In this article, we provide an overview of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding Cyprus immigration and citizenship law, focusing on recent changes that impact IT professionals and other highly skilled individuals.

These FAQs cover everything from residency requirements to the importance of language proficiency, helping potential applicants better understand the process of obtaining Cypriot citizenship.

Changes to the Citizenship Law for IT Professionals

Q: What are the recent changes in Cyprus citizenship law that impact IT professionals, and how do they streamline the naturalization process for highly skilled individuals?

Recent changes in Cyprus’s citizenship law allow professionals from third countries to apply for Cypriot citizenship after residing legally in the country for a period of 4 or 5 years (3+1, 4+1). The key requirements include:

• Continuous lawful residency in Cyprus for 12 months before submitting the application.
• Knowledge of the Greek language (B1 or A2 level) and a basic understanding of modern Cypriot politics and social realities.
• Proof of good character, including a clean criminal record.
• Steady income exceeding €2,500 per month (increased by 20% for a spouse and 15% per child).
• High academic and professional qualifications.

Alternatively, applicants can follow a longer route (8 years: 7+1) with less stringent financial and academic criteria, though they still need to demonstrate basic knowledge of the Greek language and Cypriot society.

Residency Requirements for Citizenship Applicants

Q: How has the residency requirement been adjusted for citizenship applicants, especially regarding short trips out of Cyprus?

Applicants must ensure they do not spend more than 90 days outside of Cyprus in any calendar year. If an applicant exceeds 90 days, the extra days will be deducted from the year, meaning the applicant will have to compensate for those days in subsequent years to meet the residency requirement for citizenship.

Good Character Criteria and Social Media Activity

Q: What constitutes ‘good character’ under the new law, and how could social media activity impact citizenship eligibility?

To demonstrate good character, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• A clean criminal record, with no convictions exceeding five years of imprisonment, and no pending criminal cases leading to imprisonment of over three years.
• The applicant must not be wanted by EUROPOL or INTERPOL.
• Respect for Cypriot laws, including no entry or exit through Northern Cyprus, and no involvement in activities that threaten public order or safety.
• Social media activity must reflect respect for Cypriot laws, with no disobedience or disrespect in posts or online behavior.
• No sanctions imposed on the applicant.

Language and Cultural Knowledge Requirements

Q: What is the importance of Greek language proficiency and understanding of Cypriot realities for successful citizenship applications?

Greek language proficiency at a B1 (intermediate) or A2 (basic) level is required. B1 proficiency indicates an ability to converse fluently in everyday situations, while A2 proficiency demonstrates basic communication skills. Additionally, applicants must have a basic understanding of modern Cypriot politics and society, demonstrated through a passing score of 60% or higher on relevant exams.

The Ministry of Education offers courses to help applicants meet these requirements, and successful completion of these courses and exams is necessary for the naturalization process.

Financial Stability Requirements for IT Professionals

Q: What are the financial stability requirements for applicants? How do these impact IT professionals looking to relocate?

For highly skilled professionals working in Cyprus under a BSC visa (a visa for employees of foreign-interest companies), the minimum salary requirement is €2,500 gross per month. This ensures financial stability for applicants and is a key requirement for those seeking to relocate and apply for citizenship.

Family and Dependents in the Citizenship Process

Q: How are the laws applicable to family members and dependents in the citizenship application process?

The family members of applicants, including spouses and children, are eligible to apply for citizenship under similar conditions as the main applicant. For holders of a Family Reunification (FR) card, the salary requirement does not apply to dependent spouses. However, spouses are allowed to work if they wish. As long as the main applicant meets the financial criteria, dependents are not required to have an independent income to apply for citizenship or residency.

Common Legal Misunderstandings for IT Professionals

Q: What are common legal misunderstandings about applying for citizenship, especially for those in the tech industry?

A common misunderstanding is related to documentation. Applicants must ensure that all required documents are up to date and properly legalized. For example, criminal records should be less than three months old, and the Cyprus residence permit must be valid at the time of application. Failure to submit valid documents could result in delays or rejection of the application.

Practical Steps for Citizenship Applicants

Q: What practical steps should potential applicants take when preparing their citizenship application?

To ensure a smooth application process, it is advisable to:

• Seek legal advice from immigration experts to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure compliance with all requirements.
• Ensure that all documents are current and properly legalized.
• Be aware that failing to meet any single requirement could lead to the rejection of the application.

Applicants should plan carefully and consult with legal professionals to avoid the complexity and possible misunderstandings involved in the process.

Conclusion

Cyprus offers a streamlined path to citizenship for IT professionals and highly skilled workers, but it is essential to meet all legal requirements, from residency and language proficiency to financial stability. Applicants who fully understand these requirements and seek professional guidance are more likely to succeed in their citizenship applications.

For all enquiries please contact our team of experts at agp@agplaw.com 

Read more: Unlocking Cyprus Citizenship: A New Path for Game Developers

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