The new requirements for applying for Cypriot nationality include: living in Cyprus for 12 months continuously before the application submission (with a permissible absence of up to 90 days), being of good character, having sufficient knowledge of the Greek language (proven by a written examination), demonstrating knowledge of local political and social realities (assessed by a 3-member committee), having suitable accommodation and stable financial resources, intending genuinely to reside in Cyprus, and excluding asylum seekers or holders of international protection, and foreign students from the time of stay calculation. Failure to meet any of these conditions results in application rejection. The requirements have retrospective effect, applying even to applications submitted before the law amendment in March 2024. Exceptions are made for Ireland and Denmark within the EU. Highly skilled foreign workers can obtain citizenship after residing in Cyprus for four to five years, depending on qualifications, and must pass a Greek language test at level B1 for a five-year stay or A1 for a four-year stay, without needing to pass history/culture tests.
