In 2024, Cyprus recorded a moderate decline in the rate of granting citizenship to foreign nationals. According to Eurostat, the naturalization rate stood at 1.21 per 100 foreign residents, compared to 1.51 the previous year.
The total number of people obtaining Cypriot citizenship also decreased. In 2024, around 2,800 individuals were granted a Cypriot passport, compared to 3,318 in 2023. Despite the decline, interest in citizenship remains stable, especially among those who have lived on the island for a long time.
It is important to note that the naturalization rate reflects the share of foreigners who became citizens relative to the total number of non-citizens residing in the country at the beginning of the year.
Overall situation in the European Union
In contrast to Cyprus, the situation across the European Union looks different. In 2024, nearly 1.2 million people acquired citizenship in the EU countries where they lived. This represents an 11.6% increase compared to the previous year, equivalent to approximately 122,700 more individuals.
Looking at a longer-term perspective, the growth is even more pronounced. Compared to 2014, the number of citizenships granted has increased by more than half, reflecting ongoing migration trends and the integration of foreigners into European societies.
The largest numbers of new citizens were recorded in the EU’s biggest countries. Germany granted citizenship to around 288,700 people, Spain to 252,500, and Italy to 217,400. These three countries accounted for the largest share of all naturalizations in Europe.
Who most often receives citizenship
The majority of new EU citizens come from non-EU countries, accounting for about 88% of the total, while citizens of other EU countries make up approximately 10.6%.
In 2024, the most common nationalities acquiring citizenship were Syrians, Moroccans, and Albanians. Syrians were the largest group, with more than 110,000 naturalizations, followed by citizens of Morocco and Albania. This structure reflects current migration flows as well as humanitarian and economic factors influencing relocation to Europe.
Cyprus compared to other EU countries
In terms of naturalization rates, Cyprus is close to the EU average but significantly behind the leading countries. The highest rate in 2024 was recorded in Sweden, with 7.5 new citizens per 100 foreign residents. It was followed by Italy with 4.1, and Spain and the Netherlands at around 3.9.
At the lower end of the ranking are countries with minimal rates. For example, Lithuania recorded just 0.1, while Bulgaria and Estonia were at around 0.3.
Against this backdrop, Cyprus maintains a moderate approach to granting citizenship, balancing integration requirements with migration control.
Current trends and outlook
The decline in Cyprus may be linked to stricter procedures and changes in citizenship policy following recent reforms. In particular, the country is gradually moving away from practices associated with investment-based schemes and is placing greater emphasis on long-term residence, language proficiency, and social integration.
At the same time, Cyprus remains an attractive destination for foreigners due to its stable economy, EU membership, and high standard of living. Interest in naturalization is expected to remain steady in the coming years, although the pace will depend on new legislative initiatives and the broader migration situation in the region.
Thus, despite a slight decline in figures, Cyprus continues to play an important role in European migration, offering opportunities for long-term residence and citizenship to those who meet the established requirements.