1. Based on years of residence:
This application can be submitted by foreigners, who have completed a total of 7 years of legal residence in Cyprus before the application date.
2. By marriage:
Foreign spouses of Cypriots who have completed 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residence in Cyprus (prior the filing of the application) are entitled to apply for citizenship.
Spouses of Cypriots living abroad are entitled to apply when they have completed at least 3 years of marriage, however they must explain the reasons for which Cypriot citizenship is requested. In the event, the couple has completed five years of marriage and has at least one child, it is not necessary to provide such explanation.
3. Due to origin:
There are three types of Cypriot citizenship application due to origin.
A. Application for Consular Birth Certificate:
Minors or adults born abroad after the 16th of August 1960 and whose father at the time of birth was a Cypriot citizen, and by those born after the 11th of June 1999, whose mother was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth.
B. Application for Registration of Minors:
Minors born prior the 11th of June 1999 in Cyprus or abroad and whose mother is a Cypriot citizen and father is a foreigner or the minors whose father took the Cypriot citizenship after their birth.
Also, for minors whose father or mother acquired the Cypriot citizenship by Naturalisation or by Registration due to marriage with a Cypriot citizen.
C. Adult applicants:
Adults born on or after the 16th of August 1960 and none of their parents at the date of birth was a Cypriot citizen.
4. Naturalisation by the Cyprus Investment Programme:
The Government has established the Cyprus Investment programme, to give the opportunity to the investors to receive a Cyprus Passport for them and their family.
An investor can apply for citizenship after five years of residing in the County, with the following criteria:
Investment of at least 300.000 euro in one of the following:
A. Purchase of a brand-new residential property: Either a house or apartment at least 300.000 (plus VAT).
B. Purchase of commercial property: Including offices, shops etc or combination of those.
C. Invest in Cyprus Company’s share capital: Purchase of shares or establish a Cyprus Company that is based and operating in the Republic of Cyprus and has a physical presence and employee minimum of 5 people.
D. Invest in Units of Cyprus Investment Organization of Collective Investments (AIF, AIFLNP, RAIF)
How we can help:
· Advise on the required documents and the applicants eligibility.
· Assistance on the collection of the required documents.
· Preparation of the application forms.
· Submission of the application and liaison with the competent authorities.
· Following up on the status of the application.
This article is written for information purposes only and it does not constitute legal advice.
For further information, legal advice and assistance please contact us at zena@zsm.law.