Citizenship through Marriage or Birth

🏛️ Basic Information
Cypriot citizenship can be obtained not only through long-term residence or investment but also through family ties – either by marrying a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus or by being born to a Cypriot parent.

These two routes are the simplest and fastest ways to acquire citizenship, as they do not require an investment or significant financial commitments.

1️⃣ Citizenship through Marriage to a Cypriot Citizen

💍 Who Can Apply
Anyone legally married to a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus.

⏱️ Requirements

• Minimum duration of marriage: 3 years
• Minimum 2 years of cohabitation in Cyprus, or
• If living abroad: marriage must last at least 3 years and have a child together
• If there are no children, the application can be submitted after 5 years of marriage

💡 These requirements are based on the Citizenship Law No. 141(I)/2002, Article 5A.

📄 Required Documents

• Completed M125 form (citizenship application through marriage)
• Marriage certificate (original + apostille + translation)
• Children’s birth certificates (if they have any)
• Passports and residence documents of spouses
• Proof of cohabitation (rental agreement, utility bills)
• Certificate of good conduct (police clearance)
• Two passport-sized photos
• Application fee: €300

🧾 Where to Apply
Application is submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia or to the District Administration Offices in the applicant’s area of residence.

Processing time: approximately 12–18 months

🎯 Outcome
Upon approval, the applicant:

• Obtains Cypriot citizenship
• Can apply for a Cypriot passport (EU passport)
• Automatically becomes a citizen of the European Union with full rights

2️⃣ Citizenship by Birth (Citizenship by Descent)

👶 Who is Eligible
A child automatically acquires Cypriot citizenship at birth if:

💡 Place of birth is not decisive – the parent’s nationality (jus sanguinis) determines citizenship.

🧾 Required Documents

• Child’s birth certificate (apostilled and translated into English or Greek)
• Passport and ID of the Cypriot parent
• Parents’ marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Form M121 or M123 (depending on the case)
• Fee: €20–50

Applications are submitted to CRMD or the Cyprus embassy abroad (e.g., Bratislava, Prague, Budapest).

3️⃣ Citizenship for Children Born to a Cypriot Parent Out of Wedlock

• If the child is born out of wedlock and the father is a Cypriot citizen, citizenship can be granted after proof of paternity (DNA test or acknowledgment).
• If the mother is a Cypriot citizen, the child automatically acquires citizenship regardless of marital status.

4️⃣ Advantages of Citizenship through Marriage or Birth

✅ Full EU citizen rights (travel, work, study)
✅ Access to the GESY healthcare system
✅ Ability to vote and own a company
✅ No residency restrictions
✅ Eligible for EU passport and ID card
✅ No investment required

5️⃣ Difference Compared to Permanent Residency