Citizens of the Republic of Cyprus are entitled to Cypriot citizenship and all the rights that come from their birthright. But how can you tell if you are entitled to Cypriot citizenship?
Overseas Cypriots and Dual Nationality
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, “Overseas Cypriots” is a term that refers to anyone of Cypriot descent who resides abroad, even if they do not formally have Cypriot citizenship. Cyprus accepts dual citizenship. If you are an Overseas Cypriot, you may legally be recognised as a dual national both of Cyprus, as well as another country (such as your country of residence).
Determining Cypriot Citizenship: After 16 August 1960
British subjects who were born in Cyprus whose father and grandfather were also born in Cyprus on or after 16 August 1960 (the date that Cyprus became a Republic) are automatically considered Cypriot citizens, provided they were ordinarily resident in Cyprus five years prior to the declaration of Cyprus independence. Children of Cypriot citizens who were born on or after 16 August 1960 in Cyprus are automatic citizens of the Republic if they live in Cyprus. If he was born abroad to Cypriot parents, he may apply for registration as a Cypriot citizen.
However, if you are of Cypriot origin, but were not in Cyprus for five years prior to 16 August 1960, you are not an automatic Cypriot citizen, but you may apply for citizenship through registration. All applications for Cypriot citizenship should be submitted to the Consular Authorities abroad or to the office of Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia. Applicants who are in Cyprus at the time of their application should send their application to the Offices of the District Officers.
Adults of Cypriot Descent
If you are aged 18 or above and you are of Cypriot descent, but live abroad, you may acquire Cypriot citizenship by application for registration. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, this is based on Article 4 (3) of the Laws, form M123, for those who were born after 16 August 1960. If you were born prior to that date, you can also apply for citizenship according to the Cyprus citizenship Laws article 5(1) if they are citizens of the UK and colonies or of a commonwealth country and they reside in Cyprus (form 124). If they reside abroad, they must submit form M71, M72).
Marriage to a Cypriot Citizen
Foreign nationals who marry Cypriot citizens are entitled to apply for Cypriot citizenship after three years of marriage and cohabitation. If you wish to apply for Cypriot citizenship based upon your marriage to your Cypriot spouse, you will need to produce your marriage certificate, a good character certificate and your birth certificate in addition to your Cypriot spouse’s documents, such as their Cypriot passport.
In addition to these documents, a certificate must be issued by the Chairman of Communal Council that states the couple have been living together in his sector for at least two years prior to the date of their application for citizenship based on marriage. In order to apply for Cypriot citizenship based on your marriage to a Cypriot citizen, you must have been residing in Cyprus.
Cypriot citizenship is based on one’s birth in Cyprus to Cypriot parents, through descent or through marriage to a Cypriot citizen. If you believe you qualify for Cypriot citizenship, you may register with the appropriate authorities abroad or in Cyprus.
Source:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Matters of citizenship.
