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Glossary · Cyprus PR

Cyprus citizenship by residence - the path after PR

Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation after years of lawful life on the island

Cyprus PR programme
7 of 10years of lawful residence
12 monthscontinuous before applying
B1Greek level

01 / In 30 seconds

The short answer

What it is
Cypriot citizenship through naturalisation after years of lawful life on the island
How long
7 years of lawful residence within 10 years, and the last 12 months in Cyprus
What else
Greek B1, a test on Cyprus of at least 60%, housing, income, intention to live in Cyprus
PR and citizenship
PR alone does not grant citizenship; only years actually lived in Cyprus count

02 / In plain words

What Cyprus citizenship by residence means

Cyprus citizenship by residence (naturalisation, form M127) is the route to a Cypriot passport through naturalisation. The conditions are set by Law 149(I)/2023. Citizenship by investment in Cyprus has been closed since 01.11.2020.

You need 7 years of lawful residence in Cyprus within 10 years, and the last 12 months before applying must be continuous, with absences of up to 90 days. In addition: Greek at B1 level, a test on Cyprus with at least 60%, housing, income and an intention to live in Cyprus.

Investor PR does not require living in Cyprus and does not by itself lead to citizenship. To apply one day, the family must actually move and meet the residence and language requirements. Only years you genuinely lived on the island with lawful status count.

A simple example

A family gets PR and moves to Limassol. Over the years they build up 7 years of lawful residence within 10, barely travel in the final year, pass Greek B1 and the test on Cyprus and file form M127.

Who this matters to

  • Families moving to Cyprus
  • Those thinking about an EU passport
  • Children growing up in Cyprus
  • Planning trips and absences
  • Those learning Greek

03 / What it covers

Naturalisation requirements

01

Residence

  • 7 years of 10
  • 12 months before applying
  • Absences up to 90 days
02

Language and knowledge

  • Greek B1
  • Test on Cyprus, 60%+
  • Exam certificates
03

Life in Cyprus

  • Housing
  • Income
  • Intention to live in Cyprus
04

What does not exist

  • Citizenship by investment since 2020
  • Citizenship for PR alone
  • Credit for years outside Cyprus

04 / How it works

From PR to citizenship

Step 1

PR

You get the right to live in Cyprus.

Step 2

Moving

The family actually lives on the island and counts the days.

Step 3

Language

You learn Greek to B1 and pass the test on Cyprus.

Step 4

Final year

12 months in Cyprus before applying, absences up to 90 days.

Step 5

Form M127

Filed with the Cyprus Ministry of Interior.

05 / Key facts

What matters

01Legal basis

Law 149(I)/2023

The current naturalisation procedure by years of residence, form M127.

02Residence

7 years of 10

Plus 12 continuous months in Cyprus before applying, absences up to 90 days.

03Language

Greek B1

And a test on Cyprus with at least 60%.

04PR

Does not grant citizenship

PR is a right to live there. Citizenship requires actually living in Cyprus and meeting every requirement.

Common mistakes

Assuming PR will turn into citizenship on its own

You need years of real life in Cyprus, the language and an M127 application.

Not tracking absences in the final year

Before applying you need 12 months in Cyprus with absences of up to 90 days. Keep a record of trips.

Putting off Greek

B1 takes time. Start right after moving.

06 / Expert advice

Anna Kovalevskaya

How to prepare in advance

If citizenship is your goal, plan to move right after PR, keep a record of days in Cyprus and start learning Greek.

What we do for you. We help you get PR and explain what citizenship will require later. The citizenship application itself is handled by a lawyer.

Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer for EU citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice

07 / Questions

Frequently asked questions

No, that programme has been closed since 01.11.2020.

No. PR gives the right to live in Cyprus; citizenship is a separate procedure.

7 years of lawful residence within 10 years, plus the last 12 months before applying.

Yes, B1 level and a test on Cyprus with at least 60%.

M127.

Up to 90 days.

Cyprus PR glossary

Related terms

Author: Anna Kovalevskaya

Reviewed by: Sergey Evdokimov

Sources: Cyprus Ministry of Interior, gov.cy - naturalisation by residence (M127), Cyprus Migration Department, gov.cy - investor permanent residence criteria (4th revision)

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Anna Kovalevskaya, lead lawyer at BRIDGES GLOBAL
Anna KovalevskayaLead lawyer, citizenship and residency, 12 years of practice