Obtaining citizenship of Cyprus opens up numerous opportunities. Passport holders can travel freely within the European Union and visit the USA and Canada. Additionally, Cypriot citizens can study at prestigious European educational institutions, receiving a high-quality education. The favorable economic conditions combined with extensive business development opportunities make acquiring citizenship in this country even more attractive.
Ways to Obtain Citizenship
There are three legal ways to obtain a Cypriot passport. One can become a Cypriot citizen by marrying a Cypriot, being born in the country, or residing there for a certain period.
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process of prolonged residence in Cyprus with gradual integration into local society. In this case, an immigrant seeking citizenship must live in the island country for 7 years. Exceptions are made for children or parents of a Cypriot; such applicants must reside on the island for 5 years.
Additionally, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Have a stable income;
- No criminal record and no debts;
- Continuous residence on the island for the last 12 months before applying.
After the required period, the applicant can submit a petition to the relevant authorities, having first placed a couple of announcements in local newspapers.
By Birth
The following individuals can use this method:
- Those born abroad after August 16, 1960, to a Cypriot father or after June 11, 1999, to a mother with a Cypriot passport;
- Citizens of the United Kingdom and former colonies born before August 16, 1960, to a Cypriot father and residing abroad;
- Children born before June 11, 1999, on the island or abroad, provided the father is a foreigner and the mother is Cypriot;
- Applicants born after August 16, 1960, whose parents did not hold a Cypriot passport at the time of their birth.
To confirm their descent, applicants can present documents to the Department of Population and Immigration Records, the local administration, or a consulate abroad. In this case, the applicant only needs to pay a fee of 20 EUR.
Marriage
A person legally married to a Cypriot citizen for more than 3 years can obtain a Cypriot passport. The applicant must have legally resided in the country for 2 years. In this case, a fee of 300 EUR is required.
It is important to note that the government actively combats sham marriages. A Cypriot citizen involved in such a scheme will be fined 5000 EUR, and the foreigner will be detained until deportation.