After much anticipation, the law amending the Civil Registry Law was voted and approved by Parliament.

The amending legislation not only streamlines the Naturalisation process for High-Skilled Employees of Foreign Interest Companies and their families but also introduces a new pathway for Naturalisation based on Years of Residence in Cyprus.

Our team secured a copy of the amending legislation and we lay out below the main changes introduced.

The updated provisions are poised to take effect upon their publication in the Office Gazette. Further guidance and implementing regulations by the Council of Ministers and Civil Registry Department are also expected to follow suit.

Naturalisation (Citizenship) for High-Skilled Employees of Foreign Interest Companies

Individuals who are employed by Foreign Interest Companies can apply for Cyprus Citizenship after residing for 5 years in Cyprus and having a level of knowledge of the Greek language equivalent to level A2.

An application may be submitted after only 4 years of residence in the country with a language proficiency equivalent to B1.

Fast Track Examination:  Notably, the law provides for applications by High-Skilled employees to be examined within 8 months.

Additional Requirements:

• Legal and continuous residency in Cyprus for the year before application, with allowances for absences not exceeding a total of 90 days in the previous year.
• Adequate accommodation in Cyprus
• Stable financial resources to sustain oneself and dependents
• Clean criminal record and no pending legal proceedings
• Understanding of Cyprus’ modern political and social landscape, evaluated through a committee interview.

Family Members of High-Skilled Employees of Foreign Interest Companies

The amending law also provides for family members of High-Skilled Employees of Foreign Interest Companies.

Family members may apply for Citizenship on the basis of Years of Residency in Cyprus after completing a period equivalent to 8 calendar years within the 11 years prior to the submission of an application.

They too should reside legally and continuously in Cyprus for the entire year prior to the submission of the application. However, unlike the previous regime, allowances are granted for absences not exceeding a total of 90 days in the previous year.

These applications will also be examined within 8 months of application.

Naturalisation (Citizenship) due to Years of Residence in Cyprus

The amending law also introduces a new procedure for applications for Naturalization on the basis of years of residence in Cyprus for individuals residing in the country under other residency schemes.  

Individuals may apply for the Cyprus Citizenship after completing a period equivalent to 8 calendar years within the 11 years prior to the submission of an application.

They too should reside legally and continuously in Cyprus for the entire year prior to the submission of the application. However, unlike the previous regime, periods of absence from Cyprus which do not exceed a total of 90 days in the previous year are disregarded for this purpose.

Applicants must have a certificate of knowledge of the Greek language (level B1) and basic knowledge of the country’s modern political and social landscape.

Next Steps

We are expecting for this amending legislation to be published in the Official Gazette in order to take effect and for further guidance and implementing regulations to be issued by the Council of Ministers and Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Looking to find out more?

Contact our team at info@paraschou.com.cy