4 options to obtain Cypriot citizenship in 2025

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:

1. Residential or commercial property.

2. Shares in Cypriot companies.

3. 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:

1. Form MIP1.

2. Passports of all family members.

3. Birth certificates.

4. Marriage certificate, if applicable.

5. Main applicant’s CV.

6. Declaration confirming annual income of at least €50,000.

7. Proof of investment, such as a property purchase agreement.

8. Proof of permanent address in Cyprus.

9. Statement confirming the applicant is not employed in Cyprus.

10. Criminal record certificate.

11. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Cyprus, Limassol

€519,000+

Apartments in a unique closed residential eco-project

102 m²

3

3

Cyprus, Paphos

€1,560,000 — €1,600,000

Turnkey premium villa with smart home system

327 m² — 341 m²

3

3

Cyprus, Limassol

€2,400,000+

Luxurious apartments in a new residential complex by the sea

182 m²

3

3

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.

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.

1. Cypriot citizenship can be acquired by naturalisation, descent, or marriage. 

2. Citizenship cannot be obtained by investment. However, wealthy foreigners may first apply for permanent residence by investing at least €300,000.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Children automatically acquire citizenship if at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen. Foreigners with Cypriot ancestry may also qualify for citizenship.