Cyprus Dual Citizenship. Any Restrictions?
The government of Cyprus does not prohibit its residents from obtaining another nationality or demand that they give up their prior citizenship. Because of this, Cyprus is a desirable choice for anyone looking to get a second passport without giving up their previous nationality.
Many countries prohibit dual citizenship, but Cyprus is unique in its inclusive stance, acknowledging the complexity of contemporary global identities. So, while being a citizen of another country, you can obtain a Cypriot passport for personal, travel, or commercial purposes.
Why Have Cypriot Citizenship?
Having a Cypriot passport is advantageous, and here's why:
- Visa-Free Travel. Almost 170 countries, including the Schengen Area, Canada, and the UK, allow entry with a Cypriot passport without a visa or upon arrival. It may significantly reduce the inconvenience of obtaining visas for nationals of other countries or regular tourists.
- Lower Taxes. With low commercial tax rates and an extensive system of double tax treaties, Cyprus provides people with an alluring tax environment. This advantageous tax structure can help Cypriot citizens, especially those who want to diversify their investments or oversee foreign company activities.
- EU Privileges. Cyprus is a member of the European Union, so you can freely move throughout the EU for any purpose: work, education, travel, healthcare, etc.
- Stable Environment. Cyprus is known for its developing economy, strong legal system, and stable political climate. Citizenship in such a country can offer an additional layer of protection, particularly for people from nations with less stable political or economic environments. Furthermore, Cypriot citizenship offers security within the legal and economic frameworks of the EU, enhancing safety for individuals who may be vulnerable in their native countries.
- Wide Education & Healthcare Access. Cyprus offers its residents a range of public services, such as healthcare and education. Cyprus provides high-quality, reasonably priced education at various levels and frequently subsidized or covered healthcare as part of the national system, which is beneficial for those considering relocation.
Due to its pleasant environment and affordable living expenses, Cyprus is also a popular retirement destination. Possessing dual citizenship with Cyprus might make it easier for retirees to relocate permanently and benefit from free movement and health insurance within the EU.
Engaging in political life in both Cyprus and the EU is another advantage. Cypriot voters have a say in important political decisions that impact their future by voting in national and European elections. Having this privilege in two countries can be significant for those passionate about policy.
Cyprus Citizenship And Its Application Process
You can apply for Cyprus dual citizenship through different pathways. Check them out below to determine if you're eligible for a Cypriot passport.
Citizenship by Birth or Descent
Regardless of the location of birth, anyone born to at least one Cypriot parent is legally granted citizenship in Cyprus. This means that future generations may benefit from Cyprus dual citizenship if their parents are Cypriots and their children are born outside of the country.
The qualifying requirements are straightforward: at the time of birth, at least one parent must have been a citizen of Cyprus. Additionally, if the father is a citizen of Cyprus, any child born after August 16, 1960, is entitled to automatic citizenship. Those with Cypriot ancestry who may not have lived in Cyprus will find this path very appealing. It's usually easy to claim citizenship by descent as long as all the documentation is in place.
Citizenship by Marriage
When a non-Cypriot marries a Cypriot citizen and lives in Cyprus for a while, they can request to become a citizen. Though this might be shortened in specific circumstances, the waiting time is normally three years after marriage and cohabitation. A Cypriot citizen must be the applicant's spouse for a minimum of three years. Proof of cohabitation and shared living is also necessary.
Getting citizenship by marriage is a simple procedure for people who have settled in Cyprus and started a family. The legal criteria, which include proving cohabitation, are meant to ensure that the marriage is genuine and not solely for the purpose of obtaining citizenship.
Citizenship by Naturalization
The long-term foreign residents in Cyprus can apply for naturalization for citizenship. Although it is more severe and lengthy than the others, it means any person who has been a lawful resident in Cyprus for at least seven years may apply. You will be able to prove that you have integrated yourself into Cypriot culture, such as knowledge of the language and culture, and you have been a lawful resident in Cyprus for a continuous period of seven years.
It provides the opportunity for naturalization of those who had a long residence in Cyprus and are well-established therein. An applicant should be committed to the state through language ability, knowledge of the Cypriot way of life, as well as active participation in the community.
Is Citizenship By Investment Still Available?
Unfortunately, as of 2024, citizenship by investment is no longer available. The program of granting citizenship of the republic in exchange for investments, known as the "golden" passport procedure, stopped on October 1, 2020.
The Cyprus citizenship program previously offered a passport with the right to live and work in the European Union for an investment of €2 million in real estate or a local company. The applicant also had to donate €200,000 to the government of the republic.
Citizenship Through Special Contributions to Cyprus
Cyprus has occasionally granted citizenship to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country, even after the investment program ended. These donations might stem from charitable or commercial endeavors that boost the Cypriot economy. Though uncommon, exceptional cases of citizenship have been observed where a person played a key role in furthering Cyprus's strategic or economic objectives.
Although this method is less well-known and significantly more selective, it may still be an option for influential individuals who can benefit the country, even if they don't meet the standard residency or investment requirements.
Dual Citizenship Restrictions
Although Cyprus permits dual citizenship, one should bear in mind that not all countries allow their citizens to hold dual citizenship. You need to make sure that you do not have to give up your original nationality by verifying through the law of your country of origin before applying for Cypriot citizenship.
Certain countries like Saudi Arabia, China, India, and Japan do not recognize dual citizenship. In this regard, getting dual citizenship in Cyprus may necessitate the loss of their previous citizenship or be a basis for legal penalties in their country of origin. Applicants from countries that do not recognize dual nationality are encouraged to consider the possible legal and social consequences resulting from acquiring Cypriot citizenship before proceeding with the application.
Acquiring Cyprus Citizenship Made Simple
There are a few steps involved in obtaining dual citizenship with Cyprus, and the process varies based on your birth, descent, marriage, or naturalization pathway. Below is an outline of the general steps:
- Collect All The Documents. You'll need to provide some documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, and proof of residency. For citizenship by descent, you'll need proof of Cypriot ancestry.
- Send An Application. Applications are submitted either directly to the Ministry of Interior in Cyprus or through authorized legal agents. Filling out forms, paying application fees, and submitting the required paperwork are all part of the submission process.
- Wait. The government verifies that all applicants meet the moral and legal prerequisites for citizenship by conducting extensive background checks. This entails reviewing finances and, occasionally, conducting interviews. Upon approval, applicants must formally become citizens of Cyprus by swearing an oath of loyalty. Depending on their citizenship path, all new citizens must complete this stage.
Depending on the complexity of the application and the path chosen, obtaining dual citizenship in Cyprus might take several months to several years. Overall, citizenship by marriage and descent is faster than naturalization.
After being granted dual citizenship, individuals have obligations, such as maintaining active ties with Cyprus, paying taxes, and staying informed about national laws that may affect dual citizens.
Final Words
Among other significant benefits accompanying dual citizenship, one should name visa-free travel, access to EU rights, privileged tax arrangements, and investment opportunities in Cyprus. The island is the best option among one's priorities for travelling around the world with retention of original nationality.
In the context of Brexit, for UK citizens, dual citizenship with Cyprus may be a way to regain at least some of the lost EU privileges. Cyprus offers various options for obtaining a second passport: through descent, marriage, or naturalization. In the present globalized world, dual citizenship of Cyprus will be in a position to turn this into an invaluable asset-for those people who have family bonds with the island, and also for expatriates and investors.