Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with natural beauty and a pleasant climate. It is also a European Union (EU) member, a financial and maritime centre, and ranks high among countries for safety, education and health. The three ways to get Cyprus citizenship are naturalisation, marriage and descent. The Cyprus passport currently ranks number 12 in the Henley Passport Index, giving you the right to visit 181 countries visa-free. In this guide, you will find out how to obtain Cyprus citizenship and the benefits that go with it.
Naturalisation (years of residence)
To get the Cyprus citizenship by naturalisation, you have to be an adult and satisfy the following criteria:
You lived in the Republic for 12 consecutive months before the date of submission of the application.
Before those 12 months, you resided in the Republic for four years in the past seven years.
Seven years of residence for one of these categories: students, visitors, self-employed, athletes, coaches, sports technicians, domestic helpers, nurses, employees of Cypriot or foreign employers or offshore companies, the spouses and adult children of these. The seven years must be continuous. The 12 months are included in the seven years.
Are of good character.
Intend to reside in the Republic and/or work in the civil service or an international organisation, contact point, company or body created there.
You will pay a fee of EUR 500 plus a stamp.
Marriage
To get Cypriot citizenship by marriage, you must complete three years of marriage or civil union with a Cypriot citizen before the date of application. The application form is M125. You sign it before the Registrar in the Court or, if you are abroad, at a consular office or other authorised person. The application is then submitted to the relevant local authority (District Administration) or consulates (for people living abroad). The fee is EUR 300 plus a stamp.
Descent
There are six categories of persons that get Cypriot citizenship by descent: 1) Applicants of male descent born before 16 August 1960 who are citizens of the UK or its former colonies. 2) Applicants of male descent born before 16 August 1960 who are not citizens of the UK or its former colonies. 3) Applicants born abroad (consular birth certificate) whose father or mother was a Cypriot citizen at birth. 4) Applicants born on or after 16 August 1960. They may be descendants of UK or other foreign citizens of Cypriot origin. 5) Citizens of the UK or the Commonwealth born before August 16 1960, whose father or mother is of Cypriot origin. 6) Registration of a minor as a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus. The father or mother had acquired citizenship by naturalisation or descent. The fee varies according to category, from EUR 20 to EUR 80 plus stamp.
EU membership
A significant benefit of being a citizen of Cyprus is EU membership. You will be an EU citizen with the right to live and work freely in the EU. Moreover, you will have access to the European single market and be able to benefit from the trade agreements between Cyprus and the EU.
Benefits of Cyprus citizenship
For many reasons, Cyprus is a top destination for individuals wishing to relocate or retire.
If you are a retiree or a person of independent means attracted to the Mediterranean, you will find an exceptional quality of life in Cyprus. The climate is mild, with year-long sunshine. Cyprus has outstanding natural beauty; the sea is among Europe’s cleanest waters. Relative low cost of living and a low crime rate are additional benefits. The lifestyle is family-friendly, with many places and activities a family can go to and engage in. The distances are short, and even villages and mountains are not far from amenities and the sea. You are entitled to national healthcare or can use one of the island’s quality private health centres.
Moreover, you and your family have access to outstanding educational institutions. A large number of these are English-speaking. Indeed, most of the population speaks English, and there is a significant ex-pat community.
As an entrepreneur, you will find a thriving business environment on the island. The benefits of Cyprus for entrepreneurs include
Access to European markets because of membership in the EU.
A corporate tax of 12,5% among the lowest in the EU.
A favourable tax system, with no tax for inheritance, wealth, gifts, dividends and interest. If you live here for more than half a year, you will be considered a tax resident of Cyprus. This means a favourable tax regime will apply to your worldwide income. Cyprus has double tax treaties with several countries, aiming to avoid double taxation.
A strong infrastructure and highly skilled workforce.
A reliable legal system based on the British with top-quality local lawyers of Cyprus.
Cyprus is a maritime centre and has the third-largest commercial fleet in the European Union.
Cyprus’s strategic position has attracted multinational corporations to establish regional headquarters on the island.
An advanced banking system highly regulated by the EU. Cyprus is a major hub for financial services.
Cyprus allows dual citizenship. Whether you are here for retirement, relocation or business, getting Cyprus citizenship does not mean you will lose your other citizenship(s).
Citizenship and permanent residence by investment
Permanent residence by investment (investment of EUR 300,000+ and minimum income requirements) is not the same as Cyprus citizenship. It gives you the permanent right of residence and covers your spouse and children, but is not citizenship. Nevertheless, permanent residence in Cyprus can lead to citizenship (see above).
Citizenship and permanent residence rights compared
Permanent residence in Cyprus gives you most rights that Cyprus citizens have, for example
To be treated with respect and without discrimination
Human rights and civil liberties
Create a company and, depending on the type of permit, work in it and employ staff
Open a bank account
Buy land with conditions
Rent a place to stay
Receive education and healthcare
Make agreements and all the ordinary transactions of everyday life
Family reunification
Travel outside Cyprus as many times as you like, provided you are not absent from Cyprus for two years+
Nevertheless, Cyprus citizenship gives you the following rights which permanent residence does not
Travel visa-free to all EU member states
Live and work in other EU member states
Right to vote in Cyprus
Buy real property without restrictions
Buy real property and rent it out to tenants
Be self-employed without the minimum capital requirements of the Category C residence permit
Carry out business without restrictions or criteria except those required by relevant legislation, professional bodies, or trade guilds.
You can be absent from Cyprus for over two years without losing citizenship.
Cyprus citizenship is inherited, which means you can pass it on to your children.
The takeaway
There are three ways to get Cyprus citizenship: naturalization or years of residence, marriage and descent. The Cyprus passport ranks 12th in power worldwide and gives you several rights, including the right to live and work freely throughout the EU. Though Cyprus permanent residence permits are not the same as citizenship, they can lead to citizenship because of years of residence.
Disclaimer
This guide briefly explains the way to get Cyprus citizenship and the benefits resulting from it. Though every effort has been made to make the guide as accurate and precise as possible, it cannot replace personal advice on your chances of citizenship. These depend entirely on your circumstances. The guide carries no liability whatsoever.
