Further to the approval by the Cyprus Parliament, on November 30th 2023, to important changes on the Article 111 of the Population Register Law of 2002 (141(I)/2002, with the Article 111B(2), Cyprus, has laid down the foundations for a modern legislative framework, in order to modernize the prior existing legislative framework for the qualifications and criteria for naturalization of 3rd country employes by certain foreign interest companies, through a fast- track process, making Cyprus more competitive for the purposes of residence and work of specialized professionals in the field of technology.

The goal was to attract tech talent to the island, and reduce bureaucracy and procedures, especially to the people who possess highly specialized knowledge and qualifications.

The following companies fall into this category:

  1. Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in the country, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office,
  2. Cypriot shipping companies,
  3. Cypriot hi-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, IT, technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery,
  4. Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
  5. Companies that are already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
  6. International Institutions of Higher Institution accredited by The Cyprus Agency of Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education.

The applicant who, on the day of submitting the application and on the day of its examination , is employed in a company that meets the following conditions and whose employment was high-skilled according to the following criteria can apply for Cypriot citizenship by naturalization if they cumulatively meet the following qualifications:

  • Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately before the date of submitting the application. Periods of absence, not exceeding a total of 90 days, do not interrupt the mentioned time.
  • During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, the applicant must have legal residence for cumulative periods not less than 4 years or 3 years depending on their level of Greek language proficiency, i.e., A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence not exceeding a total of 90 days annually are not considered absences.
  • Good character.
  • Sufficient knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1, as applicable.
  • Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the contemporary political and social reality of Cyprus
  • Suitable accommodation and stable and regular financial resources   sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.
  • Intention to reside in the Republic.

High-Skilled Employees

  1. Individuals holding temporary residence permits for the purpose of employment in companies of foreign interests, provided they belong to the categories:
  • Director
    • Specialist
    • Key personnel
  1. Individuals, regardless of their residence status, who:
  • receive a minimum gross monthly salary of €2.500,
    • hold a university degree or degree or an equivalent qualification, or certificates of experience in a corresponding employment position for a duration of 2 years (e.g., tax declarations).

Individuals in category (2) must provide a certificate either from the Business Facilitation Unit or from the Civil Registry and Migration Department confirming that the company meets the criteria of the Decision.

  1. Highly skilled employees can apply for an accelerated examination, not exceeding 8 months, by paying €5.000.

Applicants under this category should be employed for a period of at least two years prior to the submission of the application for naturalization.