Published on 19/12/2023 in the Official Gazette and with an immediate effect, Cyprus Parliament voted amendments to Civil Registry Law (“the Law”) governing the naturalization of foreign nationals on the basis of years of residence. The amendments’ highlight is that high skilled professionals, who reside in Cyprus for 3 or 4 years, may apply for Cypriot citizenship, in a fast-track procedure.
Professionals
In an attempt to attract talented people and companies in Cyprus, skilled professionals employed by companies designated by the Council of Ministers, can now apply for Cypriot citizenship. In that case the professional-applicant shall, among other requirements, have sufficient knowledge of Greek language at level A2 or B1; have a 12-month continuous residence prior to the submission of the application and complete 4 or 3 years of residence in the Republic within a period of 10 years, prior to the 12-month period. Family members of the professional applicant may apply and be registered together, provided the preapplication residency requirement is also fulfilled. The examination procedure will be quick, and applications will be completed within 8 months.
Other Persons
As per the same Law, all other applicants may apply for Cypriot citizenship if they accumulate a legal residence in the republic of at least 7 years within the previous 10 years, and such an applicant shall legally and continuously reside in the Republic for 12 months before the date of submission of the application. Among other criteria, the applicant for Cypriot citizenship shall have sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level B1.
Retrospective Effect
The new amended law has a retrospective effect and provides that all pending applications which have not yet been reviewed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department, and which were submitted based on the previous legislation, will be reviewed in accordance with the new Law.
It is noted that the above criteria are not exhaustive and that additional guidelines of the competent Department are expected.
