In 2023, Cyprus amended its Population Registration Law, paving the way for fast-track citizenship for highly skilled professionals. Unlike standard naturalization, which requires eight years of residence, the new rules allow applicants to submit their paperwork after just four years of working in Cyprus. Additionally, the language requirement has been lowered: now, applicants only need to demonstrate A2-level proficiency in Greek, whereas other categories of immigrants require B1 proficiency.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 208 foreign specialists and 65 of their family members have obtained citizenship through this program. Another 360 applications are pending. The authorities note that these applicants are primarily employees of international IT and fintech companies that are developing their presence in Cyprus.
Concerns of deputies and possible risks
Independent MP Alexandra Attalida criticized the program, saying that companies had effectively been given the opportunity to “buy” Cypriot citizenship. She says the lack of transparency and statistics on employers is reminiscent of the infamous "citizenship for investment" program, which closed in 2020 due to corruption scandals.
Attalida is drafting a bill that would require migration services to maintain detailed statistics on applicants, including their employers, positions, qualifications, and nationalities. This will allow the public to assess whether Cyprus really needs these specialists or if there are loopholes in the law.
The government defends the reform
The authorities insist that the concessions are aimed solely at supporting strategically important industries. The Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, stressed that the IT sector already contributes more than 14% to Cyprus's GDP and that attracting highly skilled professionals is key to further economic growth. According to Damianou, the new program will make Cyprus more competitive in the region and shape its image as a “technological hub of the Eastern Mediterranean.”
Two sides of the coin
However, critics point to an obvious imbalance. Domestic, construction, and agricultural workers from third countries who have lived on the island for years, speak Greek, and contribute to the community have virtually no chance of obtaining citizenship. Meanwhile, tech experts can become Cypriot citizens in just a few years, even if they decide to leave the country. This raises the question: Should citizenship be granted to those who have tied their lives to Cyprus or to those who provide short-term economic benefits?
Transparency as a key factor
Experts warn that, without openness and oversight, the fast-track program could become a new "time bomb" and cause another international scandal, as was the case with the "golden passports."
Today, fast-track citizenship is being actively promoted on social media. Videos promising "Move to Cyprus and Get Citizenship" are appearing on TikTok and YouTube. This confirms fears that the law is already being used for commercial purposes.