Citizenship Through 4 – 5 Years Of Residency In Cyprus
Relaxation of Criteria for Acquiring Cyprus Nationality by Skilled Workers.
Effective December 19, 2023, significant legislative amendments have been implemented concerning the naturalization prerequisites for the specialized workforce and their families in Cyprus.
Specifically, employees deemed “highly specialized” and/or exceptionally skilled, having served three or four years in Cyprus, are now eligible to apply for Cyprus citizenship. The designation of eligible companies will be determined by the cabinet of ministers, aligning with existing and future governmental initiatives aimed at attracting companies and skilled professionals. Individuals employed in high-tech, shipping, pharmaceuticals, innovation, and research and development sectors are anticipated to benefit from these changes.
Key Provisions
To qualify for Cyprus nationality, applicants must possess good character and a certain level of proficiency in the Greek language. The proficiency level determines the point in time, during their residency, at which applicants become eligible for naturalization. A proficiency level of B1 allows application after four years of residency, while A2 proficiency requires five years. Residency criteria include:
- No absence from the Republic for more than 90 days in the last 12 months before the application.
- Completion of 3 or 4 years of residency in Cyprus during the preceding 10-year period, based on Greek proficiency.
- During the 3 or 4 years, individuals are permitted a maximum of 90 days of absence per year. For instance, exceeding 90 days in a year necessitates an additional day’s stay in Cyprus before commencing the final 12 months.
- Naturalization for Families: The legislative changes not only impact individual employees but also extend to include their families in the naturalization process
- The residency and language prerequisites are also applicable to the family members of employees. [Children under 18 at the time of application are exempt from the Greek language requirement, and their residency periods need not align with those of their parents].
- The examination period is eight months following the payment of a fee.