Introducing Fast track process for Naturalisation of Highly skilled Employees of Companies of Foreign Interest (‘BCS’)

Cyprus Citizenship New Law – a brief summary of changes

Following recent amendment to the Civil Registry Law, highly skilled foreign workers can now obtain Cypriot citizenship if they resided in Cyprus for a shorter timeframe of 4 – 5 years (depending on Greek language knowledge). The previous requirement was 7 years.

Furthermore, the revised law offers a new route to citizenship for skilled workers employed by foreign companies.

There are also revised criteria for all citizenship applications – see further below. 

New requirements for Cyprus citizenship

To apply for Cyprus citizenship, the applicant must have:

• 12 months lawful stay in the Republic (up to 90 days absence allowed).
• Lawful stay of 7 years (7x 365 days = 2555 days of stay) in the Republic out of the previous 10 years.
• Good character.
• Sufficient knowledge of Greek (Level B1* at the Examinations for the Verification of the Greek Language conducted via the Ministry of Education).
• Sufficient understanding of the socio-political realities in the Republic (at least 60% at the relevant examinations conducted by the Ministry of Education).
• Adequate accommodation and stable and regular financial means to support themselves and their families
• * Level B1 means you can handle everyday communication situations on your own.

Family members can also apply for citizenship

• Family members are spouses, partners, and dependent adult children with disabilities.
• They must reside in the country for at least seven calendar years within the previous eleven years.
• They must also have legally lived in Cyprus for one year before applying. However, they can be absent for up to 90 days in the previous year.
• Fulfill the language requirements.

Fast-Track process for naturalisation of Highly Skilled Professionals (of companies of foreign interest ‘BCS’)

Crucial changes introduced are notably shortening the previous 7-year residency requirement for highly skilled foreign workers to obtain Cypriot citizenship.

Suitable applicants should satisfy all the following:

• Lawful stay  for at least 4 years during the 10 years preceding the 12-month period, pursuant to the Greek language requirement being satisfied.
• Greek language requirement. Highly skilled workers are required to have a proficiency of at least A2 in Greek (as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language) in order to benefit from this Fast-Track process. Moreover, the 4-year period can be reduced to 3 years where an applicant has a proficiency equivalent to B1.
• Awareness of Cypriot culture. An applicant should also have sufficient knowledge of basic elements of modern political and social reality of the Republic, which will be evaluated by a three-member committee.
• Self-sufficiency. Applicant must have a stable income of at least €2,500 per month. Moreover, eligible applicants must have secured suitable accommodation for themselves and their family members, expressing an intention to settle permanently in the Republic.
• A clean criminal record
• Good character
• Not be subject to any sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Nations Security Council.
• Family members of highly skilled workers may apply for naturalisation concurrently with the primary applicant under the same criteria

Conclusion

The new Cyprus Citizenship Law represents a significant opportunity for foreign nationals and their families. They have a unique chance to get a Cyprus passport.

How we can help you

Our team of experienced and qualified professionals can provide a wide range of services in relation to the Application for Cypriot Citizenship and any other related  Services.

For more information on how we may be able to assist you and your business please contact us at uhy@uhy.com.cy or call (00357) 22379210.

The contents of this publication should be considered to be of a general nature only not referring to any particular business. Before proceeding with any action, please request further advice relating specifically to your business. We will be very pleased to be of assistance.