If you're interested in becoming a citizen of Cyprus and acquiring a Republic of Cyprus passport, there are several ways to do so. These include naturalization, investment, marriage to a Cypriot, having Cypriot origins, or birth in Cyprus. To apply for citizenship, you'll need to provide specific documents and follow the application process. Here's what you need to know about obtaining Cypriot citizenship.

Naturalization
If you've been a permanent resident in Cyprus for seven years or more, you can apply for citizenship by naturalization. This is reduced to five years for parents or children of a Cypriot citizen, and minors' applications can be submitted by a parent.

Citizenship through Marriage
If you are married to a Cypriot citizen, you can apply for Cypriot citizenship after being a resident of the Republic of Cyprus for at least two years and married to your Cypriot spouse for at least three years. The Ministry of Interior website outlines the procedure for claiming Cypriot citizenship through marriage.

Citizenship through Cypriot Origins and Birth
If you were born in Cyprus to a Cypriot parent after August 16, 1960, you are automatically a Cypriot citizen. However, if you were born abroad and have Cypriot origins, you can still claim citizenship. To do so, you must meet certain requirements, such as having a Cypriot father at the time of your birth (if born abroad after August 16, 1960), or a Cypriot mother (if born abroad after June 11, 1999). The exact procedure and required documents may vary depending on your specific case.

Documents Required
To apply for Cypriot citizenship, required documents may vary depending on the personal situation of the applicant.
Commonly required documents include:
· Passport
· Birth certificate
· Marriage certificate
· Proof of no criminal record
· Two photographs
· Proof of payment fee
Other documents such as statement of cohabitation or proof of purchase of a home may also be required.
All documents must be translated into Greek or English and authenticated.
Applications are submitted through District Administration offices and processed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Legal residency options available for non-Cypriots in the Republic of Cyprus:
· Alien Registration Card (ARC)
· Registration Certificate (MEU1)
· Residence Card (MEU3)
· Immigration Permit

EU citizens may enter Cyprus with a valid passport or ID card, but should apply for a Registration Certificate if planning to work or stay longer than three months. This requires an ARC, and it's recommended to apply for both within three months of arrival at the Cyprus Police Immigration Office. Non-EU citizens must apply for a Residence Card or Immigration Permit.

Immigration Offices for application of ARC:
Nicosia Tel: 22 802 334
Limassol Tel: 25 805 200
Larnaca Tel: 24 804 242
Paphos Tel: 26 806 200
Famagusta Tel: 23 803 020
Passport Control Centre, Larnaca Airport Tel: 24 804 621 / 24 804 623
Passport Control Centre, Paphos Airport Tel: 26 806 256 / 26 007 496

To obtain legal residency as a non-Cypriot in Cyprus, one needs an Alien Registration Card (ARC), a Registration Certificate (previously known as the "pink slip" but now called the "yellow slip"), a Residence Card, or an Immigration Permit. The Registration Certificate is an A4 sheet of paper with a picture identification that is issued within six months of application, but it can take longer if the necessary documentation is not presented. It is important to note that there may be no notification that the Registration Certificate is ready for collection, and applicants are encouraged to inquire about the notification process at the time of application.

To apply for the Registration Certificate, one must do so in person within four months of the date of entry into Cyprus. The application can be made at the same time and location as the ARC application. Proof of employment or adequate finances is required, and health insurance is essential for both employed and non-employed applicants.

Application forms for the Registration Certificate can be obtained from the Civil Registry or Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior or the local Immigration Branch of the Police. They are also available online in Greek and English at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website. EU citizens may start working in Cyprus while the residency paperwork is in process, but it is necessary to apply for a Registration Certificate within four months of entry into the country. Failure to do so may result in fines for both the employer and the employee.

Employed and self-employed applicants
· Valid passport or photo ID document, with copies
· Certificate of employment or confirmation of engagement by an employer, or if self-employed, certificate of registration with the social security services
· Two recent passport photographs
· Original copies of recent bank statements
· Proof of comprehensive health insurance cover and copies
· Fee payable at point of appointment

Retired and non-working applicants
· Adequate income from legal sources such as a pension, employment outside Cyprus or another means
· Proof of funds in a Cyprus or overseas bank
· Proof of comprehensive health insurance and copies. A European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is accepted
· Two recent passport photographs
· Original copies of recent bank statements
· Proof of comprehensive health insurance cover and copies
· Fee payable at point of appointment

Students
· Passport
· Identity documents
· Two passport sized photographs
· Proof of their enrolment in a university or college
· Proof of comprehensive health insurance
· Proof (by declaration) of financial resources.

Validity Period of Registration Certificates
Residence permits given for employment, which also include self-employment, are valid for five years starting from the date of issuance. On the other hand, the Registration Certificate given to family members of EU citizens are only valid for two years.

In situations where the employment contract is for more than three months but less than a year, or for seasonal employment exceeding three months, a Temporary Registration Certificate can be issued. This certificate is only valid for the duration of the employment contract.

Including spouses, children under 21, dependents, and direct relatives, the Cyprus residency application process requires a fee for each family member at submission. Failure to apply results in penalties.

• For EU citizens' family members: Access the MEU1A application form in English and Greek on the Ministry of the Interior's website.
• For non-EU family members of EU citizens: Download the MEU2A form in English and Greek from the Ministry of the Interior's website.

For EU citizens with family members also holding EU passports, the Cyprus residency application process (MEU1 form) requires specific documentation:

• A valid passport or identity card, plus copies.
• Certified proof of family ties, such as marriage and children’s birth certificates.
• Non-dependent family members need to present medical evidence of full dependency due to severe health conditions.
• The residing EU citizen family member’s Registration Certificate in Cyprus, if available.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage proof.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.

Residence Card Application for Non-EU Spouses and Children of EU Citizens in Cyprus: A non-EU family member, including spouses and children, of EU citizens relocating to Cyprus is eligible for a Residence Card. Applications must be submitted within four months from the date of arrival.
To apply, non-EU family members must complete the MEU2A form and provide:

• A valid passport, with a visa if required, plus photocopies.
• Documentation verifying the family connection.
• Certified evidence of the relationship, such as marriage and birth certificates.
• Proof of a sustained relationship with the EU citizen.
• Non-dependent family members need medical proof of full dependency due to severe health conditions.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs.

EU citizens who have lived in Cyprus for a continuous period of five years are eligible for a Permanent Registration Certificate, marking their long-term residency status.
Similarly, non-EU family members of EU citizens can apply for a Permanent Residence Card (also known as a Long Term Residence Permit), which must be submitted within one month before the current Residence Card expires.
This card, valid for 10 years and renewable, extends eligibility to family members living with a permanent resident, regardless of their nationality.
For individuals employed or self-employed on a permanent basis for a fixed period, the five-year wait for applying for permanent residence is waived, offering a faster route to securing residency. Additionally, should an eligible individual pass away before applying, their family members receive certain protections regarding their residency status.

Maintaining Permanent Residency: A Permanent Registration Certificate remains valid with temporary absences of up to six months annually or a single absence of up to 12 months for specific reasons such as pregnancy, serious illness, study, training, or overseas assignments. However, permanent residency is revoked after an absence of more than two consecutive years.

Applying for Permanent Residency: Applicants must submit a completed form along with the necessary documents, which vary based on individual circumstances. Application forms are accessible through the Migration Page on the Ministry of the Interior's website. For detailed procedures and requirements, contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Cyprus Identity Cards: Cypriot citizens are issued biometric ID cards, which can serve as travel documents within Europe. Cypriots and residents of Cypriot origin may obtain an ID by applying at a Citizen's Service Centre. Meanwhile, both EU and non-EU nationals residing in Cyprus must apply for a residence card, resembling the national ID but not valid for travel. Information on obtaining an identity card is available from the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Temporary Residence and Employment for Non-EU Nationals:
Non-EU individuals aiming to live and work in Cyprus must secure a Temporary Employment and Residence Permit through the Civil Registry and Migration Department. These permits, valid for 1-2 years, require renewal and are voided by absences exceeding three months. Applicants need an employment contract with a Cyprus international company, meeting salary criteria and shareholding requirements. The application includes documents like a criminal record, health insurance, and medical results. Companies hiring non-EU nationals for the first time must submit additional corporate documentation.

Family Reunification:
Dependents of non-EU nationals can obtain Temporary Residence Permits, renewable yearly, through a separate family reunification application.

Permanent Residence for Non-EU Nationals:
Permanent residency is available via an Immigration Permit under various categories, catering to self-employed individuals, those with permanent employment offers, or individuals with sufficient annual income for a decent living without local employment. Special expedited procedures exist for investors, requiring real estate investment and proof of steady income.

Long-Term Residence:
Non-EU nationals who've legally resided in Cyprus for five years may apply for a Long-Term Residence Permit, renewable every five years, offering broader employment opportunities and simpler residency requirements. Applicants must demonstrate adequate income, suitable accommodation, and, in some cases, knowledge of Greek.

For detailed information and application forms, visit the Civil Registry and Migration Department's website or consult legal resources for investment-based residency.

This concise guide streamlines the residency application process in Cyprus for non-EU nationals, offering a clear path to temporary, permanent, and long-term residency options, including through investment.

In Cyprus, the government has established Citizen Service Centres (CSCs) across the island, providing a streamlined approach to administrative tasks. Known locally as grafio tou politi, these centres serve as comprehensive "one-stop shops" for a range of services. From issuing identity cards, driving licenses, and vehicle documentation to processing applications for various social benefits, CSCs simplify interactions with multiple government departments.

Key Citizen Service Centres:

• Nicosia CSC: 29 Katsonis Street, Ayioi Omoloyites / Tel: 22 446 686. / Fax: 22 315 141 / Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email
• Limassol CSC: At: 21 Spyrou Araouzou Street , 3036 Limassol / Tel: 25 829 129 / Fax: 25 305 033 / Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email
• Larnaca CSC: 42 Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue, 6021 Larnaca / Tel: 24 815 555 / Fax: 24 815 556 / Ho
• urs: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email
• Polis Chrysochous CSC: 1 Evagoras Pallikarides Street, 8820 Polis Chrysochous / Tel: 26 821 888 / Fax: 26 821 894 / Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email
• Pelendri CSC: 70 Arch. Makarios the 3rd Street, 4878 Pelendri / Tel: 25 813 400 / Fax: 25 813 410 / Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email

Famagusta CSC: 83 Eleftherias Street, Derynia / Tel: 23 300 300 / Fax: 23 300 302 /
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00 / email

Government Departments for Comprehensive Needs:

Republic of Cyprus
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of the Interior
Ministry of Finance
Ministry of Education and Culture
Ministry of Health
Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works

Cyprus is organized into six administrative districts: Nicosia, Famagusta, Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca, and Kyrenia, each managed by a District Officer responsible for coordinating government activities and reporting to the Ministry of Interior. These officers play a pivotal role in local administration, facilitating essential services such as residency permits and the registration of births, deaths, and marriages.

Municipal Governance:
Urban and major tourist locations are governed by municipalities, which are local government entities. A significant reform under discussion as of 2021 proposes reducing the number of municipalities from 30 to 17 to enhance efficiency and service delivery. This reorganization aims to incorporate 83% of the population into municipal governance, up from the current 71%. Municipal councils, elected for five-year terms, spearhead local policies under the leadership of a mayor. Municipal responsibilities extend to infrastructure, public health, environmental protection, and cultural promotion.

Community Authorities:
In rural areas, local governance is provided by communities or Village Authorities, similar in function to municipalities but tailored for smaller populations. Communities can transition to municipal status through a local referendum, given they meet population or economic criteria. Community leaders, or Presidents, also elected for five-year terms, oversee local administrative tasks with support from District Offices and the central government.