Fast-Track Naturalisation for Highly Skilled Employees of Companies of Foreign Interest

Cyprus Citizenship New Law – a brief summary of changes

Following amendments to the Civil Registry Law, certain highly skilled foreign workers employed by eligible companies may be able to apply for Cypriot citizenship after a reduced period of residence, subject to meeting the relevant criteria. Depending on the applicant’s Greek language proficiency, the required residence period may be reduced to 4 years, or 3 years where the applicant has Greek language proficiency at level B1.

The revised framework provides an accelerated naturalisation route for eligible highly skilled employees of qualifying companies, subject to the applicable legal requirements.

There are also revised criteria for all citizenship applications – see further below. 

New requirements for Cyprus citizenship

To apply for Cyprus citizenship, the applicant must have:

• 12 months lawful stay in the Republic (up to 90 days absence allowed).
• Lawful stay of 7 years (7x 365 days = 2555 days of stay) in the Republic out of the previous 10 years.
• Good character.
• Sufficient knowledge of Greek (Level B1* at the Examinations for the Verification of the Greek Language conducted via the Ministry of Education).
• Sufficient understanding of the socio-political realities in the Republic (at least 60% at the relevant examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education).
• Adequate accommodation and stable and regular financial means to support themselves and their families

                * Level B1 means you can handle everyday communication situations on your own.

Family Members

Eligible family members may also be able to apply for citizenship, subject to satisfying the applicable residence, language and other requirements. Family members may include spouses, partners and dependent adult children with disabilities, depending on the circumstances.

Fast-Track process for naturalisation of Highly Skilled Professionals (of companies of foreign interest ‘BCS’)

Crucial changes introduced are notably shortening the previous 7-year residency requirement for highly skilled foreign workers to obtain Cypriot citizenship.

Eligible applicants under the fast-track route should generally satisfy the following:

• Lawful residence in Cyprus for the required period before the application.
• Greek language proficiency of at least level A2 for the 4-year route.
• Greek language proficiency of level B1 for the reduced 3-year route.
• Sufficient knowledge of the basic elements of the modern political and social reality of Cyprus.
• Stable and regular income, with the article currently referring to a minimum monthly income of €2,500.
• Suitable accommodation for themselves and their family members.
• Clean criminal record and good character.
• No applicable sanctions imposed by the European Union or the United Nations Security Council.

Each application should be reviewed on its own facts, as eligibility depends on the applicant’s residence history, employment status, language proficiency and supporting documentation.

Conclusion

The updated naturalisation framework may create important opportunities for eligible highly skilled professionals and their families who have established a genuine and long-term connection with Cyprus.

How Cosmoserve Can Help

Cosmoserve can assist individuals, families and businesses with understanding the Cyprus citizenship and naturalisation framework, reviewing eligibility and coordinating the relevant application process.

Our team can assist with:

• Reviewing the applicant’s residence history and eligibility.
• Advising on the applicable documentation requirements.
• Coordinating with relevant advisers and authorities where required.
• Supporting companies employing highly skilled foreign professionals.
• Assisting with related immigration, tax residency and relocation matters.

Contact Cosmoserve

If you would like to discuss Cyprus citizenship, naturalisation or relocation matters, our experienced team would be pleased to assist.

Email: consult@cosmoserve.com

The contents of this publication are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Specific advice should always be obtained based on your individual circumstances.