How a Child Can Obtain Cypriot Citizenship — Rules and Methods in 2026

On the warm Mediterranean island, citizenship is granted to a child not by territorial right but by “inheritance”: one of the parents must hold the coveted Cyprus passport. If both parents are foreigners, then either the child or the mother or father must undergo naturalization.

Is it possible to obtain Cypriot citizenship by birthright?

Birthright citizenship, or jus soli — this term refers to the automatic granting of citizenship to a child born on the territory of a state. Jus soli applies, for example, in the USA and Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and other countries. In Europe and Asia, such a right is much less common. 

In Cyprus, citizenship is not granted to a child simply because they were born on the island if both parents are foreigners. At least one parent must hold a Cyprus passport.

Tip: if a child is born outside Cyprus but one or both parents have Cypriot citizenship, the child can be registered as a citizen of the island.

In which cases a child may qualify for Cyprus citizenship

Usually, minor children can obtain Cyprus citizenship in two ways:

1. Through naturalization, that is, by living on the island for the required number of years.
2. Through registration, essentially “following the parents.”

The first path is chosen less often, as it is somewhat easier (and cheaper) for foreign parents to first obtain Cypriot citizenship and a passport, and then request citizenship for their child through registration.

So, to obtain Cyprus citizenship for minor children, one of the following grounds is required:

1. at least one parent with citizenship of the island;
2. both parents are citizens of the island.

It does not matter whether the parent(s) obtained citizenship by birth or through naturalization. 

Which application to submit for a child to obtain Cyprus citizenship

Depending on where and to whom the child was born, you must choose the official application form. Each form requires its own package of documents and fee amount:

1. The child was born in Cyprus and the parents have local citizenship. Here everything is simple: with a certificate from the maternity hospital, parents go to obtain a birth certificate, and the child automatically receives Cyprus citizenship.
2. The child was born in Cyprus, but one parent is not a citizen. In this case citizenship registration is required; an application using form M126 must be submitted, and the state fee will be 80 euros.
3. The child was born outside Cyprus, but one parent holds Cyprus citizenship and a passport. In this case, an application using form M121 (consular birth certificate) must be submitted; the state fee will be 20 euros. Additional costs may arise (translation, apostille, etc.).
4. The child was born in Cyprus, but both parents do not have local citizenship. In this case, a Cypriot birth certificate must first be obtained and then legalized at the consulate of the country whose citizenship the child has been granted. For example, Russian citizens travel to the capital of Cyprus — Nicosia: this is where the Russian embassy is located. After this, it may also be necessary to visit the migration service.

Citizenship and temporary or permanent residence permits for a child

If a child does not qualify for citizenship but was born on the island, their stay must also be legalized. As a rule, it is not difficult to align children’s status with their parents, since the main basis for minors is living with one or both parents.

That is, if one of the parents has a temporary residence permit or permanent residence in Cyprus, they can submit an application for the same permit for their child. This can be done simultaneously (if parents move to the island with an already-born child) or later if the child is born in Cyprus. 

If a parent is preparing to obtain citizenship and a passport of the Republic of Cyprus

There are no exact recommendations on what to do with a child if one or both parents have applied for Cyprus citizenship (including honorary citizenship). As mentioned above, there are two paths: either submit the child’s documents for naturalization as well, or first obtain citizenship yourself and then immediately grant citizenship to the child.

Features of the naturalization path:

1. a large package of documents will also need to be collected for the child;
2. this is the most convenient path if the child becomes an adult during the naturalization period;
3. the child will need to pass a language proficiency exam.

Features of the registration path:

1. the package of documents is much easier to assemble as it is smaller;
2. it must be done before the child reaches adulthood;
3. lower costs for document processing to establish citizenship.

Approximate package of documents required

The list of documents required to obtain citizenship for a child will vary depending on the grounds, but generally will include:

1. application form (see above);
2. child’s birth certificate;
3. copy of the child’s foreign passport;
4. Cyprus passport of the Cypriot parent — and if naturalized, the relevant documents as well;
5. copy of the foreign passport of the foreign parent, if applicable;
6. parents’ marriage certificate, if available, or custody certificate (if parents are divorced);
7. written consent of the foreign parent, if applicable;
8. two photographs;
9. school certificate if the child is older than 4 years and 8 months.

If the child undergoes naturalization, then the package of documents will be different.

Thus, not every child is entitled to citizenship and a Cyprus passport, even if they are a resident of the country. For this, at least one parent must be Cypriot: either naturalized or by descent. An alternative to citizenship is a temporary or permanent residence permit: a residence permit will allow legal stay on the island and provide grounds for the child’s citizenship if this is planned. 

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