With the amendment of the relevant Legislation, the qualifications are differentiated for persons residing in the Republic of Cyprus who wish to acquire cypriot citizenship by naturalization within the framework of highly skilled employment in companies of foreign interests. The Population Registry Law of 2002 (Law 141(I)/2002) has undergone significant amendments aimed at modernizing the naturalization framework and adapting it to the current needs of the economy, particularly with regard to attracting talented human capital and specialized professionals. The amendments introduced by the amending Laws 149(I)/2023 and 76(I)/2024 substantially modified the previous regime, establishing specific requirements and procedures concerning knowledge of the greek language, residence in the Republic, and the social integration of applicants.
The legislative framework generally provides that for naturalization purposes, seven years of lawful residence within a ten-year period and twelve months of continuous residence immediately prior to submission of the naturalization application are required, allowing absences of up to ninety days. Prior to the recent amendments, there was no specific procedure regarding highly skilled individuals. With the amendment 149(I)/2023, the legislator introduced a specific procedure for acquiring cypriot citizenship by naturalization for persons residing in the Republic for the purpose of highly skilled employment, that is for persons employed in companies of foreign interests registered in the Register of Companies with Foreign Interests through the Business Facilitation Unit of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry.
According to Article 111B(2) of the Population Registry Law of 2002 (Law 141(I)/2002), as amended by Law 149(I)/2023 and published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 19/12/2023, the qualifications are differentiated for persons residing in the Republic for the purpose of highly skilled employment in companies of foreign interests, as well as for their family members. These companies are determined by the Council of Ministers Decision 92.018 dated 15/10/2021, which concerns the new strategy for attracting companies to operate and/or expand their activities in the Republic of Cyprus and is regulated through the Business Facilitation Unit. The House of Representatives voted in favor of the amendment of the Law through Amending Law 149(I)/2023 and subsequently through Amending Law 76(I)/2024, which updated certain procedural provisions and entered into force on the 16/05/2024.
The period of lawful residence has been reduced to four (4) years for persons holding a Greek language proficiency certificate at A2 level and to three (3) years for persons holding a B1 level certificate, according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Knowledge of the Greek language is proven through written and oral examinations conducted at regular intervals, or alternatively through a secondary school diploma or academic degree from an educational institution where Greek is the language taught. Furthermore, there is an obligation to have adequate knowledge of the basic elements of the Cypriot political and social reality, assessed by a three-member committee, requiring a passing score of 60% or higher, as well as a requirement of financial self-sufficiency with a minimum gross monthly income of €2,500 and provision of suitable accommodation.
A significant innovation is also the possibility of simultaneous submission of naturalization applications by family members of the applicant, provided they meet the same criteria. Minor children of applicants who reach adulthood during the process may submit an application immediately after their parents’ naturalization, provided they have a clean criminal record.
In summary, with the Amending Laws 149(I)/2023 and 76(I)/2024, the legislator frames the purpose within a broader strategy to create a faster and objective naturalization framework with clear criteria, ensuring meritocracy in language proficiency certification and provisions for family unity. Furthermore, the new framework provides for an expedited application process of up to eight months, upon payment of a governmental fee of €5,000. This modernized framework strengthens the Republic of Cyprus efforts to become an attractive destination for highly skilled professionals and companies of foreign interests, while simultaneously contributing to the preservation of social cohesion.
Ioannis Koliantris