BCS Employee Citizenship

The Ministry of Interior announces the reception and examination of applications for naturalization submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Population Registry (Amendment) Law of 2023.

The qualifications for naturalization, as per Article 111B(1) of the Population Registry Law, which must be cumulatively met for the submission of a naturalization application, are as follows:

• Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days do not interrupt the aforementioned period.

• During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12 month period, legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 7 years.

• Clean criminal record.

• Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level B1.

• Adequate knowledge of basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of the Republic.

• Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.

• Intention to reside in the Republic.

According to Article 111B(2), the qualifications differ for individuals residing in the Republic for the purpose of employment of high specialization in companies determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers with number 92.018, dated 15/10/2021, concerning the Strategy for Attracting Companies for Activation and/or Expansion of their Activities, as well as for their family members. The following companies fall into this category:

• Foreign interest companies operating in the Republic of Cyprus and having independent offices in Cyprus, housed in suitable premises separate from any private residence or other office.

• Cypriot shipping companies.

• Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace and space industry, computers, information technology sector, technologies and communications, pharmaceutical products, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemical substances, and non-electrical machinery.

• Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies engaged in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology.

• Companies already registered in the Registry of Foreign Companies of the Population and Immigration Department.

The qualifications for individuals falling under the provisions of Article 111B(2), as well as for their family members, which must be cumulatively met, are as follows:

• Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application submission. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.

• During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12 month period, legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 4 years or 3 years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e., A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not counted as absence.

• Clean criminal record.

• Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1.

• Adequate knowledge of basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of the Republic.

• Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.

• Intention to reside in the Republic.