Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation
years of residence · Official name: Acquisition of Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation, form M127 (Civil Registry Law as amended in 2023)
Adults can apply after 12 months of legal residence just before applying plus at least 7 years in the 10 years before that. They need Greek at B1, a pass in the exam on Cyprus's political and social reality, good character, housing and stable resources. Since 19 Dec 2023, highly skilled employees can apply sooner: 4 years with Greek A2 or 3 years with Greek B1. The fee is 500 EUR plus 500 EUR for the certificate if approved.
Life in Cyprus
Finance
3
Currency
Euro
EUR
Euro
Cost of living
67
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
20–35%
Income tax (national)
VAT 19%
After the 2026 reform: 0% up to EUR 22,000, 20%/25%/30%, then 35% above EUR 72,000.
Living
1
Happiness
#60 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
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Who it’s for
Non-Cypriot adults with long legal residence in the government-controlled areas of Cyprus.
Eligibility
ResidenceGeneral route
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow 12 months of legal residence just before applying, plus at least 7 years of legal residence in the 10 years before that.
Residence required
- Just before applying
- 12 months
- Earlier periodwithin the prior 10 years
- 7 years
- Absences allowedtotal, without interrupting residence
- 90 days
- The 7 years fall in the 10 years before the 12-month period
- Absences totalling up to 90 days do not interrupt the 12 months
Official wording
Legal residence for the 12 months immediately before applying (absences totalling up to 90 days do not interrupt it), plus at least 7 years of legal residence in total in the 10 years before that 12-month period.
Faster route for highly skilled employeesHighly skilled employees
Sign in to check this route against your profileIf you are a highly skilled employee, you need 3 or 4 years of legal residence in the 10 years before the 12-month period.
Residence needed in the 10 years before the 12 months
In force since 19 Dec 2023- With Greek A2
- 4 years
- With Greek B1
- 3 years
- Minimum salarygross monthly
- EUR 2,500
- Civil Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023
- Needs a university degree or equivalent
- Or 2 years of experience in a corresponding position
Official wording
Under the Civil Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023, in force 19 Dec 2023: at least 4 years (Greek A2) or 3 years (Greek B1) of legal residence in the 10 years before the 12-month period, for employees with a gross monthly salary of at least 2,500 EUR and a university degree or equivalent, or 2 years of experience in a corresponding position.
Greek language
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow Greek at B1 level with a certificate from an accepted examination body.
- Level: B1 (Common European Framework)
- Accepted: Greek Language Centre examinations certificate
- Accepted: University of Cyprus School of Modern Greek certificate
Official wording
Greek at B1 (Common European Framework), shown by a certificate from the Greek Language Centre examinations or the University of Cyprus School of Modern Greek.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
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- 2 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 3 fees
- 3 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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