Since the start of the program for the expedited granting of Cypriot citizenship to highly qualified foreign professionals, 15 persons have received passports. A further 130 applications are pending.
This was announced recently by the head of the Ministry of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou.
Interestingly, it is not known which employees of which companies have become Cypriot citizens. According to Ioannou, his department does not keep such records. At the same time, he clarified that the right to apply for a passport can be professionals who work in:
- Companies with foreign interests that have independent offices on the island.
- Cyprus shipping companies.
- High-tech and innovative companies specializing in the production of products for the aerospace, IT, pharmaceutical and other industries.
- Pharmaceutical companies and companies related to biogenetics and biotechnology.
- International educational institutions employing teachers.
- Companies already registered in the Foreign Companies Registry of the Migration Department.
To obtain a passport under naturalization, the applicant must meet the following requirements
- Legal and permanent residence in the Republic of Cyprus for the 12 months preceding the application for citizenship;
- With knowledge of the Greek language at A2 level, may apply for a Cypriot passport after five years and at B1 level after four years;
- Must not have a criminal record or be on any sanctions list;
- Have suitable accommodation and a stable income of at least €2,500 per month;
- have high academic and professional qualifications.
Their family members have the same rights and obligations.
When applying for citizenship under this program, the applicant must pay a tax of 5,000 euros.