The Ministry of Interior announces the acceptance and examination of applications for naturalization, submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Population Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023.
According to the announcement, the qualifications for naturalization, as per Article 111B(1) of the Population Registry Law, which must be cumulatively met for submitting a naturalization application, are as follows:
(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the application date. Absence periods not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt the referred time frame.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 7 years.
(c) Good character.
(d) Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level B1.
(e) Adequate knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic.
(f) Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of the applicant and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.
According to Article 111B(2), the qualifications differ for individuals residing in the Republic for the purpose of high-skilled employment in companies, which are determined by the Ministerial Council Decision with number 92.018 dated 15/10/2021, concerning the Strategy for Attracting Companies for Operation and/or Expansion of their Activities, as well as for their family members.
The following categories of businesses/companies fall under this category:
- Companies/foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus with autonomous offices in Cyprus, housed in suitable spaces separate from any private residence or other office,
- Cypriot shipping companies,
- Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies with products related to aerospace and space industry, computers, IT sector, technology and communication, pharmaceutical products, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemical substances, non-electrical machinery,
- Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies operating in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
- Companies already registered in the Foreign Companies Registry of the Population and Immigration Department.
The qualifications for individuals falling under the provisions of Article 111B(2), as well as for their family members, which must be cumulatively met, are as follows:
(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the application date. Absence periods not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 4 years or 3 years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e., A2 or B1 respectively. Absence periods not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.
(c) Good character.
(d) Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1.
(e) Adequate knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic.
(f) Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of the applicant and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.
More information regarding the naturalization qualifications, the accompanying documents to be submitted, as well as the application form, is available on the website of the Ministry of Interior.
