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Cyprus allows foreign nationals married to Cypriot citizens to obtain citizenship through a straightforward registration process. This route is available both to couples residing in Cyprus and to those living abroad, provided the marriage is genuine and has lasted for a certain period of time.
At A. Danos & Associates LLC, we assist clients in preparing complete, compliant applications for citizenship by marriage — ensuring that all required documents are properly legalized, translated, and submitted in accordance with the Civil Registry and Migration Department's requirements.
Eligibility
A foreign spouse of a Cypriot citizen may apply for Cypriot citizenship once the couple has completed at least three years of marriage. If the couple lives permanently in Cyprus, the application may be submitted after three years of marriage and cohabitation. If they reside abroad, the same period applies, but the couple must be able to demonstrate a genuine and continuing relationship.
Application Form and Procedure
The relevant application is submitted on Form M125, titled "Acquisition of Cypriot Citizenship Due to Marriage or Civil Union with a Cypriot Citizen."
Applicants residing in Cyprus sign the form before an officer of the Civil Registry and Migration Department or the local District Administration. Applicants living abroad sign it before an authorized Cypriot consular officer (for example, at a Cyprus Embassy or Consulate).
The completed form must be filed in duplicate, accompanied by the official fee of €300 and two revenue stamps (€8.54 each) affixed to one copy.
Once submitted, the file is examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. Processing times vary, but applicants can expect several months or longer for review and verification.
Supporting Documents
All documents issued abroad must be officially translated into Greek or English and apostilled (or legalized at a Cypriot consulate, where the Apostille Convention does not apply).
Typical documentation includes:
– Marriage certificate.
– Applicant's birth certificate.
– Applicant's clean criminal record certificate (issued
within the last six months).
– Copy of applicant's valid passport or ID.
– Copy of Cypriot spouse's ID card and/or
passport.
– Declaration of harmonious cohabitation signed by the
Cypriot spouse.
– Birth certificates of children, if applicable.
It is strongly recommended that all documents are carefully reviewed before submission, as incomplete or incorrectly certified files may cause significant delays.
Practical Notes
- The genuineness and duration of the marriage are critical. The Civil Registry examines both the legal validity of the marriage and whether the couple maintains a real relationship.
- Applicants who entered or stayed illegally in Cyprus are not eligible for citizenship by registration and must instead follow the naturalisation procedure.
- A Cypriot citizen who obtained citizenship through investment or naturalisation still qualifies as a Cypriot spouse for the purpose of this application, provided the citizenship has not been revoked.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
