Citizenship by Naturalization
Based on Years of Residence
Based on Years of Residence
Cypriot citizenship can be obtained via naturalization based on one’s years of residence on the island. More specifically:
- Third Country Nationals can be naturalized as Cypriots once they have completed 7 years of legal residence on the island. Highly skilled individuals working in companies in Cyprus in the fields of tech, shipping and pharmaceutics can apply after 4 or 5 years of residence depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e. A2 or B1 respectively. Official guidelines can be found here.
- EU Nationals are allowed to apply for Cypriot citizenship after five years of residence on the island;
In addition to the minimum time spent, one must also fulfil the required conditions mentioned above. - Cyprus Citizenship via Spousal Privilege: Cypriot citizenship may also be obtained as the spouse of a Cypriot citizen under the following parameters:
Foreign spouses (EU Nationals and TCNs) of Cypriot Nationals who have been married for 3 years and have completed 2 years of residence in Cyprus, prior to the date of the application are allowed to apply;
Foreign spouses (EU Nationals and TCNs) of overseas Cypriot Nationals who have completed 3 years of marriage can submit the said application at a Cyprus Consulate or Embassy overseas.
EU Nationals: not sure about the below
European Union citizens who wish to take up residence in Cyprus need to obtain an EU Registration Certificate within 4 months from the last entry to Cyprus.