proof of the basis for immigration (employment contract, bank account statement, income tax declaration, etc.) and availability of accommodation on the island (apartment rental agreement, hotel reservation). The application should be submitted at least 12 working days before the intended trip, but not earlier than 3 months in advance.
2. Obtaining a residence permit. Within 7 days after arrival, you must apply for a residence permit by going to the central office of the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD). The foreigner must provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo), identity card, receipt of payment of the fee (140 EUR, including registration in the Register of Foreigners). It is also necessary to show proof of the reason for staying in Cyprus (labor contract, enrollment in a university and others). The residence permit is valid from one year. The application is considered within one month.
3. Renewal of residence permit. The residence permit is extended by submitting the relevant application, provided that you continue to meet the conditions of the original residence permit. The prolongation procedure is also carried out at the CRMD office with the payment of a fee (55 EUR). The application is processed within 1-3 months.
4. Registration of permanent residence permit. After 5 years of residence in the country you can acquire the status of permanent resident. The period of absence from the country should not exceed six months in a row or 10 months in total for a five-year period. A request for permanent residence can be made at the CRMD office with the submission of biometric data, payment of a fee (30 EUR). Among the conditions for granting a residence permit are knowledge of the Greek language, proof of income and housing, current residence permit. It is also necessary to provide a health insurance policy, certificate of criminal record, employment contract or other proof of the basis for immigration.
5. Acquisition of Citizenship. After 8 years of cumulative residence in Cyprus for the last 11 years, you can apply for a national passport by standard naturalization. For this purpose, it is necessary to have a stable income, appropriate housing, knowledge of the Greek language, the peculiarities of the political and social structure of the state. The application is submitted to the district administration office or consulate abroad with the payment of fees (517 EUR). The application is signed in the presence of the registrar. If the request for citizenship is approved, it is necessary to pay 500 EUR for the naturalization certificate.
6. Obtaining a national passport. The request for a Cyprus ID card is submitted to the office of the Department of Migration with the submission of fingerprints and a photograph (except for persons under 12 years of age). The original birth certificate must be attached to the application and the fee (70 EUR) must be paid. The request for a minor is submitted and signed by both parents in the presence of an official. As a rule, the document is produced within 10 working days. For applications submitted to the consulates of the Republic of Cyprus, the waiting period may be longer. You can check the status of the application via SMS notifications.

Until the moment of obtaining a Cypriot national passport you need to go a long way, which involves precise collection of documents and registration of numerous permits. It is also important to choose the basis for immigration, which will determine the duration of the procedure. Lawyers can offer an alternative option of registration of EU citizenship through simplified programs in the period from 4 months. Having obtained a passport of any EU state, you will be able to live in Cyprus and other countries of the association.

How much time and money are needed to obtain a Cypriot passport

The length of the procedure of acquiring Cypriot citizenship depends on the basis. Accordingly, the main disadvantage of the standard naturalization, which requires a minimum of 7 years, is the significant cost of money and time. Below we will consider the cost and terms of legalization of status in Cyprus on different grounds. The indicated price includes only state fees.

1. Marriage to a Cypriot citizen (the marriage must last at least 3 years): Minimum residency requirement — 2 years, processing cost — 730 EUR.
2. Standard naturalization: Minimum residency requirement — 7 years, processing cost — 1,570 EUR.
3. Investment: Minimum residency requirement — 7 years, processing cost — 1,650 EUR.

In addition to administrative fees, it is necessary to take into account translation and legalization of documents (average 25 EUR per page), taking two tests (95 EUR), accommodation. In 2025, monthly expenses for one person living on the island average 865 EUR; for a family of four, 3,057 EUR. Rented accommodation will cost from 747 EUR per month for a one-bedroom apartment and from 1392 EUR for a two-bedroom apartment. It is also important to understand that when choosing investment as a basis for immigration, the main item of expenditure falls on investments from 300 000 EUR in the economy of the republic.

What doesn't work: how you can't get a Cypriot passport

Having made a decision to immigrate, one can be confronted with numerous myths about obtaining the citizenship of Cyprus, built on untrue reviews, spread in social networks, and unreliable information. Also, misconceptions, taken for the truth, are associated with ignorance of current changes in legislation, proposals of unfair intermediaries offering their services on the Internet. Let's consider some of the most common myths about Cyprus passport issuance:

1. Fictitious marriage. There is a misconception that entering into a sham union with a Cypriot is a quick way to obtain European citizenship. In practice, the authorities carry out thorough checks on each case, asking for proof of the authenticity of the marriage. Registering a fictitious union for immigration purposes carries serious legal consequences, including fines, deportation from the island and a further ban on re-entry to the Republic.
2. Purchasing real estate allows you to immediately obtain citizenship. The purchase of an apartment, house or other real estate even for the amount of more than 300,000 EUR is the basis for obtaining a residence permit, but not a Cypriot passport. Previously, the country had a program CIP (Cyprus Investment Program), which provides for direct acquisition of citizenship through investment, but from 2020 it ceased to act. Buying a home will only speed up the processing of a residence permit, but does not guarantee a Cypriot passport.
3. Attempt to buy citizenship. There is no way to directly purchase a Cypriot passport. The dubious intermediaries who guarantee that you can buy citizenship of any country are scammers. At best you will lose money, at worst both parties involved in the illegal scheme will face administrative and criminal consequences. You can only obtain a Cypriot passport legally by following all immigration procedures established by law.
4. Citizenship by birth. Some countries, such as Canada or the USA, do grant their passports on the principle of jus soli (right of soil) to children born on their territory. In Cyprus, however, only jus sanguinis (right of blood) applies, whereby at least one of the parents of the child must have the citizenship of the Republic. Thus, the mere fact of birth on the territory of the island does not give any additional advantages and rights to a passport to either children or their parents.

Any attempt to circumvent the law by providing untruthful information when submitting an immigration application leads to rejection of the application, revocation of the obtained status and sanctions. Foreigners, in addition to fines or imprisonment, may face deportation with a ban on further entry into the country and the entire EU.

The assistance of lawyers allows you to guarantee citizenship in a European country in the shortest possible time. Specialists will choose the best grounds for moving, based on your individual situation and preferences, help you collect all the necessary documents and accompany you at every stage of the procedure. Start with a free consultation to take the first step towards European citizenship.

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Dual citizenship in Cyprus: whether it is allowed to hold more than one passport

Obtaining a Cypriot passport is a good choice for foreigners who seek to retain the status of a resident of their country regardless of the reason for moving. The legislation of the state does not provide for the need to renounce previous citizenship when naturalizing or marrying Cypriots. Thus, you can have two or more national documents of different countries, if it does not contradict their legislation.

At the same time, it is worth paying attention to the differences between dual and second citizenship. In the first case, there must be an agreement between the two powers, such as Cyprus and Great Britain - then your status is equally recognized by both states. If you have a second passport, each country recognizes your status only in relation to itself.

Where to get a second passport faster and easier: an overview of alternatives

To obtain a second citizenship, it is not necessary to go through all the stages of standard naturalization, which takes, as a rule, at least 8 years. Immigration in a short period of time is available by repatriation, the main condition in this case is confirmation of ethnic affiliation to the people or territorial - to the country.

Becoming a participant of one of the simplified programs operating in Slovenia, Romania, Bulgaria, you can count on an EU passport in 4-14 months. Citizens of EU states are allowed to reside in any country of association, including Cyprus. You can find out all the details of obtaining a European passport under the simplified procedure at a free consultation.