Cypriot Citizenship Through Ancestry
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with ancient ruins, sun-soaked coastlines, and a deeply complex past. In its beautiful mosaics and ancient cities, its landscape tells a story of resilience, crossroads, and centuries of empire. Today, the Republic of Cyprus invites families displaced by war, colonialism, and division to return through reclaiming their citizenship.
If your parent, grandparent, or even great-grandparent was from Cyprus, you may have a legal right to reclaim citizenship—no language test, no need to live on the island.
Eligible Generations
Up to your great-grandparents
Travel Required?
No (apply via consulate)
Ways to Apply
3 ways
Language requirement?
No
Connect to your past. Open up a brand new future.
If you qualify, Cypriot citizenship gives you full EU rights to live, work, study, and retire anywhere in Europe. It also gives you a legal way to restore a connection that conflict and colonialism may have broken.
Why Does Cyprus Offer Citizenship by Descent?
When the country became independent from the British, it faced the urgent challenge of building a national identity while caught between its Greek and Turkish communities. The decades that followed were marked by division, war, and the forced displacement of over 200,000 people.
With large diaspora communities in the U.K., U.S., Australia, and South Africa, Cyprus wants its overseas citizens to feel they still belong. Citizenship by descent is part of that vision.
Live, work, and study in any of the 27 countries throughout the European Union with no restrictions.
Who Can Apply?
You might qualify if you can answer yes to one of the following:
- Was your father or mother a Cypriot citizen when you were born?
- Was your grandparent or great-grandparent born in Cyprus before independence (1960)?
- Did a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent become a British subject when Cyprus was under British rule (1914–1960)?
We’ll help you figure out exactly which path applies to you. Your first step is to take the assessment:
Want to find if you are eligible for Cypriot Citizenship?
Simple 3-step process to discover your eligibility
1. Tell us (or your genealogist) about your family
Share your family details. Enter them yourself or connect with a genealogist for help.
2. We analyze with AI + experts
AI processes fast. Experts ensure your case is as accurate as possible.
3. Receive your report
Get your eligibility analysis. Follow the steps. Start your path to citizenship.
What You'll Receive
A comprehensive eligibility report tailored to your family history
Your Eligibility Report Includes:
- Assessment of all EU countries based on your lineage
- Clear eligibility decision for each country
- Detailed reasoning and relevant laws explained
- Specific next steps and requirements
Eligible for dual citizenship? We can help you achieve it
If you find out you are eligible for dual citizenship with our report, we offer additional services to assist with document collection and application processing
Your guide to Cypriot Citizenship
We cover essential information regarding applying for and achieving EU nationality through ancestry. This blog also explores relocation resources, citizenship programs outside of the EU, and more.
"The idea of applying for Hungarian citizenship always felt overwhelming—until I found Citizenship.EU. They helped me figure out if I could qualify through my great-grandfather and put me in touch with professionals who handled everything".
James Nagy
Chicago, USA
"My grandfather was born in Sicily, and I always dreamed of reclaiming that part of my identity. I had no idea where to start or whether I even qualified. Citizenship.EU made the process so much less intimidating".
Elena G
New York, USA
“I knew my grandmother was born in County Mayo, but I wasn’t sure if I could actually get Irish citizenship. Citizenship.EU walked me through the whole eligibility check. I received my Irish citizenship certificate last month and my passport is on the way”!
Maeve O’Sullivan
New Hampshire, USA
Get the Cypriot citizenship guide
Unlock detailed information on timelines, required documents, and legal pathways all in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What are the requirements for Cyprus dual citizenship?
Cyprus allows dual citizenship and offers several legal pathways for eligible individuals. You can acquire citizenship by descent, marriage, or naturalization, depending on your family history and residency status. There are no language or cultural integration tests required in most cases. For those applying through ancestry, proof of direct lineage to a Cypriot citizen is required.
Can I get Cyprus citizenship by investment?
As of 2024, Cyprus no longer offers a citizenship-by-investment program. The previous scheme, which allowed investors to gain citizenship through large financial contributions, has been officially suspended. If you’re considering citizenship through ancestry, Citizenship.EU can help determine your eligibility.
Can I get Cyprus citizenship by descent?
Yes. You may be eligible for Cypriot citizenship if you have a Cypriot parent or, in some cases, a Cypriot grandparent. The main requirements include providing certified birth and marriage records that prove your ancestral link. Citizenship.EU simplifies this process by combining expert legal research with AI-powered ancestry verification to help you determine if you qualify.
How long after marriage can I apply for citizenship in Cyprus?
If you're married to a Cypriot citizen, you can apply for naturalization after completing three years of marriage. If you reside in Cyprus, this process can be expedited. Additional documentation, such as proof of cohabitation and shared life, will be required.
How can I apply for dual citizenship by descent?
To apply for dual citizenship by descent in Cyprus, you’ll need to submit your ancestral documents (birth, marriage, and proof of citizenship) to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. If you're unsure of your eligibility, Citizenship.EU offers a quick, expert-reviewed eligibility assessment that can help you along the way.
What are the requirements for Cyprus dual citizenship?
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria such as being born to a Cypriot parent, marrying a Cypriot citizen, or residing in Cyprus long-term. Our reports help identify your eligibility based on ancestry.
Do I need to live in Cyprus to apply for citizenship by descent?
No. If you're applying through descent (rather than naturalization or marriage), you typically do not need to live in Cyprus. Citizenship.EU can help determine whether you're eligible remotely based on your ancestry.
Is speaking Greek required for Cyprus citizenship by descent?
No, language proficiency is not required for citizenship by descent. However, if applying through residency or naturalization, language and integration requirements may apply.
Start with your past.
Start building your future.
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Still have questions? Let’s talk
Have a specific question about your case, documents, or eligibility? We’d love to hear it and it might even help us shape new resources.
