Articles | Expat Money®

How Your Ancestry Can Give You Cypriot Citizenship

Written by Mikkel Thorup | March 3, 2023

Cyprus is known for its gorgeous coastline, pleasant Mediterranean climate, cultural richness and diversity, and it is often regarded as one of the world's top relocation choices.

Cyprus is a full member of the European Union (EU). Cypriot people are also EU citizens. Cypriot passport holders enjoy access to the country's incredible healthcare and education systems and the freedom to travel and live in any of the European Union's member nations.

People often inquire about the duration of full Cypriot citizenship under the Cypriot citizenship and residency programs. You'll be happy to find that you and your family can enjoy full citizenship for life. This privilege may be transferred to future generations descended from Cypriots.

 

Cypriot passport holders enjoy access to the country's incredible healthcare

CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT OVERVIEW

Citizenship by descent can be granted to those with Cypriot ancestors in Cyprus. To be eligible to petition for citizenship via this legal option, all foreigners must provide documentation proving a familial relationship with a Cypriot native, which is a fundamental prerequisite.

 

Related content: How Can I Become A Spanish Citizen If My Family Came From Spain?

 

OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT IN CYPRUS FOR ADULT APPLICANTS

Adult applicants can represent themselves in front of municipal authorities without the consent of any other party, as opposed to child applicants, who their parents or legal guardians must represent. All candidates must typically follow the same regulations and processes. However, there is one major differential depending on the date of birth. Here’s a brief presentation for you:

  • Adult applicants must complete Form M.71 if born before August 16, 1960;
  • Applicants seeking citizenship by ancestry in Cyprus born after August 16, 1960, must complete Form M.72;
  • Furthermore, Cypriots who are citizens of the United Kingdom or any Commonwealth nation and legally living in Cyprus for one year or more, regardless of their birth date, may apply using form M.124 (in duplicate). They must attach their birth certificate, a good conduct certificate issued by the police, and a photocopy of their passport;
  • The application also requires a stamp.

 

The application M123 is for adults who were born on or after August 16, 1960

M123 DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

This application type, M123, is for adults who were born on or after August 16, 1960, and neither of their parents held Cypriot citizenship at the time of their birth.

  • The applicant’s birth certificate;
  • The applicants’ parents’ marriage certificate;
  • A copy of the applicant’s and parents’ passports;
  • Cypriot parent’s registration certificate (where applicable);
  • M123 Government Fees – €50 ($53 USD).

Suppose the nation is not a signatory to the Hague Convention 1961. In that case, the papers may additionally need the apostille and certification of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the applicant is a resident/citizen.

 

Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency

 

The marriage certificate of the applicant's parents is an essential document to apply for Cyprus Citizenship By Descent

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING CITIZENSHIP VIA DESCENT FOR MINOR CHILDREN IN CYPRUS?

The process will be significantly more complicated for those migrating to Cyprus with small children who are eligible for Cypriot citizenship due to a familial connection with a local.

The applicant must provide the following documents, following Cyprus immigration law and the procedures prescribed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department: the applicant's birth certificate, the marriage certificate of the applicant's parents, and photocopies of the applicant's and the parent's passports.

Where relevant, the parent's certificate of citizenship registration proving Cypriot citizenship must be submitted. A processing fee and a stamp are also needed in addition to this. Please remember that local organizations will require apostille or certification of foreign documents. You can contact us if you are unsure if you are required to complete this step.

 

The application M126 is applicable to two types of minors to request Cypriot Citizenship

CONSULAR BIRTH CERTIFICATE APPLICATION (TYPE M121)

Those who are minors or adults born outside of Cyprus after August 16, 1960, with a father who was a Cypriot citizen at the time of their birth, as well as those born after June 11, 1999, with a mother who held Cypriot citizenship at the time of their birth, are eligible for this application. The government fees for this application are €20 ($21 USD).

 

MINORS REGISTRATION APPLICATION (TYPE M126)

This application is applicable to two types of minors. The first group includes those born in Cyprus or abroad before June 11, 1999, with a Cypriot mother and a foreign father. The second group includes minors whose fathers acquired Cypriot citizenship after their birth. Additionally, minors are eligible if their parents obtained Cypriot citizenship through naturalization or registration due to marriage to a Cypriot citizen. The government fees for this application are €80 ($85 USD).

  • Birth certificate;
  • Marriage certificate of applicant’s parents;
  • Passport copy of applicant and parents for M121 and M126;
  • Cypriot parent’s Cypriot citizenship certificate (where applicable);
  • The declaration submitted before an officer of the District Administration Office or a diplomatic authority by a foreign parent consenting to the granting of Cypriot citizenship to a young child;
  • Two photos.

Related content: How Can I Become A French Citizen Through My Parents?

 

Those who are minors or adults born outside of Cyprus after August 16, 1960, apply for the M121 application

WHAT DETAILS ARE ON THE CITIZENSHIP APPLICATION FORM?

The applicant must include information regarding his or her name, residence, legal capacity, date of birth, and place of delivery on the citizenship application form.

Aside from these, the Cyprus immigration authorities will want information on the applicant's religion, present nationality, and the personal details of the applicant's father, as well as the civil position - married, single, in a partnership, divorced or widowed. If the individual has a partner, the partner's personal information must be included in the application.

The basic application form may be modified in numerous ways depending on the individual form that the applicant will fill out (as mentioned above, there are a few categories of forms, depending on the applicant's age and birth date).

Please keep in mind that those who wish to apply for citizenship who are linked to a Cypriot national (as parents or children of Cypriot nationals) can start the process in 5 years rather than 7.

In addition to this option, foreigners may get Cypriot citizenship by marriage to a Cypriot citizen. The two people must be legally married. Therefore merely being in a relationship with a Cypriot citizen will not be enough. At the time of application, the couple must have been married for at least three years.

When seeking citizenship via this route, the foreign individual must additionally provide proof of a Cypriot resident permit. In this case, the residence requirements are only two years.

However, it is possible to petition for citizenship by marriage even if you are not residing in Cyprus (i.e., you are not a resident), but you must follow certain conditions.

Those who petition for citizenship by marriage and live in Cyprus must submit proof of cohabitation with their spouse and a residence permit.

This will be provided as a harmonic coexistence declaration issued by a local authority, such as the District Administration Office or a diplomatic institution.

 

It is possible to petition for citizenship by marriage even if you are not residing in Cyprus

THE ADVANTAGES OF CYPRIOT CITIZENSHIP

The following are the primary advantages of getting Cyprus citizenship:

 

MOVEMENT FREEDOM

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, resulting in a slew of advantages, including visa-free travel to 173 countries worldwide. Mor, freedom of mobility is essential for providing safety, opportunity, and stability to oneself and one's family. A Cyprus passport allows you to travel freely to enhance your life and to live and work in other EU countries.

 

LIFE EFFICACY

Cyprus has a good living and an excellent quality of life. The people of Cyprus, known for their friendliness and friendly locals, respect and lead a wonderful life balance of work and recreation, always taking the time to converse over a coffee. Thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and low crime rate, Cyprus is a safe place to raise a family, with abundant sunlight, outdoor sports, and a healthy Mediterranean diet.

Despite its modest size, Cyprus features many cities to accommodate many lifestyles. Cyprus offers everything, from stunning coastal towns and tranquil mountain villages to busy international capital cities and wealthy corporate centers.

 

Cyprus has a good living and an excellent quality of life

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS

Cyprus's business continues to expand and develop, generating many possibilities and allowing for sector diversification to build a strong, well-rounded economy. The nation has a thriving shipping industry, with the country's excellent marine infrastructure ranking third in the EU. The island provides a great setting for start-ups and innovation. This is owing to a highly skilled workforce and incentives such as applied research funded by the EU or national governments. Companies profit from the cheap cost of starting and maintaining a company in Cyprus and the option of free trade (free movement of capital, products, and services) inside the EU.

Multinational enterprises are lured to the island and benefit from the international workforce, with the majority speaking English well and some knowing other languages like Russian and Chinese.

 

EDUCATIONAL ADVANTAGES FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

You can study at any EU university as a Cyprus citizen under the same criteria as local nationals. Tuition expenses for EU residents are low or even entirely waived, whilst those for non-EU nationals are substantially higher and need extra documentation. More than 1,300 institutions provide high-quality educational programs.

 

TAX ADVANTAGE

Cyprus has signed double taxation treaties with over 60 countries throughout the globe, preventing people with dual nationality from being taxed twice. Furthermore, the processes for establishing a corporation with the appropriate authorities in Cyprus may be accomplished in as little as 4-5 working days and at a minimal cost. As a result, foreign enterprises operating in the area often use Cyprus as a base and include it in their tax planning. Cyprus has no inheritance, wealth or gift taxes.

 

Cyprus has signed double taxation treaties with over 60 countries preventing people with dual nationality from being taxed twice

DUAL CITIZENSHIP

Cyprus recognizes dual citizenship. Those who do not want to give up their previous citizenship are not required to do so upon gaining Cyprus citizenship.

 

PLACE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE

Cyprus does not need permanent residency on the island as a condition for getting or maintaining Cyprus citizenship. Therefore, there is no need to relocate, and you can still enjoy all of the advantages of being a Cyprus and EU citizen.

 

Related content: How To Get Your Residency In Cyprus

 

LOCATION

Cyprus has always been a link between Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Cyprus has become the perfect gateway for economic operations and investments throughout the European Union, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Middle East, and Africa. With no major cities too far away, business, school, healthcare, or leisure travel is always quick, pleasant, and simple.

 

Cyprus has become the perfect gateway for economic operations and investments throughout the European Union

CONCLUSION

By obtaining Cyprus citizenship, you can now enjoy improved living chances, 340 days of summer yearly, the country's rich history, and all of the EU privileges available to its people. You may also provide numerous appealing chances to your children, who will undoubtedly appreciate a secure and pleasurable environment.