Cyprus passport guide 2024

The Cyprus passport is an EU passport and ranks number 13 in the Henley Passport Index, the authoritative site which produces a global ranking of countries according to travel freedom. With a Cyprus passport, you can move freely across the European Union (EU) and travel visa-free in 179 countries. These countries include the EU member states, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan and Canada.

In this guide, you will find the details and information on how to get a Cyprus passport.

Key Takeaways

• You can get a Cyprus passport by naturalisation (years of residence), marriage, or descent.
• With a Cyprus passport, you can live, travel and work across the EU and visit 179 countries visa-free.
• Though the citizenship by investment programme is closed, you can get a permanent residence by investment. Then, after residing in Cyprus for five years in a total of seven, you may apply for citizenship. You should reside continuously in Cyprus for the twelve months preceding the application.
• The Cyprus passport ranks number 13 globally. As an EU passport, it gives the holders all the rights and privileges of a Union citizen.

How to get a Cyprus passport

To obtain a Cyprus passport, you must be either married to a Cypriot, or have Cypriot roots, or get naturalisation because of years of residence.

To apply for a passport, use the form M. 9G/T (Cyprus passport application form). The locations to apply are:

• The District Administration for each city.
• The Citizen Service Centres (KEP) or Citizen Centres (KEPO) for the villages.
• Nicosia's Civil Registry and Migration Department central offices are responsible for the accelerated procedure.

TCNs who have acquired Cyprus citizenship will need an original birth certificate if their Cyprus ID card has yet to be issued. You apply for a Cyprus identity card (ID card) after getting citizenship by using the form supplied by the Ministry of the Interior. The fee for adults is EUR 30. For minors, it is EUR 20.

Also, note:

• Biometric data (photo, fingerprints, signature) requires physical presence. Minors under 12 will not provide fingerprints or signatures.
• You will receive your passport from the office where you applied.
• The validity of the Cyprus passport is ten years for adults and 5 for minors.

Fees (in euros):

• Issue or renew fees for adults 70, accelerated 120.
• Issue or renew fees for minors 45, accelerated 95.

How to renew your Cyprus passport

To renew your Cyprus passport, you need to:

• Go in person to the Civil Registry and Migration Department district office in a city or to the Citizens’ Service in a village (see above; the application centres are the same).
• Apply using form M.9G/T.
• Provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, and signature).

The fee is 70 euros and 45 for minors.

If you prefer the accelerated procedure, apply to Nicosia's Civil Registry and Migration Department central offices. The fee is 120 euros (95 euros for minors), and the application form remains the same.

Can I get a Cyprus passport by investment?

No. This programme closed in 2020. However, you, your spouse and underage children can get Cyprus permanent residence by investment if you satisfy the following criteria:

• An investment of EUR 300,000 in real estate or shares.
• A secure annual income from abroad amounting to EUR 50,000 annually, increased by EUR 15,000 for the spouse and EUR 10,000 for each child.
• A clean criminal record for yourself and your spouse.

There is a fee of EUR 500 for the application and another EUR 70 for each person included. The 70 euros are charged to issue the Alien Registration Certificate if it does not already exist.

Cyprus citizenship by naturalisation (years of residence)

To get the Cyprus passport by naturalisation, you have to be an adult and satisfy the following criteria:

• You lived in the Republic for 12 consecutive months before the date of submission of the application.
• Before those 12 months, you resided in the Republic for four years in the past seven years.
• Seven years of residence for one of these categories: students, visitors, self-employed, athletes, coaches, sports technicians, domestic helpers, nurses, employees of Cypriot or foreign employers or offshore companies, the spouses and adult children of these. The seven years must be continuous. The 12 months are not included in the seven years.
• Highly skilled workers of foreign companies can apply for citizenship after 4 or 5 years of residence if they pass a Greek language test. Level A2 (use Greek in simple situations and limited communication skills) gives a right to apply after eight years of lawful residence. Level B2 (use Greek and handle everyday communications) gives a right to apply after four years.
• They are of good character.
• Intend to reside in the Republic and/or work in the civil service or an international organisation, contact point, company or body created there.

The fee is EUR 500 plus a stamp.

Cyprus passport by marriage

To get Cypriot citizenship, a Cypriot citizen's spouse or civil union partner must complete three years of marriage before the date of the application. The application (form M 125) must be signed before the Registrar in the Court or, if the applicant is abroad, at a consular office or other authorised person. The application is then submitted to the relevant local authority (District Administration) or consulates (for people living abroad). The fee is EUR 300 plus a stamp.

Cyprus passport because of Cypriot roots (descent)

It is possible to get Cyprus citizenship by descent in one of six ways, which relate to the date of birth, age, i.e. whether the applicant is a minor or an adult, and parentage, i.e. which parent is Cypriot. The relevant birth date is 16 August 1960, when Cyprus gained independence from the UK. The application form, accompanying documents, and fee vary depending on the case.

There is an obligation for military service for male individuals whose parent(s) are of Cypriot origin.

In detail, the six ways to get a Cyprus passport by descent are:

1. Applicants of male descent, born before August 16, 1960, who are citizens of the UK or its former colonies; Form M71; Government fee: EUR 20 plus stamp.
2. Applicants of male descent, born before August 16, 1960, who are not citizens of the UK or its former colonies; Form M72; Government fee: EUR 20 plus stamp.
3. Applicants born abroad (consular birth certificate); Form M121; Government fee: EUR 20 plus stamps. A consular birth certificate may be issued to applicants born outside Cyprus after August 16, 1960, whose father or mother was a citizen of Cyprus at the time of birth. If the applicant is a minor, the parents will apply. Once the application is approved, a consular birth certificate will be issued. The applicant or (in the case of minors) the parents will be notified on how to receive it.
4. Applicants born on or after August 16, 1960; Form M123; Government fee: EUR 50 plus stamp. They may be descendants of UK citizens of Cypriot origin or other foreign citizens who could have claimed Cypriot nationality.
5. Applicants of Cypriot origin, born before August 16, 1960; Form M124; Government fee: EUR 80 plus stamp. The form should be submitted in two copies and stamped only once. The applicants may be citizens of the UK or the Commonwealth, whose father or mother has Cyprus origin, and who have been living in Cyprus for twelve months before applying.
6. Registration of a minor as a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus; Form M126; Government fee: EUR 80 plus stamps. The parents acquired Cypriot citizenship by registration (origin) or naturalisation (years of legal residence) after the minor applicant's birth.

Military service

Male individuals between 18 and 45 who get Cypriot citizenship must carry out military service if their parents (or one of their parents) are of Cypriot origin. The service is 14 months long.

If they or their parents have lived abroad for more than ten years, they will do a reduced military service as follows:

• For those over 26 years old, the service is three months.
• Between 18 and 26 years old, the service is six months.

Conscription and recruitment are held in July each year. Enlisting is an obligation, so contact your local military office as soon as you obtain citizenship.

The benefits of a Cypriot passport

The benefits of Cyprus citizenship include:

• EU citizens’ rights

  As an EU citizen, you can move and live freely within the European Union without discrimination. You also have protection for your human rights, civil liberties, and consumer rights. The European Commission lists these rights with links on their site: Citizens rights.

• Tax system and banking services

  Cyprus's tax system is favourable. There is a relatively low income tax and no tax on dividends, interest, inheritance, gifts, or immovable property. At 12.5%, the corporate tax rate is among the lowest in the EU.

• A perfect place to do business

  With a robust real estate sector, incentives for investment and infrastructure for creating and running a company, Cyprus is the perfect place to build your business.

• High-quality education

  Cyprus has high-quality public and private Universities and an expanding university culture. The private Universities are all English-speaking, with a selection of degrees in Greek. You or your children can enrol in the subject of your choice and embark on a career.

• Free national healthcare

  With Cypriot citizenship or legal residence, you have access to Gesy, the general health system of the Republic. In addition to health care, it covers medicines sold in participating pharmacies across the island.

• Visa-free travel to 178 countries (as of November 2024)

  This usually means a three-month stay without further formalities.

The bottom line

A Cyprus passport (citizenship) may require 5 to 7 years of residence. Two other ways to get Cypriot citizenship are by marriage or descent. Cypriot citizenship allows you to move and live freely in the EU. It is not possible to get citizenship by investment, but you can get permanent residence. Cyprus has a stable government that protects human rights and the rule of law. Moreover, it is an excellent choice for business or a relaxing lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions