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CYPRUS CITIZENSHIP FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS BEING HIGH-SKILLED EMPLOYEES WITH COMPANIES OF FOREIGN INTERESTS

01/08/2025 | ANDREY ST. TIKHONOV & CO |
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  1. INTRODUCTION
    The procedure for obtaining the Cyprus citizenship (the “Citizenship”) is thoroughly governed by the provisions of Civil Registry Law No. 141(I)/2002) (as amended) (the “Law”). In December 2023 the Law’s provisions were supplemented by Article 111B prescribing the criteria and procedure for obtaining the Citizenship by foreign nationals residing in the Republic of Cyprus (the “Republic”) for the purpose of high-skilled employment in companies of foreign interests (the “Amendments”).

  2. THE AMENDMENTS’ SCOPE
    The Amendments target foreigners that are employed by foreign interest companies operating in the Republic of Cyprus and running independent offices within the Republic (the “Company” or “Companies”). To be under the Amendments’ scope a foreigner (the “Foreigner”) must

    1) be a director, specialist or key personnel[1] within the Company at least for two (2) years before the date of the Citizenship application filing,
    2) receive a gross monthly salary of €2,500 and
    3) hold an university degree or title or equivalent qualification or a certificate of experience in a corresponding position for a period of two (2) years.

    It is worth underscoring that the above (1) – (3) must be cumulatively met by the Foreigner not only on the date of the Citizenship application filing and throughout its consideration, but until he / she receives the Citizenship Certificate from the Republic’s Ministry of Interior.

  3. THE CITIZENSHIP CRITERIA
    Those falling under the Amendments’ scope must cumulatively meet the below citizenship criteria:
     
    1) legal and continuous residence in the Republic for twelve (12) months immediately prior to the Citizenship application submission date. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of ninety (90) days do not interrupt the abovementioned period;
    2) within ten (10) years immediately preceding the twelve (12) – month period cumulative legal residence in the Republic not less than
    a) five (5) years if he / she has A2 level of knowledge[2] of the Greek language or
    b) four (4) years, if he / she has B1 level of knowledge of the Greek language.
    Periods of absence not exceeding a total of ninety (90) days per year are not considered as absence;
    3) to be of a good character[3];
    4) sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1 [as specified above];
    5) adequate knowledge[4] of the basic elements of contemporary political and social reality in the Republic;
    6) suitable accommodation;
    7) stable and regular financial resources sufficient to maintain himself / herself and his / her family members; and
    8) intention to reside in the Republic.

  4. PROCEDURAL MATTERS
    The Citizenship applications (form No. M127) are submitted to the respective district administrations. The Citizenship applications are considered via fast-track procedure costing €5,000. This ensures that the examination period of the Citizenship application will not exceed eight (8) months from the filling date.

  5. CONCLUSION
    Undoubtedly, the Amendments demonstrate the government’s intent to assimilate foreign nationals being high-skilled employees into Cyprus culture and community. The Citizenship criteria are not onerous and can be easily fulfilled by one who genuinely wishes to become a part of the community successfully combining traditional lifestyle and attractive business opportunities packed with low-tax regime.

    We at Andrey St. Tikhonov & Co LLC are ready to provide comprehensive legal advice with regard to the Citizenship and to the Amendments in particular.

[1] Must be specified in the Foreigner’s temporary residence permit.

[2] Proved by official documents [certificates] as defined from time to time by the Republic’s Ministry of Interior.

[3] For instance, it means that the Foreigner does not threaten public order and public safety in the Republic.

[4] Proved by a certificate issued by Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth after successfully passing the respective exams.