4 options to obtain Cypriot citizenship in 2025
You can obtain Cypriot citizenship in three ways: by naturalisation, marriage to a Cypriot citizen, or through Cypriot ancestry.
To qualify by naturalisation, a foreigner must live in Cyprus for at least 8 years. Highly qualified specialists may apply after 4 to 5 years of residence.
A foreigner married to a Cypriot becomes eligible for citizenship after 3 years of marriage.
Children automatically acquire citizenship if at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen. Adults with Cypriot roots may also be eligible.
Here’s how to obtain Cypriot citizenship in practice, how long it takes, and what the process involves.

Knows how to apply for cyprus citizenship
Fact checked byJulia Loko
Reviewed byVladlena Baranova

4 options to obtain Cypriot citizenship in 2025
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Option #1
Cypriot citizenship by investment
Cyprus no longer offers citizenship by investment. The Cypriot citizenship program was available until November 1st, 2020.
Today, wealthy foreigners can first obtain permanent residency in Cyprus by investing at least €300,000. After 8 years of residence, they may apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
To obtain permanent residency, the investor must purchase one of the following assets:
Residential or commercial property.
Shares in Cypriot companies.
Securities.
Real estate is the most popular option, chosen by 90% of applicants.

Elena Kozyreva,
Managing Director for Real Estate projects
If an investor chooses to invest in commercial real estate, shares, or securities, they are still required to rent or buy a residential property in Cyprus. The transaction amount may vary.
That’s why most investors choose residential real estate, as it satisfies both the investment and residence requirements.
The applicant must prove an annual income of at least €50,000 from outside Cyprus.
Add €15,000 for a spouse and €10,000 for each child.
Required documents. To apply for permanent residence by investment, the applicant must submit:
Form MIP1.
Passports of all family members.
Birth certificates.
Marriage certificate, if applicable.
Main applicant’s CV.
Declaration confirming annual income of at least €50,000.
Proof of investment, such as a property purchase agreement.
Proof of permanent address in Cyprus.
Statement confirming the applicant is not employed in Cyprus.
Criminal record certificate.
Health insurance for all family members.
All documents must be translated into Greek or English, notarised, and apostilled.
Timeline. Permanent residence is granted in approximately 9 months. You will get status life, but the residence card must be renewed every 10 years.
Family members inclusion. The spouse and children under 25 get permanent residency along with the investor.
Residence requirement. Investors are not required to move to Cyprus unless they plan to apply for citizenship. To maintain permanent resident status, they must visit Cyprus at least once every 2 years.
To qualify for citizenship, applicants must prove legal residence for 8 out of the last 11 years. In the year before applying, they must not be absent from Cyprus for more than 90 days in total.
Applicants must pass exams on Cypriot culture, the Constitution, and the Greek language at level B1. The citizenship application is reviewed within 2 years.
Option #2
Cyprus citizenship by naturalisation
A citizenship application can be submitted after 8 years of continuous legal residence in Cyprus. In the final year before applying, it is not allowed to spend more than 90 days outside Cyprus in total.
After 5 years of residence, highly qualified specialists working for Cypriot companies with foreign capital are eligible to apply for citizenship. The condition is to prove the Greek language proficiency at the A2 level. If the applicant knows Greek at the B1 level, they may apply a year earlier, after 4 years.
The list of documents for applying for citizenship by naturalisation includes:
application form M127;
birth certificate;
marriage or divorce certificate;
certificate of no criminal record;
international passport with travel stamps;
valid residence permit;
alien registration book with the address of residence;
2 photos with a local administration stamp;
certificate confirming successful completion of a Greek language exam at the A2 or B1 level;
certificate of passing the exam on Cypriot culture and Constitution with a score of 60% or higher;
2 Cypriot newspapers where the applicant published a notice of intent to apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
All documents must be translated into Greek or English, notarised, and apostilled.
The newspaper publication is required so that Cypriot citizens can voice any objections to the applicant. For example, if a local resident believes the applicant has broken the law or behaved inappropriately, they can report it to the immigration office.
Procedure cost. The government fee for application processing is €1,000.
The application is reviewed within 1—2 years. Highly qualified professionals benefit from accelerated processing within 8 months, at a cost of €5,000.
Interviews. During the application process, the applicant attends two interviews. The first is with the head of the district administration, and the second is with the migration office or the police.
The interviews assess how well the applicant is integrated into Cypriot society. They may be asked how and with whom they celebrate holidays, whether they have Cypriot friends, and whether they observe local traditions. It is also necessary to know the country’s administrative and political system.
Option #3
Cyprus citizenship by marriage
Cypriot citizenship is granted after 3 years of legal marriage with a Cypriot spouse. During this period, the spouses must reside in Cyprus for at least 2 years.
The migration service checks passport stamps to confirm the duration of residence. In the year prior to submitting the citizenship application, the applicant must not leave the country for more than 90 days in total.
The list of documents for applying for Cypriot citizenship through marriage includes:
application form M125 in two copies;
certificate of no criminal record;
birth certificate;
marriage certificate;
copy of the applicant’s passport;
copy of the passport of the Cypriot spouse;
joint residence statement signed by both spouses;
a letter stating the grounds for acquiring citizenship.
The applicant also provides birth certificates of children, if any. If the couple has been married for more than 5 years and has children, no justification letter is required.
All documents must be translated into Greek or English, notarised, and apostilled.
The applicant pays a government fee of €300 and purchases two stamps worth €8.54 each.
Timeline. The application is reviewed within 1—2 years.

Vladlena Baranova,
Head of Legal & AML Compliance Department, CAMS, IMCM
The Cypriot migration service may check without notice whether the couple actually lives together. They may speak with neighbours.
A sham marriage may result in deportation of the foreign national and criminal charges against the Cypriot citizen.
Option #4
Cypriot citizenship by descent
A child automatically acquires Cypriot citizenship if at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen at the time of the child’s birth. This rule applies even if the child is born outside Cyprus.
Children are also entitled to a Cypriot passport if their parents acquired citizenship by naturalisation or marriage. In this case, the parents apply for the child’s registration using form M126 and pay a government fee of €80.
People with Cypriot ancestry may also be eligible for citizenship. Applications are accepted from individuals who were born:
outside Cyprus before August 16th, 1960, if their father was of Cypriot origin;
after August 16th, 1960, if their father was a Cypriot citizen;
after June 11th, 1999, if their mother was a Cypriot citizen.
To apply for citizenship by descent, applicants submit form M121 and pay a government fee of €20.
The following documents must be attached to the application:
birth certificate;
certificate of the parent’s Cypriot citizenship;
parents’ marriage certificate;
passport copy;
2 photos.
All documents issued outside Cyprus must be translated into Greek or English, notarised, and apostilled.
9 benefits of Cypriot citizenship
1. Visa-free travel. Cypriot citizens can visit over 170 countries without a visa. They may stay in the UK for up to 180 days per year, and in Japan and Schengen states for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
2. Life in the European Union. A Cypriot passport allows one to live and work in any EU country without a visa or additional permits such as a residence card.
3. Access to European banks. Major Cypriot banks include the Bank of Cyprus and Hellenic Bank, which are commonly used for salary accounts. International banks such as Alpha Bank, SGBCy, Eurobank, and Revolut also operate in Cyprus.
Cypriot citizens benefit from more favourable mortgage terms: interest rates range from 3.34% to 5.5%, and loans can reach €1,000,000. In comparison, foreigners with a residence permit may receive loans of up to €500,000.
4. Business opportunities. Companies registered in Cyprus gain access to the European market with around 450 million potential customers. It takes 2—3 weeks to register a business.
Cyprus has a corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU. For comparison: Austria — 23%, France — 25%, the Netherlands — 25.8%.
5. Tax optimisation. Cyprus has no inheritance or property ownership taxes. Income tax is progressive, ranging from 0—35%, with annual income up to €19,500 tax-free.
The country has signed double taxation agreements with 70 countries, including the US, the UK, China, and India.
6. European education. Cypriot citizens are entitled to free education in public schools and universities. The country hosts branches of international institutions, including the University of Central Lancashire and Girne American University.
Graduates of Cypriot schools may study free of charge or at reduced rates in many public universities across the EU and can apply for state and university scholarships.
7. Affordable healthcare. Cypriot citizens receive free medical care. The General Healthcare System assigns each citizen a personal doctor.
Cypriot passport holders are eligible for the European Health Insurance Card, which grants access to healthcare in EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
8. Return on investment. Foreigners who bought property to obtain permanent residency may rent it out and earn up to 8.5% annually. The property can be sold after 8 years if citizenship is acquired by naturalisation.
9. Citizenship for future generations. Cypriot citizenship is passed on by descent. A child automatically becomes a citizen if at least one parent holds Cypriot citizenship.

57% of citizenship applications were submitted by naturalisation, 19% followed marriage to a Cypriot citizen, and the remaining 24% were based on other grounds
Step-by-step process: how to get Cyprus citizenship through the Golden Visa
Investors cannot obtain Cypriot citizenship directly by investment. First, they invest at least €300,000 into the island’s economy and get permanent residency. After 8 years of living in Cyprus, they may apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
The entire journey to a second passport takes around 10 years.
1 day
Preliminary check
Immigrant Invest’s compliance officers check the investor’s personal and business background in international databases. This helps identify potential risks and allows for proactive solutions, such as attaching an affidavit to the application.
Only a passport copy is required for the check.
Immigrant Invest’s compliance officers check the investor’s personal and business background in international databases. This helps identify potential risks and allows for proactive solutions, such as attaching an affidavit to the application.
Only a passport copy is required for the check.
2+ weeks
Collecting documents
Immigrant Invest’s lawyers prepare a personalised list of required documents. Once collected, the documents are translated and notarised.
Immigrant Invest’s lawyers prepare a personalised list of required documents. Once collected, the documents are translated and notarised.
1+ months
Fulfilling the investment condition
The investor chooses one of the following options: business investment, securities purchase, or real estate acquisition.
Immigrant Invest maintains its own database of verified properties and assists with property selection, contract drafting, and closing the deal. Real estate can be selected remotely.
The investor chooses one of the following options: business investment, securities purchase, or real estate acquisition.
Immigrant Invest maintains its own database of verified properties and assists with property selection, contract drafting, and closing the deal. Real estate can be selected remotely.
1 day
Submitting the residence application
The investor doesn’t need to travel to Cyprus. Immigrant Invest submits the documents to the Cypriot migration service on the investor’s behalf.
The investor doesn’t need to travel to Cyprus. Immigrant Invest submits the documents to the Cypriot migration service on the investor’s behalf.
3—8 months
Receiving residence cards
Within a year of application approval, the investor and their family must visit Cyprus to provide biometric data and receive residence cards.
Within a year of application approval, the investor and their family must visit Cyprus to provide biometric data and receive residence cards.
8 years
Living in Cyprus
The investor must reside in the country for 8 years before applying for citizenship by naturalisation. In the final year before applying, they must not spend more than 90 days outside Cyprus in total.
The investor must reside in the country for 8 years before applying for citizenship by naturalisation. In the final year before applying, they must not spend more than 90 days outside Cyprus in total.
1—2 months
Applying for citizenship
The investor takes two exams:
-
B1-level Greek language exam, held once a year in May and June.
-
Exam on Cypriot political and social realities, held twice a year — in February and July.
After passing both exams and receiving the certificates, the investor submits form M127 with supporting documents to the Cypriot migration service.
The investor takes two exams:
-
B1-level Greek language exam, held once a year in May and June.
-
Exam on Cypriot political and social realities, held twice a year — in February and July.
After passing both exams and receiving the certificates, the investor submits form M127 with supporting documents to the Cypriot migration service.
Up to 2 years
Obtaining citizenship
Before the final decision, the investor attends two interviews. They may be asked about their job, place of residence in Cyprus, key events in the country’s history, and aspects of local culture.
If the application is approved, the investor receives Cypriot citizenship.
Before the final decision, the investor attends two interviews. They may be asked about their job, place of residence in Cyprus, key events in the country’s history, and aspects of local culture.
If the application is approved, the investor receives Cypriot citizenship.
Reasons for citizenship refusal or passport revocation in Cyprus
Cyprus may refuse citizenship if the applicant:
provides false information in the application;
submits an incomplete set of documents;
has ties to companies under EU sanctions;
fails to prove legal sources of income;
has serious health conditions, such as tuberculosis or syphilis;
has a poor reputation or was involved in media-covered scandals;
poses a threat to national security.
Already granted citizenship can be revoked for the same reasons. Between March 2023 and May 2025, the Cypriot Council of Ministers revoked the passports of 304 people, including 88 investors and 216 family members. The list included individuals who provided false information, violated naturalisation rules, or had criminal records.
A passport may also be revoked if the citizen:
resides permanently outside Cyprus for 7 years;
displays hostility towards the Republic of Cyprus;
is convicted of a serious crime within 10 years of acquiring citizenship;
cooperates with a country at war with Cyprus.
The decision to revoke citizenship is made by the Council of Ministers of Cyprus.
Life in Cyprus: key features
Climate. Cyprus has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The island enjoys around 330 sunny days per year. In July and August, temperatures reach +40°C, while in winter they rarely drop below +5°C. The average annual temperature is about +20°C.
Cost of living. Electricity, water supply, and waste collection cost residents from €120 per month. Utility bills are issued every 2 months.
Unlimited internet with cable TV costs €30. A mobile package with 10 GB of data costs around €20.
Grocery prices in Cyprus are generally higher than in many other EU countries:
kefalotyri cheese, 1 kg — €16.98;
halloumi cheese, 1 kg — €8.31;
chicken breast, 1 kg — €10.98;
dozen eggs — €3.35;
rice, 1 kg — €2.32;
white bread — €1.69;
milk, 1 litre — €1.47.
Transport. The main form of public transport is buses. A ride costs €1.80 with a transport card and €2 in cash. The reloadable card costs €5, and a monthly pass is €50.
Taxis are available throughout Cyprus: base fare — €5.40, plus €1.90 per kilometre.
Cyprus has high-quality roads, making it convenient to travel by car. Petrol costs €1.40 per litre, which is cheaper than in most EU countries.
Real estate. Foreigners may buy property in Cyprus without restrictions.
The average price per square metre in city centres is €3,099. The most expensive properties are located in Limassol.
Rental costs vary depending on the city, district, and property condition. In Nicosia, rents start at €665, in Paphos — at €995, in Limassol — at €1,330. In more remote areas, prices are lower.
Examples of properties available for purchase in Cyprus
Historical Heritage. Cyprus is home to ancient cities, archaeological parks, and open-air museums.
Kato Paphos, the oldest district of Paphos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in the 12th century BC. Medieval buildings in Nicosia are preserved within 16th-century Venetian walls. Limassol’s old town features a blend of Ottoman, Venetian, and colonial architecture. In the ancient city of Kourion, the Greco-Roman amphitheatre and 2nd-century mosaics remain intact.
Residents shop daily on medieval streets and dine in historic buildings. Ongoing excavations across the island continue to uncover new monuments.
Language environment. The official languages are Greek and Turkish, with around 80% of the population speaking Greek.
English is widely spoken and taught from early school years. It is used in business, tourist areas, and public institutions. In major cities and tourist zones, all signs and directions are also displayed in English.
International schools in Cyprus offer instruction in English, French, and other languages.
Leisure and entertainment. Cyprus has 76 Blue Flag beaches, awarded for cleanliness and safety.
There are 5 international golf courses in the country. Paphos Archaeological Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The island hosts around 300 cultural events each year, including the Limassol International Film Festival and the Wine Festival in Paphos.
For families with children, there are water parks such as WaterWorld in Ayia Napa, Fasouri Watermania in Limassol, and Aphrodite Waterpark in Paphos.

Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa is a popular beach awarded the Blue Flag
Rights and obligations of Cypriot citizens
Rights. Cypriot citizens have the right to run a business, receive pensions and benefits, vote in national and regional elections, work without special permits, access free education, and use healthcare services.
Obligations. Cypriot passport holders must pay taxes and comply with national laws.
Citizens pay an income tax on a progressive scale of 0 to 35%. An annual income of up to €19,500 is tax-exempt.
Military service is required for men aged 18 to 45. Investors are exempt from military duty.
The Cypriot passport must be renewed every 10 years for adults and every 5 years for children. The renewal application should be submitted 6 months before expiration. It costs €45 for children and €70 for adults.
An express renewal is available in 2 days at a cost of €120.
Key points: how to obtain Cypriot citizenship
Cypriot citizenship can be acquired by naturalisation, descent, or marriage.
Citizenship cannot be obtained by investment. However, wealthy foreigners may first apply for permanent residence by investing at least €300,000.
Applications for citizenship by naturalisation may be submitted after 8 years of residence in Cyprus. Highly qualified professionals can apply earlier — after 4 to 5 years.
Spouses of Cypriot citizens are eligible for a passport 3 years after marriage, provided they have resided in Cyprus for at least 2 years and have not left the country for more than 90 days in the year before applying.
Children automatically acquire citizenship if at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen. Foreigners with Cypriot ancestry may also qualify for citizenship.
Immigrant Invest is a licensed agent for citizenship and residence by investment programs in the EU, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Middle East. Take advantage of our global 15-year expertise — schedule a meeting with our investment programs experts.

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Frequently asked questions
Since 2021, you are no longer able to obtain Cypriot citizenship by investment. Wealthy foreigners may first obtain permanent residence by investing at least €300,000 in the country’s economy. After 8 years of legal residence, they may apply for citizenship by naturalisation.
Yes, Cyprus recognises dual citizenship. This means that applicants are not required to renounce their original nationality when acquiring Cypriot citizenship.
However, rules may vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin. Some countries automatically revoke citizenship when a new one is acquired.
A Cypriot passport allows visa-free access to over 170 countries, including all EU member states, the UK, and Japan.
You can stay in the UK for up to 180 days, in Schengen countries and Japan — up to 90 days within 180.
Residents and citizens of the Republic of Cyprus can visit Northern Cyprus freely. However, entry through seaports or Ercan Airport violates Cypriot law, so visitors should use land checkpoints, such as those in Nicosia.
Short-term visits to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus usually do not affect citizenship applications, but interviewers may ask about the purpose and details of the trips.
A Northern Cyprus entry stamp may cause issues when entering the south or other EU countries. To avoid problems, it is advisable to request the stamp on a separate sheet, not directly in the passport.
Cypriot citizens pay income tax on a progressive scale:
0% on income up to €19,500;
20% from €19,501 to €28,000;
25% from €28,001 to €36,300;
30% from €36,301 to €60,000;
35% on income over €60,000.
There are no inheritance or property ownership taxes in Cyprus.
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