Summary
In July 2024, the Cyprus government ratified a bill to the House of Representatives to pursue membership in the US Visa Waiver Program.
The membership means that by 2025, citizens of Cyprus are expected to be able to visit the US without needing a visa.
According to Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the aim is for Cyprus to join the US Visa Waiver Program by the end of this year or early 2025. If successful, Cypriots could be visiting the US visa-free by the time stated.
Who will be eligible? Under the US Visa Waiver Program, Cypriot citizens with e-passports containing electronic chips would be allowed entry into the US for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes.
Joining the program would eliminate the need for Cypriots to apply at the US embassy or attend face-to-face interviews.
The US and Cyprus are also to exchange travel information. As reported by the media, the United States also might provide the Republic of Cyprus with the necessary means to collect and analyse travellers’ personal data.
How to obtain Cyprus citizenship
In Cyprus, there’s no citizenship by investment program; it was closed in 2020. Investors can obtain a permanent residence status with an investment of at least €300,000.
There are several investment options:
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purchasing residential or commercial property;
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acquiring shares in Cypriot companies;
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purchasing securities.
Investors’ family members—their spouse or partner and children under 25—also qualify.
Obtaining permanent residence by investment in Cyprus typically takes nine months or more.
If the investor relocates to Cyprus and resides there for the majority of the year, they can apply for citizenship by naturalisation after eight years. To be eligible, the applicant must remain in the country for the 12 months preceding the application. Additionally, they are required to pass a language proficiency test, a history exam, and an interview.
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