How to Get a Cyprus Passport in 2025: Updated Paths After the Closure of the Investment Program

Sometimes the question sounds simple on the surface, but behind it lies a big decision: how can a foreigner get a Cyprus passport today, and which paths are actually available? After the well-known investment program was shut down, many people — especially from Russia and the CIS — began looking for a clear roadmap. And yes, there are still real options, just more structured and a bit slower than before.

The main paths to obtaining Cyprus citizenship

If we set aside rare exceptions, there are two genuinely realistic routes for most applicants: naturalization through long-term residency and citizenship by origin. A third option, through marriage, also exists but fits only specific situations.

Naturalization: residency first, passport later

This is the most reliable and popular path today. The logic is straightforward: get a residence permit, live in Cyprus legally for at least seven years, then apply for citizenship. But naturally, there are details to consider.

A Cyprus residence permit can be obtained in different ways: through employment, studies, as a financially independent person, or via the fast-track investment route by purchasing real estate worth at least 300,000 euros. For many relocating families, the last two options remain the most practical. Stable income from abroad, a clean record, housing on the island — all this forms the foundation of the application.

As the years go by, life usually settles into a steady rhythm. People adapt to the climate, to the slower pace, to the comfort of local life. During this time, it’s necessary to improve Greek to B1 level and prepare for the civics exam. Once the full seven years have been completed, the naturalization process becomes fairly predictable: documents, background checks, an oath, and — eventually — a Cyprus passport.

Citizenship by origin

This path remains the most direct of all. If one of the parents is a Cyprus citizen, the application process is relatively simple, and no residency is required. Many applicants with Cypriot family history take this route even after decades spent abroad.

Citizenship through marriage

This option requires three years of marriage to a Cyprus citizen and at least two years of living together on the island. A basic understanding of Greek and proof of integration are expected.

What happened to the investment program

The much-discussed Cyprus citizenship-by-investment scheme is now part of the island’s history. After the controversies of 2020, it was formally shut down, and the government has not introduced a direct replacement. Rumors occasionally surface, but at the moment, there is no active program offering a Cyprus passport for investment.

Because of this, any private offers of «special arrangements» should be approached with caution.

So which path is truly viable today?

For most non-EU buyers and newcomers, the most realistic and legally secure approach looks like this: obtain a residence permit (usually through financial independence or real estate investment), move to Cyprus, live the required seven years, pass the Greek language exam, and then apply for naturalization.

It’s not a quick process, but with proper preparation, it’s absolutely achievable.

Important considerations along the way

A lot depends on choosing the right type of residence permit from the start. For fast-track residency linked to real estate investment, factors such as the legal status of the property, the developer’s reputation, and long-term rental or resale potential become important.

Before submitting a citizenship application, it’s also worth speaking with a tax advisor and preparing financial documents in advance. And involving a licensed immigration lawyer is strongly recommended — the process is detailed and benefits from professional oversight.

Conclusion

Getting a Cyprus passport in 2025 is no longer a rapid procedure, but it remains a clear and structured path: residency, long-term living, language, and naturalization. While the investment shortcut is gone, the stable and step-by-step model that replaced it is far more transparent.

For those considering relocation, looking at Cyprus real estate, or planning to apply for residency, our team is ready to help you choose the right strategy and review reliable properties across the island.