There is good news for foreigners wishing to become citizens of Cyprus: a new law in the country significantly reduces the procedure for obtaining citizenship. 

Now, for qualified foreign specialists, it will take only 3 or 4 years to stay on the island instead of the previous 7 years.

The purpose of the innovations is to attract high-quality specialists from third-world countries. However, in order to meet the new rules, applicants must meet a number of conditions:

  • have knowledge of Greek at A2 or B1 level—with A2 you can apply for a passport after 4 years of residence, with B1—after 3 years;
  • have been on the island for at least 9 out of 12 months before applying for the passport and have a stable source of income;
  • have no criminal record or pending criminal proceedings;
  • rent or own a place to live in the country;
  • be loyal to the Republic of Cyprus and know its history and culture.

The advantage of the initiative is that not only the principal applicant but also his spouse, minor children, or children over the age of 18 who are still financially dependent may apply for citizenship.

The bill has already been approved by the government, and its final approval should be as early as the fall of 2023.