Recent Revisions in Citizenship Applications
The qualifications for naturalization, pursuant to Article 111B (1) of the Civil Registry Law, which must collectively be met to submit an application for naturalization have been revised.
Cyprus has recently undergone significant revisions to its citizenship requirements, marking a pivotal shift in its naturalization process. One of the notable amendments involves mandatory language tests for citizenship applicants, introducing new criteria and expectations.
Language Proficiency Requirements
According to the recent amendment, individuals applying for Cypriot citizenship must demonstrate proficiency in the Greek language. This requirement is specified at either the higher B1 level or the lower A2 level, depending on the applicant’s status.
The evaluation of language tests will be conducted by an ad-hoc committee comprising representatives from competent Ministries.
Additional Criteria: History and Culture Tests
In addition to language proficiency, some applicants will need to demonstrate knowledge of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus. This entails passing a history and culture test, further enriching the citizenship application process.
In addition, and as per above the applicants must meet the below criteria:
(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt the aforementioned time frame.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 7 years.
(c) Good character.
(d) Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level B1.
(e) Adequate knowledge of basic elements of contemporary political and social reality of the Republic.
(f) Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of the applicant and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.
In the calculation of residence, the years spent as a student, applicant for international protection, holder of subsidiary or temporary protection are not counted.
Expedited Citizenship for Highly Skilled Personnel
According to Article 111B (2), the qualifications vary for persons residing in the Republic for the purpose of high-skilled employment in companies (i.e. high qualified y Director, Specialist, Key personnel) as determined by the Ministerial Council Decision regarding the Strategy for Attracting Companies for Activity or Expansion of their Activities, as well as for their family members. This category includes the following categories of businesses/companies:
• Foreign interest companies operating in the Republic of Cyprus with autonomous offices in Cyprus, housed in suitable spaces separate from any private residence or other office,
• Cypriot shipping companies,
• Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace and space industry, computers, information technology sector, technologies and communications, pharmaceutical products, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemical substances, non-electrical machinery,
• Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biotechnology and biotechnology, and
• Companies already registered in the Registry of Foreign Companies of the Civil and Migration Department.
The qualifications for persons falling within the provisions of Article 111B (2), as well as for their family members, which must be met cumulatively, are as follows:
(a) Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.
(b) During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, legal residence for periods not less than four (4) years or three (3) years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e., A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.
(c) Good character.
(d) Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 (four years) or B1 (three years)
(e) Adequate knowledge of basic elements of contemporary political and social reality of the Republic.
(f) Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of the applicant and their family members.
(g) Intention to reside in the Republic.
Eligible to apply will be also individuals regardless of their residence status provided that they:
• receive a minimum gross monthly salary in the amount of €2500
• hold a university diploma or title or an equivalent qualification or certificates of experience in a corresponding employment position lasting 2 years (e.g. tax returns).
Individuals falling under the above must provide a certificate either from the Business Facilitation Unit or from the Population and Immigration Registry Department confirming that the company meets the criteria of the Decision.
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