In a long-anticipated move aimed at attracting and retaining highly skilled employees of Companies of Foreign Interests, Cyprus amends the Civil Registry Law 141(I)/2002.
The House of Parliament has approved amendments to the Cyprus Civil Registry Law 141(I)/2002, bringing significant changes to the naturalisation process of third country nationals. Outlined in the official government gazette on 19 December 2023, the amendments aim to simplify the citizenship application process for Highly Skilled Professionals working for foreign companies in the Republic of Cyprus and their families.
Previous requirements
The now amended Cyprus Civil Registry Law 141(I)/2002 previously required a total residence in the Republic of at least 7 years in case of students, self-employed individuals, and employees of Cypriot or foreign employers of offshore companies who reside in the Republic for the purpose of work; and at least 5 years in the case of foreigners with any other status of legal residence. The law had no specific pathway for highly skilled professionals.
Scope of the amendments
The amended law introduces provisions regarding persons characterised as Highly Skilled Professionals working for Companies of Foreign Interests, expediting the timeframe to a possible 3-4 years.
As per the Council of Ministers Decision (dated 15 October 2021) approving the New Strategy for attracting companies to operate or expand their activities in Cyprus, companies of Foreign Interests are those registered at the Businesses Facilitation Unit (BFU) operated by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. The BFU assesses a company’s eligibility and grants a written confirmation of their registration at the new Register of Foreign Interest Companies. The registration is then submitted to the Migration Department for the purpose of issuing residence and employment permits.
Key changes for highly skilled workers
The amended Civil Registry Law of 2023 (149(I)/2023) introduces crucial changes, notably shortening the previous 7-year residency requirement for highly skilled foreign workers to obtain Cypriot citizenship.
Residence in the Republic. A condition for naturalisation is the continuous and legal residence in the Republic for a period of 12 months prior to the date of application, with an allowed absence of up to 90 days. An applicant must have also been legally residing in the Republic for at least four years during the 10 years preceding the 12-month period, pursuant to the Greek language requirement being satisfied.
Greek language requirement. Highly skilled workers are required to have a proficiency of at least A2 in Greek (as defined in the Common European Framework of Reference for Language) in order to benefit from this Fast-Track process. Moreover, the 4-year period can be reduced to 3 years where an applicant has a proficiency equivalent to B1. A certificate satisfying this requirement must be submitted with the naturalisation application.
Awareness of Cypriot culture. An applicant should also have sufficient knowledge of basic elements of modern political and social reality of the Republic, which will be evaluated by a three-member committee. A certificate of such is also required to be submitted at the time of applying for naturalisation.
Self-sufficiency. One of the new requirements is that an applicant must have a stable income of at least €2,500 per month. Moreover, eligible applicants must have secured suitable accommodation for themselves and their family members, expressing an intention to settle permanently in the Republic.
Legality. Prospective applicants are required to maintain a clean criminal record and must have entered the Republic through an officially recognised point of entry in full compliance with legal procedures. Additionally, applicants must be of good character, as defined by the law. This ensures that individuals seeking naturalisation align with the ethical and legal standards of the Republic. The applicant must also not be subject to any sanctions imposed by the European Union and the United Nations Security Council.
Employee’s family. Family members of highly skilled workers may apply for naturalisation concurrently with the primary applicant under the same criteria, given that that they have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus during the 12 months preceding the application filing. Minor children who reach the age of 18 during the application process will still be able to apply as minors and obtain Citizenship.
Significance of the amendments
The Fast-Track examination procedure, promising a turnaround within eight months, underscores the government’s commitment to making the citizenship process quicker and more accessible. Beyond expedited naturalisation, this legislative development signifies Cyprus’ strategic investment in knowledge, particularly in the sector of research and innovation. The country aims to position itself as an attractive hub for highly skilled professionals, fostering growth and development in key areas of expertise.
By providing a streamlined pathway to citizenship for individuals engaged in highly skilled employment within designated companies, the law aims to enhance Cyprus’s appeal as an attractive destination for businesses. This initiative not only encourages companies to establish or expand their activities in the Republic but also acknowledges the value that highly skilled workers bring to the economic landscape, offering a framework that recognizes their contributions and grants them and their families the opportunity to become permanent members of Cypriot society.
For more information please contact any member of our Employment Team or send your queries to [email protected].