This article provides a brief analysis of the requirements for naturalization under Cyprus law.

1. General Naturalization Requirements

To obtain Cypriot citizenship through naturalization, applicants must meet the following conditions:

(a). Residency Requirements: Applicants must have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus for the 12 months immediately preceding the application date, in addition to 7 cumulative years of legal residence within the 10 years prior to the final 12-month period.

(b). Good Character: Applicants are required to demonstrate good character, which is defined, among others, by the following:

• No criminal convictions for an offence punishable by imprisonment of 5 years or more.
• No pending criminal indictment for offenses punishable by imprisonment of 3 years or more.
• No inclusion on sanctions lists issued by the United Nations or the European Union.
• No illegal entry into or stay within the Republic of Cyprus, nor any violation of any immigration laws.
• No association with, or participation in, the administration of the occupied areas or any illegal interference with property therein.
• No behavior or statements indicating disloyalty to the Republic of Cyprus or its constitutional order.
• No actions posing a threat to public safety, national security, or public order.
• No warrants issued under international or European law for serious criminal offenses.
• No engagement in morally reprehensible or socially unacceptable activities.

(c). Language Proficiency: Applicants must possess B1-level proficiency in the Greek language, demonstrated through certified written and oral examinations or by presenting valid educational credentials where Greek was the primary medium of instruction.

(d). Knowledge of Cypriot Society: Applicants must exhibit a basic understanding of the political, legal, and social structure of the Republic of Cyprus.

(e). Financial Stability: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their dependents, with no reliance on public financial aid during their stay in Cyprus.

2. High-Skilled Employees Requirements

High-skilled employees working for companies designated by the Council of Ministers as critical to economic growth or talent attraction may qualify for naturalization under reduced residency requirements, subject to the following conditions:

1. 4-Year Residency: Applicants with A2-level proficiency in Greek may apply after having resided in Cyprus for at least 4 cumulative years within the 10 years prior to the final 12-month continuous period.

2. 3-Year Residency: Applicants with B1-level Greek proficiency, or those holding educational qualifications (e.g., high school diploma or university degree) where Greek was the primary language of instruction, must have resided legally for 3 cumulative years within the same timeframe.

3. Proof of Employment: Applicants must provide documentation confirming their employment in a Council-designated company, including a statement from the employer detailing the critical role of the applicant in fulfilling the company’s objectives.

4. Economic Contribution: Applicants are required to demonstrate compliance with tax obligations, social insurance contributions, and consistent employment records.

3. Table of Requirements

Type	Language Proficiency or Qualification	Cumulative Residence (within the 10 years period, preceding the last 12 months)	Final 12-Month Continuous Residence	Total Required Residency	Expedited processing
General Naturalization	B1	7 years	Required	8 years (7 years + 12 months)	Not Available
High-Skilled (A2 Greek)	A2	4 years	Required	5 years (4 years + 12 months)	Available
High-Skilled (B1 Greek)	B1	3 years	Required	4 years (3 years + 12 months)	Available
High-Skilled (Greek Education)	High school diploma or degree taught in Greek	3 years	Required	4 years (3 years + 12 months)	Available

4. Key Considerations and Processing Details

• All applicants must satisfy the 12-month continuous residency requirement immediately preceding the application.
• Cumulative residency requirement must be achieved within the 10 years preceding the final 12 months.
• Absences up to 90 days per year do not interrupt the cumulative or continuous residency requirements.
• High-skilled applicants must work in Council of Ministers-designated companies and provide employment proof validated by their employer.
• Expedited processing is available for high-skilled workers and their dependents, with a maximum processing time of 8 months.
• Family members of high-skilled workers may apply simultaneously, provided they meet the required language and residency standards.

This note is intended to provide general information on the subject and does not constitute legal advice. For further information on the subject and for specific legal advice please contact us.