Patricia Casaburi Cypriot citizenship by descent allows people with Cypriot roots to obtain citizenship, even if they were born outside Cyprus. If at least one parent is a Cypriot citizen, you may be eligible to apply. The process is straightforward and does not require you to live in Cyprus, but it allows you to connect with your heritage and enjoy the benefits of being a Cypriot citizen.
Cypriot citizenship offers many advantages, including the ability to live, work, and travel freely within the EU and Schengen Area, which includes 27 countries. Additionally, Cyprus citizenship laws allow dual citizenship, meaning you can keep your original nationality while enjoying the perks of living in Cyprus, such as easy travel, a stable environment, and access to European citizenship.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Cyprus citizenship by descent, including:
What is Cyprus Citizenship by Descent?
Cypriot citizenship by descent allows individuals with Cypriot descent to acquire citizenship based on their lineage. Both minors and adults can apply under specific conditions. Children automatically qualify if at least one parent was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth, with different application processes depending on whether they were born in Cyprus or abroad. Adults over 18 must prove direct descent, often through documents like a consular birth certificate, and may need to meet additional requirements.
Grandchildren of Cypriots may also be eligible if their parents obtained citizenship through naturalization or marriage. Individuals of Cypriot origin born before August 16, 1960, who are British citizens or Commonwealth citizens can apply if they have lived in Cyprus for at least one year.
Applicants can contact the Cyprus embassy for assistance with their applications. Successful applicants are granted full Cypriot and EU citizenship rights, including the freedom to live, work, and travel throughout the EU.
Benefits of Cypriot Citizenship through Ancestry
- No residency requirement: You don’t have to live in the country to keep your residency status, offering great flexibility.
- EU membership: Enjoy the benefits of being part of the European Union, including access to various EU programs and opportunities.
- EU passport privileges: With an EU passport, you can travel, work, study, and live across all EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, without the need for a visa.
- Visa access: Quickly and affordably secure visas for other countries, including the USA, making global travel easier.
- Dual citizenship: Cyprus allows dual citizenship, meaning you can hold both your original and your new citizenship, which gives you more options and opportunities.
- No physical presence needed: Remote applicants can apply for residency or citizenship without being physically present in the country, which is convenient.
- Attractive tax environment: Take advantage of low taxes and the benefits of free trade within the EU, enhancing your financial opportunities.
- Language flexibility: There are no language requirements for residency or citizenship applications, making it easier for non-native speakers to apply.
Eligibility Criteria For Cypriot Citizenship by Descent
Cyprus offers a citizenship by descent program for individuals with Cypriot heritage. This program allows both minors and adults to apply under specific criteria.
For Minors (Under 18):
- Type M121: For children born abroad after August 16, 1960, with at least one Cypriot parent.
- Type M126: For children born before June 11, 1999, whose parents obtained Cypriot citizenship through marriage or naturalization.
For Adults (18 and older):
- Type M71 and M72: For applicants born before August 16, 1960, with a Cypriot father.
- Type M123: For those born on or after August 16, 1960, with no Cypriot parents.
- Type M124: For adults of Cypriot origin born before August 16, 1960, who are British or Commonwealth citizens and have lived in Cyprus for at least one year.
To apply, individuals must submit lineage documentation, pay the relevant fees, and provide certified translations if needed.
Required Documents for Cypriot Citizenship by Descent
All documents must be translated into Greek or English by the Cyprus Press and Information Office. If the issuing country is in the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), documents need an apostille. Otherwise, they must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Cyprus in that country.
For Minors (Under 18 Years Old)
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Marriage certificate of the parents
- Photocopies of passports (applicant and parents)
- Certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (if applicable)
- Parental consent form (for M126, unless one parent has sole custody)
- School attendance certificate (if the Cypriot parent was naturalized)
- Valid temporary residence permit (for children of naturalized parents)
- Passport-sized photographs (for M126)
- Fee payment proof (€20 or €80, depending on the application type)
- Stamps (€8.54 per application)
For Adults (18 Years and Above)
- Birth certificate of the applicant
- Marriage certificate of parents (for M123)
- Birth certificate of the applicant’s father (for M71 & M72)
- Photocopies of passports (applicant and parents)
- Certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (if applicable)
- Certificate of clean criminal record (for M124)
- Fee payment proof (€20, €50, or €80, depending on the application type)
- Duplicate application (for M123 & M124, one copy must have two stamps worth €8.54)
- Stamp worth €1.71 or €8.54 (depending on the application type)
Cypriot Citizenship by Descent Application Process
1. Determine eligibility
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria as stated above.
2. Gather required documentation
- Gather proof of Cypriot ancestry (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates).
- Verify that all documents are officially translated into Greek or English by the Cyprus Press and Information Office.
- If the documents are from a non-EU country, they must be apostilled if the country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), or certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cypriot embassy if the country is not part of the Convention.
3. Complete the application form
Fill out the appropriate application form based on your category (M121, M126, M71, M72, M123, M124). Ensure you complete the form accurately and include all required details.
4. Submit the Application
Submit the completed application along with the necessary supporting documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Cyprus or to the nearest Cypriot embassy or consulate abroad.
5. Pay the fees
Pay the required fees to process your application. These fees may vary depending on the type of application.
6. Review and approval
The Civil Registry and Migration Department will review your application and documents. Your application will be approved if all requirements are met and your ancestry is confirmed.
7. Citizenship granting
Upon approval, you will be granted Cypriot citizenship by descent. You will be issued a Cypriot passport and ID card providing you full rights as a citizen, including residency and freedom of movement within the European Union.
8. Follow-up
In case additional documentation or clarifications are required, you may need to respond promptly to requests from the Civil Registry and Migration Department or the embassy.
Legal Framework for Cypriot Citizenship
Cypriot nationality law is primarily outlined in the “Citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus Law” (Cap. 141), which establishes the criteria and procedures for acquiring Cypriot citizenship.
Citizenship by Birth: Individuals born in Cyprus to Cypriot citizen parents are generally automatically considered Cypriot citizens.- Citizenship by Descent: Individuals born outside Cyprus may be eligible for Cypriot citizenship if they have at least one Cypriot citizen parent at the time of their birth.
- Citizenship by Naturalization: Foreign nationals with more than 7 years living in Cyprus can apply for Cypriot citizenship through naturalization. Eligibility criteria also include proof of good character and language proficiency. Those holding a Cyprus Golden Visa may use their residency period toward the naturalization requirement.
- Citizenship by Marriage: Foreign spouses of Cypriot citizens may be eligible for citizenship through a simplified naturalization process if they have legal proof, such as a marriage certificate.
- Dual Citizenship: Cyprus generally allows dual citizenship, but applicants should be aware of any restrictions or regulations in their country of origin regarding dual nationality.
Citizenship by Birth: Individuals born in Cyprus to Cypriot citizen parents are generally automatically considered Cypriot citizens.Some people, like those of Cypriot origin or refugees, may have special options for getting citizenship. The Ministry of Interior in Cyprus handles all citizenship matters. Since laws can change, it’s important to check the latest rules on the official government website or get legal advice before applying.
Dual Citizenship Considerations
Cyprus does allow for dual citizenship. Therefore, anyone obtaining dual citizenship does not need to renounce their existing citizenship when they are becoming a Cypriot citizen. The inverse is true for existing French citizens taking on a second citizenship. It’s also possible to take on a third citizenship if that is available to you. However, it also depends on the rule of citizenship that you currently hold.
Before applying for Cypriot citizenship, it’s important to check if your current citizenship allows dual citizenship or requires you to renounce it. This depends on the rules of your home country.
Renouncing your current citizenship could lead to losing certain rights, such as travel and residency privileges, inheritance rights, or the right to vote.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Cyprus citizenship-by-descent
What is Cypriot citizenship by descent?
Cypriot citizenship by descent allows individuals with Cypriot parents or grandparents to claim citizenship, even if they were born outside of Cyprus. This process does not require residency in Cyprus and connects you to your Cypriot heritage while offering all the benefits of Cypriot nationality.
Can I obtain Cypriot citizenship if my grandfather was Cypriot?
Yes, you can obtain Cypriot citizenship if your grandfather was Cypriot, as long as you can prove your descent. Cypriot citizenship by descent allows individuals with Cypriot grandparents to claim citizenship, even if they were born outside of Cyprus.
How long does it take to get Cyprus citizenship by descent?
The time it takes to get Cyprus citizenship by descent can vary, but on average, it takes about 2.5 years. The processing time depends on factors like the completeness of your documentation and the specific details of your case.
Can I apply for Cypriot citizenship by descent from the UK?
Yes, you can apply for Cypriot citizenship by descent from the UK if you have a Cypriot parent or grandparent. The process is the same regardless of where you live, as long as you can provide the required documentation to prove your Cypriot heritage.
What is citizenship by descent?
Citizenship-by-descent is also known by the Latin principle “jus sanguinis”, which means “right-of-blood”. It means that a person is entitled to citizenship to a nationality if they have blood ties.
Can I pass Cypriot citizenship to my children if I acquire it by descent?
Yes, you can pass Cypriot citizenship to your children if you acquire it by descent. As a Cypriot citizen, your children are eligible for citizenship, even if they are born outside Cyprus, as long as you meet the necessary requirements and provide proof of your Cypriot heritage.
What does jure sanguinis mean?
“Jure sanguinis” or “jus sanguinis” are Latin phrases meaning “right of blood.” It is a principle meaning that citizenship can be dermined through your parents, or ancestors, citizenship, i.e., being born to Cypriot citizens. It also means that children under the age of 18 are automatically given French citizenshup if one of the parents is a Cypriot citizen.
Can I get a Cypriot passport if my father is Cypriot?
Yes, you can obtain a Cypriot passport if your father is Cypriot. If you were born after August 16, 1960, and your father was a Cypriot citizen at the time of your birth, you are eligible for Cypriot citizenship by descent. You will need to apply through the Civil Registry and Migration Department and provide documents proving your lineage.
