A Cypriot passport offers many advantages to its holder: official residence in the EU and the Republic of Cyprus (southern part), the same rights as the locals, high quality education and other important points for any person. Citizenship of the island allows you to become a full member of European society and has other advantages. It is also cheaper on average to live here than in many other European countries.
Getting a Cypriot passport takes time: you have to start with a visa, then live continuously in the country for 7 years - and then apply. During this time it is useful to learn the language.
This is not suitable for everyone, so the island has a "fast track" programme that allows you to reduce the time by 730 days (2 years). It is available for property purchases from 300 thousand euros.
1. Advantages of Cypriot citizenship
Cyprus is part of the EU, with a unique culture and warm climate. To become a citizen of this country, many people are willing to take the not-so-simple steps to obtain a local passport. For example, third country nationals come here with their minor or adult children to assimilate. The Cypriot authorities are willing to assist wealthy immigrants and have developed special schemes to help them become part of local society. These include the sale of high value property (see below for details).
1.1 Freedom of movement in Cyprus and the European Union
The first thing that attracts Russians to citizenship in Cyprus is the possibility of living in any European state without obtaining visas and other permits. At the same time, the island itself is considered cheaper in terms of the cost of living, which increases the comfort of the "threshold of entry" into European life. Holders of a Cypriot passport can live, study and work in any city in the following European countries Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Denmark, Ireland, Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Finland, Croatia, Estonia, Sweden, Czech Republic - and of course Cyprus itself.
Getting a Cypriot passport means gaining the status of a European citizen. This has many advantages for both adults and children. For adults, it means greater opportunities for work and business, and for those under 18, it means access to an excellent education. Cyprus has educational programmes that are highly regarded throughout the world. This guarantees the future financial well-being of professionals who graduate from Cypriot universities, after which it is easy to find employment.
You can also consider studying in EU countries. In some of them you can apply for a budgetary form of education.
Remember that European citizenship can be obtained in just 5 years if you buy property in Cyprus. This is quite a short time - especially compared to many other EU member states. It takes about 180 days to process an application, which guarantees the convenience and reliability of obtaining a European passport.
1.2 Visa-free regime for many countries
In addition to EU countries, Cypriot citizens can travel to other countries around the world without a visa - or can obtain one on arrival. This list includes over 170 countries and this number may increase for Cypriot citizens in the coming years.
Europe: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Gibraltar, Greenland, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Spain, United Kingdom, Vatican City, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, North Macedonia, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Faroe Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Switzerland, Estonia, Finland, France.
Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Macau (China), Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uzbekistan.
Middle East: Armenia, Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates.
North America and Caribbean: Canada, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, Belize, Honduras, Mexico, Guatemala, Bermuda, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Haiti, Grenada, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Curaçao, Jamaica, Montserrat, French West Indies, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Curaçao, Saint Martin, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago.
South America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Falkland Islands, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Africa: Botswana, Burundi, Cape Verde, Comoros, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Reunion, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saint Helena, Seychelles, Senegal, Sierre Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zimbabwe.
Oceania countries: Australia, New Zealand, Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Niue, New Caledonia, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.
Obviously, the passport of a Cypriot citizen gives very great freedom of movement. It is valid for an unlimited number of years and is not difficult to obtain. It also allows you to buy property in some countries, in Cyprus itself and on the island - with a mortgage on the most favourable terms.
1.3 Social benefits and facilities
A Cypriot citizen receives all the benefits that are available to him in different situations in life. This applies to retirement pensions (average age 65, but can be earlier for senior citizens), social benefits and social protection (large families, low income), as well as full and free health care.
In addition, a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus has the right to mortgage property on fairly favourable terms. Children of Cypriot citizens can apply for free education at a university or other institution of higher learning. There are many popular educational institutions in Cyprus, and you can find out about their programmes on the official websites.
Depending on which country's passport you hold, Cyprus also offers some benefits to foreign nationals, although these are not as extensive as those available to Cypriots. Therefore, for families moving to Cyprus (especially with children), Cypriot citizenship is often of practical importance. During the years of naturalisation, the main task for immigrants is to find a formal job, a place to live and to learn the language. The official language of Cyprus is Greek, but Turkish and English are also spoken. However, in order to obtain citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus, it is necessary to pass the Greek language test.
1.4 A stable political and economic situation
With the onset of the pandemic and then other world events in recent years, many Russians are interested in the safest countries for their children to live and study. It is important for people that their children go to kindergarten and school, get a proper education (and knowledge - not just a crust) and at the same time are protected both physically and morally. Cyprus has all this.
There is a decent and peaceful standard of living here. Children learn to be sociable and tolerant from an early age, and in general Cyprus has always been a multinational island. People from different countries live together without conflict, and there are a large number of Russians. The latter prefer not only to live here but also to buy property. This increases the chances of obtaining a residence permit and citizenship.
It is worth noting that Cyprus has a stable economy with a very low rate of inflation. Every citizen of Cyprus can have confidence in the future. And again I would like to return to the topic of property: its maintenance does not increase annually (as, for example, housing and utilities in Russia), while the price of the square metre itself is gradually increasing. You can get a good income from rent and the apartment will pay for itself in about 10-15 years. A house will take a little longer.
Cyprus can also grant political asylum, but the situation must be really acute. In other cases, it is better to visit Cyprus as a tourist, visitor, or an emigrant. This could be a student enrolled in a local university, an employee of a Cypriot company or an investor who wants to invest in the island's economy.
1.5 Quality education for children
Cyprus is one of the best options for obtaining a secondary or tertiary education of excellent quality. From the age of 2.5, children attend kindergartens where they have the opportunity to learn foreign languages. The same applies to schools: Greek and English are taught in both public and private schools. In private British schools, a special British programme is taught, after which students can apply to universities in England or other European countries.
The Cypriot education system is very similar to the Russian one: a child first goes to kindergarten for several years and then to school. It is possible to choose an educational institution close to home, but many parents prefer to choose according to the level and specificity of the educational programme.
The child can then enter a college or university. He or she must be 18 years old. There are low-cost places for Cypriot citizens, but if you want your child to get there, you have to try hard - the competition is fierce and the entrance exams are difficult. Citizens of other countries (especially third countries) can only study for a fee, so it is wise to take care of citizenship in advance.
It is worth taking about two years to prepare for university in Cyprus. During this time, you should not only decide what subject you want to study, but also complete your foreign language studies. The country needs medical and health personnel, engineers in various fields, including construction and real estate, as well as economists and some highly specialised fields. It is convenient that on the websites of the universities you can find out about their directions and main achievements. Many institutions also promise to help graduates find work in their field.
The procedure for admission to a university in Cyprus is not very complicated. Depending on whether you are a Cypriot citizen or not, you will need to collect different documents.
1.6 Work and business opportunities
Cyprus is a fair tax jurisdiction and offers many opportunities for business, especially international business. The first thing that comes to mind is property, but there are many more. For many years Cyprus has been a successful destination for mainly small businesses, but in recent years the island has become a centre for branches and headquarters of many companies.
When it comes to owning your own business, Cypriot citizenship opens up great opportunities for finding partners and establishing European and international contacts. It is not so difficult to register a company with the state authorities, and the tax rates will please you with their low amounts. In addition, there is no double taxation of Russians and citizens of some other countries.
You should start by gathering information, consulting a lawyer, reading articles and generally studying the market of the area in which you want to do business. These issues should be resolved in advance.
If you have just finished your studies and are looking for a job in Cyprus, you will indeed find a wide range of opportunities in many profiles on the island. Obtaining a work permit is not difficult if you have a speciality that is in demand - even if you have little or no experience. After a few years of working in Cyprus, you'll be able to settle down and maybe even buy your own property.
Of course, it is much easier to get a job with Cypriot citizenship. And not just on the island, but in other European countries too. Some companies offer their employees free accommodation and the opportunity to choose where they want to work. Cypriot citizens can also work in the service sector and some other areas - remember that third-country nationals cannot get such jobs. During the last two years the possibility of lifting this ban has been discussed, which gives hope to all non-residents of Cyprus, but so far the authorities have not said anything concrete.
1.7 Second citizenship
It is possible to hold a second citizenship in Cyprus. However, it should be noted that not all states support such a system and that a distinction must be made between the concepts of "dual" and "second/third" citizenship.
Dual citizenship is possible with the agreement of two countries. In this case, a person fulfils the rights and obligations of one state (e.g. he/she serves in the army only in one country, and in the second country he/she is automatically credited for it).
Second citizenship provides for the possibility of holding two or more passports, but each state treats a person as its own citizen. Accordingly, the holder of several passports will not be able to choose where to serve in the army (using the same example) - he will have to serve in both.
A Russian citizen may have a second citizenship (including Cyprus), but not dual citizenship with that island. A citizen of Kazakhstan is not allowed to hold another passport at all. Belarus also has this prohibition, but it is not strict but rather recommended. Therefore, some people have to be prepared to give up the citizenship of their home country in order to obtain a Cypriot passport.
The Cypriot passport means that a person has all the rights and duties of a citizen, even if he or she holds the passport of another country. Those who have lived in Cyprus for a number of years will already be familiar with these rights and obligations - as it is not possible to obtain citizenship immediately. It takes minimum 4 years (subject to marriage to a Cypriot or the purchase of a certain amount of property, currently 300,000 euros).
The naturalisation process takes at least 7 years. It does not depend on property ownership and is more focused on whether a person has a stable job. However, owning a home is an advantage. A permanent residence permit (Residence Permit or Permanent Residence Permit) must be legal, as well as a stay in Cyprus. After a certain period of time it is possible to apply for citizenship of the island, the waiting period for approval will be from a few months to a couple of years.
2. Disadvantages of Cypriot citizenship
Of course, living in Cyprus and travelling without a visa to EU countries and the rest of the world is very attractive in itself. However, you should take the time to familiarise yourself with the disadvantages of holding a Cypriot passport. Our article is designed to help you do just that - especially as there are not many.
2.1 No citizenship-by-investment programme
A few years ago (until 2020) Cyprus had a so-called "citizenship by investment" or "golden passport" programme. It allowed you to obtain a Cypriot passport immediately after investing into a property worth €2 million or more. In 2020, this investment programme was suspended and the authorities will not give it back. So now any buyer of property in Cyprus will have to live on the island for several years to apply for citizenship.
The good news is that investors will have to wait a few years less. The country's authorities will allow you to obtain permanent residency in Cyprus and then apply for citizenship on that basis. It takes a few days to submit all the documents, and the application takes about six months to process. Before obtaining a passport, you cannot leave Cyprus for 12 months continuously - even to EU countries. After obtaining citizenship through investment, you will be able to travel to many countries without a visa, so it is worth finding the strength to wait for such an event.
2.2 Possibility of deprivation of citizenship
It is very difficult to deprive a person of his or her Cypriot citizenship. The legislation of the country does not provide for such a possibility, but in rare cases it can still happen. As a rule, it happens in connection with the most serious crimes - first and foremost, crimes against state security. Not only can you be sentenced to several years' imprisonment, but you can also lose your property (real estate and other assets).
Practice shows that it is very difficult to lose your Cypriot citizenship, even if you obtained it illegally. For example, in 2020, when a case of corruption among officials was uncovered, 26 people who had allegedly obtained a passport illegally wanted to be struck off the list of citizens of the country. The process took neither a day nor a month, but the passports remained with their owners.
There is a myth that naturalised foreigners who have not appeared on the island for several years can be stripped of their Cypriot citizenship. However, this is an unfounded statement.
It is also possible to voluntarily renounce the Cypriot passport, but this decision may not be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers. Especially if it is linked to the evasion of the duties of a citizen.
But it is quite realistic to lose your residence permit. For example, if you do not appear in Cyprus for 2 years or if you sell the property on the basis of which you have applied.
3. What are the rights and obligations of citizens of Cyprus?
Along with the rights and benefits, citizens of Cyprus have certain obligations. First of all, they are - compliance with the current legislation (articles of codes and other regulations), payment of all taxes and honest conduct of activities (work or business). For investors who have acquired Cyprus citizenship through permanent residence by investment, it is necessary to "hold" their assets for 5 years. This applies to property, securities and other investments. If the property purchased is worth more than €500,000, it must be held here for life.
In addition, those who have obtained a Cypriot passport but were not born with one must serve in the Cypriot army (if they have not reached the age limit).
There is also a recommendation for new citizens of the country: to visit the island at least once every few years. It is unlikely that you will be stripped of your citizenship if you have not been in Cyprus for three or four years. Arrival in the country is only recorded at the border and the authorities do not actually monitor the absence of their subjects.
When it comes to other issues, the possibilities of a Cypriot passport holder are much wider. It should be remembered that a citizen can receive secondary and higher education in Cyprus, work in public and private companies, enjoy benefits and advantages, and travel freely. A residence permit does not give the right to visa-free travel to European countries - only citizenship. If you want all the benefits of being a European citizen, then Cypriot citizenship is a "filled" and fully legal ticket to the wider world.
4. Obtaining a Cyprus passport
It has been said above that it is impossible to get a Cypriot passport immediately. You have to live on the island for a few years and get used to the peculiarities of the country. There are plenty of ways to live legally in Cyprus: you can buy property, marry a Cypriot, re-establish your origin (if one of your parents is Cypriot), for students it is to enter a university with the purpose of studying, for adults it is to work. It is also possible to obtain citizenship of the island for special honours.
A simpler and faster option is to obtain a residence permit for investment purposes. This method does not require language or other tests, it is enough to prepare a basic package of documents, pay a fee (state duty) for all the services provided, take out insurance and wait. It takes several months to process the application from the time it is submitted.
4.1 By naturalisation - 7 years
The naturalisation route is longer but does not involve purchasing expensive property. It takes 7 years or more and requires a legal residence permit for the whole time. It is worth applying for one of the visas first.
The easiest way to become a Cypriot citizen is through descent or birthright. In the first case, one of the parents must be a Cypriot citizen; in the second case, the person must have been born on the island. In this case, the person is recognised as a full citizen of the country and is issued with a passport.
The grounds for moving and obtaining citizenship can be special merits or refugee status, as well as seeking political asylum. However, the conditions do not remove the need to live on the island for minimum 7 years.
It is possible to enter Cyprus legally by enrolling in a university. In this case, the student applies for a visa and then renews it. Student visas are not difficult to obtain.
Official employment with a company based in Cyprus is another way to start naturalisation. There are different types of work visas for different periods: from 180 days to several years. The formalisation is carried out by the employing company: the foreigner only has to submit his consent to the processing of personal data and documents.
The system implies that it is not enough to go all the way: there are several other conditions. For example, in order to obtain citizenship, one must have a stable income (preferably on a Cypriot bank card), own or rent accommodation and have an impeccable reputation with no criminal record. An obstacle could be a minor traffic fine. In any case, you should be insured and try to live in Cyprus as peacefully as possible. It is a big responsibility, but worth it.
It is also necessary to pass a special test of Greek language skills. Compared to English, this language is more difficult, but the "threshold" for obtaining citizenship is low and at the level of everyday conversation.
4.2 By investment - 5 years
Accelerated citizenship is possible if the applicant is interested in investing in the Cypriot economy. The easiest way in this case is to buy a property (one or more properties) for the amount of 300 thousand euros or more. At the same time, it is necessary to fulfil several other requirements:
- Receive funds from foreign sources and in sufficient amount (from 30 thousand per year for the applicant and additional amounts - for his family members participating in the programme);
- The property must be primary, i.e. purchased in a new construction project;
- Among the necessities - the applicant needs to pay for the property at least 200 thousand euros at one-time, the rest can be paid later through a mortgage or request instalments from the developer;
- No criminal record and proof of reliability, including the source of funds for the purchase of property in Cyprus - you will have to compromise a little on confidentiality and give the government access to all information to verify the identity of the applicant;
- To own the property permanently until citizenship is obtained; this is how investments in the country's economy are protected by law.
Interestingly, the level of knowledge of the Greek language of the applicant is not important in this case. However, to enter a university in Cyprus, a student must learn it - otherwise he or she will not be able to complete the course. And in general, any person will feel more comfortable living in the country if they know the language.
It takes 3-9 months to register and have your application considered, but you do not have to live on the island during this time. In rare cases, the Cyprus Department of Immigration makes a decision even faster. You can then live permanently in Cyprus - or come here at least once every few years (730 days) to avoid having your permit cancelled.
For the next 5 years, you can rent out the property you have bought or use it yourself for family living. However, you must remember the requirement that you must be on the island for 12 months before you can obtain a passport. This applies to even the most serious investors.
Important: Cyprus PML does not allow visa-free travel to EU countries. But it will be easier to get a visa to European countries if you have a Cypriot residence permit.
4.3 By marriage
One of the quickest ways to obtain Cypriot and EU citizenship is to marry a Cypriot. Immediately after the date of marriage, the foreign spouse receives a residence permit valid for one year and is eligible for citizenship after three years (the total period is four years). It should be noted that this method implies permanent residence on the island - otherwise the Cypriot authorities may refuse to issue a passport.
Welcome to DOM Real Estate agency. We provide assistance with the purchase of property in each of the cities of Cyprus. Our services are available in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the free territory of Famagusta. Our services include assistance with the collection of documents required for residence permits and an in-depth study of the unique aspects of Cyprus. Our agency offers a wide range of properties, including villas and apartments, situated in prime locations and great sea views. Our experts will assist you in selecting the ideal option to suit your preferences. Our specialists will provide guidance on the applicable stamp duties and fees, as well as the rules governing visits to government offices. They will also offer advice on the documentation required for obtaining a residence permit, including basic statements, certificates, apostilles and other relevant documents. Furthermore, they will be present throughout the entire transaction process, including post-sale assistance. Our portal offers comprehensive information in Russian, English, Greek and othe languages to foreign and local customers. We provide up-to-date news, maintain a blog about life in Cyprus, write about partner developers and introduce the most interesting investment opportunities. We also offer advice on how to become a citizen of the island in five to seven years. Our articles and staff are available to answer any further questions you may have. You can contact us via WhatsApp, phone or our contact form. Alternatively, you can visit our office.
Read also:
- How much money do you need to live comfortably in Cyprus in 2024?
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- Permanent Residency in Cyprus in 2024
- TOP 5 most popular universities in Cyprus: their advantages and disadvantages
- How to buy a flat in instalments from a developer in Cyprus: step-by-step guide
