naturalisation criteria

The interior ministry of the Republic of Cyprus announced a new set of criteria for naturalisation as citizens. Applicants must have legal and continuous residence for 12 months before applying, with absences not exceeding 90 days in total not interrupting this period. They must have legally resided in Cyprus for at least seven years within the ten years preceding the 12-month period. Applicants must be of good character, have a minimum B1 level knowledge of the Greek language, understand basic elements of Cyprus’s modern political and social reality, have adequate accommodation, stable and regular financial resources for themselves and their family, and intend to continue residing in Cyprus. There are also specific criteria for the naturalisation of “highly skilled” individuals, which applies to employees of companies with foreign interests operating in Cyprus, Cypriot shipping, high-tech, innovation, pharmaceutical, biogenetics, and technology companies. These applicants have reduced residence and language requirements, needing only three or four years of residence in Cyprus and a minimum A2 level of Greek language competence.