New Legislation for the Naturalization of Foreign Nationals

By: Bybloserve Management

In an effort to modernise Civil Registry Law and enhance due diligence procedures (required by) the Civil Registry and Migration Department, the House of Representatives approved on the 30th of November 2023 a new legislative framework in relation to the qualifications and criteria for the naturalization of foreign nationals.

1. Qualifications for foreign nationals 

Pursuant to the provisions of the new legislation, the following qualifications must be cumulatively met in order for the foreign national to be eligible for a Cyprus citizenship:

a) Legal and continuous physical residence in Cyprus for the entire period of the immediately preceding 12 months from the date of application. Any periods of absence of up to 90 days within the aforementioned period do not interrupt such time period;

b) Completion of at least seven (7) years of legal physical residence in Cyprus within a period of ten (10) years from the 12-month period mentioned in point (a) above;

c) The applicant must be of a good character;

d) The applicant must be a holder of C1 certificate of knowledge of the Greek language;

e) The applicant must have basic knowledge of the contemporary political and social reality of the Republic of Cyprus;

f) The applicant must have suitable accommodation and financial self-sufficiency for the maintenance of himself/herself as well as his/her dependant family members;

g) The applicant must have the intention to reside in Cyprus.

2. Highly skilled foreign nationals employed in companies of foreign interests as defined by the decision of the Council of Ministers. 

Pursuant to the provisions of the new legislation, the below shall apply in connection with the requirement of knowledge of Greek language:

a) If the applicant is a holder of A2 certificate of knowledge of the Greek language, the applicant must prove completion of at least four (4) years of legal physical residence in the Republic and twelve (12) months of continuous and legal residence. Any absence from the Republic of up to 90 days within the aforementioned period does not interrupt such time period;

b) If the applicant is a holder of B1 certificate of knowledge of the Greek language, the applicant must proof completion of at least three (3) years of legal physical residence in the Republic and twelve (12) months of continuous and legal residence. Any absence from the Republic of up to 90 days within the aforementioned period does not interrupt such time period;

3. Family members 

Under the provisions of the new legislation, the family members of the applicant are eligible to apply for naturalization provided that the qualification of legal and continuous physical residence in the Republic is met and that the spouse/civil partner satisfies the same level of knowledge of Greek language with the applicant.

4. Examination time 

In general, the applications will be examined through a fast-track procedure and the duration of the examination will not exceed the period of eight (8) months.

HOW BYBLOSERVE CAN ASSIST YOU? 

We can advise and assist you in order to comply with the new criteria and process for naturalization and provide any legal support that may be necessary.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute and neither shall be construed as legal or other professional advice. Neither Bybloserve Management Limited nor any of its employees accept any liability for any loss arising from relying on the information contained herein.