Cyprus Golden Knowledge Program to Attract Tech Talent

Cyprus is introducing the Golden Knowledge Program to attract highly qualified global talents to the island. The program offers an accelerated pathway to Cypriot citizenship for foreign nationals with exceptional expertise in research and innovation.

Why does Cyprus need this program? The answer is simple: attracting tech talents brings new knowledge, experience, and fresh perspectives. This reduces Cyprus's dependence on traditional sectors like tourism and agriculture, allowing for economic diversification. 

High-skilled migration measures are already creating additional jobs, not only in technology but also in related fields such as finance, education, and healthcare. This approach ensures a steady flow of labor migrants, which is crucial for the country amidst global instability. With declining tourist numbers, Cyprus can rely on its internal resources.

According to forecasts, these measures will reduce unemployment from 6.4% in 2023 to 5.7% in 2024. For more detailed information on the labor market and job search in Cyprus, you can read our article.

Cyprus Talent Program Features

The Cyprus talent program is based on amendments to immigration legislation introduced by Law No. 149(I) in December 2023. The main changes affect the time required for high-level professionals (“High tech talent”) to obtain Cypriot citizenship through naturalization. Program aimed at numerous fields and specializations, including global IT talents, whose knowledge can be beneficial and valuable to the country.

The new provisions introduced by Law No. 149(I) of 2023 are as follows:

• Reduction in residency period. For high-level professionals, the mandatory residency period for naturalization is reduced from 7 years to 4–5 years.
• Mandatory Greek language proficiency. The minimum Greek language proficiency level is A2, but aiming for B2 can reduce the mandatory residency period for naturalization by one year.
• Financial independence and a clean criminal record. Applicants must be financially independent, own or rent a property, have a clean criminal record, and be of good character.
• Process for family members. Family members of applicants can also obtain citizenship if they meet certain conditions, such as lawful and continuous residence in Cyprus for 12 months before applying.
• Integration into society. Applicants must pass an exam on basic knowledge of Cyprus's social and political realities, including government structure, key laws, and cultural aspects. The exam is conducted in writing by the Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth.

The “Golden Knowledge Programme” in Cyprus is open to all foreign talents in tech with higher education or equivalent qualifications in relevant fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). While financial independence is still a criterion for the program, it does not require specific investments or large sums of money to be invested in the country's economy. 

Golden Knowledge Program Requirements

New amendments to the highly skilled migrant programme are mainly aimed at shortening the naturalization period for those who have a sufficient command of the Greek language. As well as increasing the requirements for the qualifications of potential workers and their good character. The main requirements include: 

• Work on research and innovation. Applicants must work in fields that are part of Cyprus's strategic plan to attract talent and develop innovative sectors. These fields include technology, science, medicine, and other related disciplines. Examples include:
  • Engineers and developers in information technology.
  • Researchers in biomedicine, virology, and epidemiology.
  • Researchers in nanotechnology and innovative materials.
  • Cybersecurity and AI training specialists.
  • Experts in green energy and ecology.
• Greek language proficiency. Basic knowledge of the Greek language at a B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required. Proficiency is assessed through a written language exam conducted by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sports, and Youth's examination service. It is important to note that the proficiency level directly affects the period of Cyprus fast track permanent residency: for the A2 level, the residency period is 5 years, while for the B1 level, it is 4 years.
• Financial independence. Applicants must be financially self-sufficient, meaning they must own a home and have a stable income sufficient to support themselves and their family members without needing social assistance. The monthly income, according to various sources, can range from €1,000 to €2,500. This income level can be verified through official employment documents, bank statements, and tax returns.
• Clean criminal record. High-skilled immigration applicants must provide evidence of a clean criminal record both in their home country and in Cyprus. This includes the absence of serious criminal offenses and other legal violations that negatively impact one's status as a law-abiding citizen. Political refugees must provide justification for their status in accordance with international law.
• Good character. Applicants must demonstrate good character, which implies positive references from employers, colleagues, or other individuals who can attest to their positive reputation and integrity. An important aspect is the absence of involvement in illegal activities, such as criminal organizations. Participation in charitable projects or volunteer work is an additional plus.
• Lawful and continuous residence. At the time of the naturalization application, the applicant must have continuously resided in Cyprus for at least 12 months. This period may be reduced for those who have lived and worked on the island for a long time, provided that the total absence from the country during these 12 months does not exceed 90 days.

Benefits of Obtaining Cyprus Residency through the Golden Knowledge Program

One of the key advantages of the “Golden Knowledge Programme” is the expedited citizenship process. Applications are reviewed within eight months, which is significantly faster compared to other countries. Acquiring Cypriot citizenship through this program offers several benefits, including:

• Visa-free travel in the Schengen area.
• Right to work and reside in Cyprus.
• Access to education and healthcare.
• Family reunification: Cypriot citizens can sponsor their spouses, children, and dependent parents to obtain residency and eventually citizenship.
• Tax benefits: Cyprus offers various tax incentives for new residents, including low tax rates and exemptions on foreign income.

Additionally, it is currently possible to purchase real estate in Cyprus for at least €300,000 and obtain permanent residency in the country.