It takes at least 5 years of legal residency in Cyprus to be eligible for Cypriot citizenship.
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Becoming a citizen of Cyprus is a process that takes time and effort. According to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, the basic requirement for acquiring Cypriot citizenship is five years of legal residency in Cyprus. During this time, the applicant must hold a valid residence permit and abide by the laws of the country.
However, there are additional qualifications that an applicant must meet in order to be eligible for citizenship. These include passing a language proficiency test in either Greek or Turkish, having a clean criminal record, and proving a connection to the Cypriot community, among others.
It is important to note that the five-year residency requirement can be reduced in certain cases, such as for spouses of Cypriot citizens or for individuals who have made a significant investment in Cyprus. However, each case is evaluated individually by the Ministry of Interior.
As for processing time, it can vary depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of the authorities processing it. Generally, the Ministry of Interior aims to issue a decision within six months of receiving a completed application. However, it is not uncommon for the process to take longer.
To quote the official website of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus, “Acquiring Cypriot citizenship is a long and complex process and requires the attention and cooperation of all parties involved.”
Here are some interesting facts about Cypriot citizenship:
- Cyprus is the only EU country that allows for dual citizenship with many other countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States.
- Greek and Turkish are both official languages of Cyprus, but the vast majority of the population speaks Greek.
- Cyprus uses the euro as its official currency.
- Cyprus is a popular destination for retirees from Europe and other parts of the world seeking a warm climate and high quality of life. In fact, it is estimated that over 100,000 Britons own property in Cyprus.
- Cyprus has a long and complex history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. Throughout the centuries, the island has been ruled by various powers, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Ottomans, and the British. Today, Cyprus is an independent republic and a member of the European Union.
Table:
| Requirement | Minimum years of residency needed |
|---|---|
| Legal residency in Cyprus | 5 |
| Passing a language proficiency test in Greek or Turkish | – |
| No criminal record | – |
| Proving a connection to the Cypriot community | – |
| Other qualifications | – |
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The two million euro investment in real estate for five years and having a personal home worth at least half a million euros, along with two donations totaling 150,000 euros and fees allows investors to acquire Cyprus citizenship through investment. While they are not part of the Schengen area and still require a US visa, Cyprus citizenship can be obtained comparatively faster and with less stringent requirements than Malta. The EU membership and high-quality passport of Cyprus citizenship are significant pros; however, shutting down the investment program remains a risk. Additionally, there is a lack of domestic support systems to maintain the high volume of investments, making it potentially not worth the high price point.
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Application for Cyprus citizenship can be submitted by foreigners who have completed a total of 7 years of legal residence in Cyprus (2555 days of staying in Cyprus) before the application date. The applicant must have resided continuously in Cyprus through the last 1 year before applying.
The time it takes to get Cyprus citizenship depends on the method used. Naturalization takes 7 years, but can be reduced to 5 years in some cases. There is no citizenship test required, but you must spend at least 183 days per year in Cyprus, and 365 days in the year before applying. Alternatively, Cyprus citizenship by investment can be obtained in 6-8 months. To obtain Cypriot citizenship through investment, you must register for Cyprus residency at the beginning of the process and be a resident for at least 6 months.
Cyprus Citizenship in a Nutshell
- Timeline to citizenship through naturalization: 7 years (can be reduced to 5 in some cases)
- Dual citizenship allowed? Yes
- Minimum income requirements for citizenship? Not applicable
Cyprus citizenship by investment can be obtained in 6-8 months, and is one of the fastest routes to citizenship in Europe. It is essential to register for Cyprus residency at the beginning of the process, as you must be a resident for at least 6 months in order to obtain Cypriot citizenship. This requires a visit to Cyprus.
The Cyprus Golden Visa program is the quickest route to citizenship of all European countries – you can become a Cypriot citizen (and thus an EU citizen) within six months.
More interesting on the topic
Also, How do I become a Cypriot citizen? As a response to this: Citizenship by naturalization
Any foreigner who is over the age of 18 can apply for Cypriot citizenship on the condition that they have a clean criminal record, and have legally resided in Cyprus for a total of seven years – or 2,555 days – prior to their application date.
Additionally, How long do you have to stay in Cyprus to get citizenship?
Response: Cyprus citizenship by naturalisation
A foreigner can obtain Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation if they have lived in Cyprus for the majority of time in the past seven years. It is also required that a person has resided legally and continuously in the country for one year preceding the date of the application.
Regarding this, Does Cyprus allow dual citizenship with us?
Response: Yes, Cyprus does allow dual citizenship, without any restrictions.
How much does it cost to become a citizen of Cyprus? Answer: At least €2 million in financial assets of Cypriot business or investment bonds – not including the purchase of €500,000 personal residence. A combination of investments must come to the total of €2 million – not including the purchase of €500,000 personal residence.
Beside this, How long does it take to get Cyprus citizenship?
Application processing is estimated to take 1-2 years. Foreign spouses of Cypriots who completed 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residence in Cyprus, prior to the date of the application are entitled to apply for citizenship. Also, spouses of Cypriots living abroad are entitled to apply when they have completed at least three years of marriage.
How to get Cypriot citizenship?
Response will be: It is essential to register for Cyprus residency at the beginning of the process, as you must be a resident for at least 6 months in order to obtain Cypriot citizenship. This requires a visit to Cyprus. 2. Choose Your Investment Route Select your investment route, ensuring all investments meet the total sum and fulfill all requirements.
How do I qualify for citizenship by investment in Cyprus?
Response will be: In order to qualify for citizenship by investment in Cyprus, investors must declare residency for at least 6 months in the country prior to their application.
Furthermore, Does Cyprus automatically gain EU citizenship?
The reply will be: Yes As a citizen of Cyprus, you’ll automatically gain EU citizenship. You’ll become a full member of the European Union (EU), with the rights to live, work, do business, study or retire in any of the EU and EEA member states.
Regarding this, How long does it take to get Cyprus citizenship?
As a response to this: Application processing is estimated to take 1-2 years. Foreign spouses of Cypriots who completed 3 years of marriage and 2 years of residence in Cyprus, prior to the date of the application are entitled to apply for citizenship. Also, spouses of Cypriots living abroad are entitled to apply when they have completed at least three years of marriage.
Similarly one may ask, How do I become a Cypriot citizen? Individuals born to at least one Cypriot parent automatically acquire citizenship at birth only if neither parent is considered an illegal migrant. Birth in Cyprus by itself does not make a child eligible for citizenship. Foreign nationals may become Cypriot citizens by naturalisation after completing a residence requirement (normally seven years).
Keeping this in consideration, How long does it take to naturalise a Cypriot? Answer to this: The four-year residence requirement may be partially or completely fulfilled by time employed in government service, but this may not be done for the 12 months immediately preceding a naturalisation application. Individuals without Cypriot descent may naturalise after a total of seven years of residence.
Herein, What is the interest in Cypriot citizenship? The interest in Cypriot citizenship has been increasing significantly as non-EU citizens were using the Cyprus Investment Programme which gives Cyprus passport to investors. Also because of the Brexit many Cypriot origin individuals are applying for Cyprus Passport based on that.