Citizenship Applications Suspended in Cyprus

The Migration Department of the Republic of Cyprus has temporarily suspended the processing of citizenship applications. The reason behind this decision lies in the new requirements for naturalizing applicants.

According to the amendments to the citizenship law adopted at the end of 2023, language tests have now become mandatory for applicants seeking naturalization: those wishing to obtain a Cypriot passport will be required to provide certificates demonstrating their knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1, as well as the history and culture of the country.

However, the details of these tests are yet to be clarified. Since department staff require clarification on several provisions, until they are obtained, new citizenship applications will not be processed.

"Despite the amendments to the law, there are delays in implementing the new rules, resulting in the suspension of many applicants' applications," the department's statement said.

Additionally, the new provision suggests that certain applicants, depending on the status of their application, must demonstrate "sufficient knowledge of the basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic," making it mandatory to pass a history and culture test.

It is anticipated that the evaluation of these tests will be the responsibility of a special committee consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Internal Affairs, Education, and Justice.

However, despite the amendments to the law, the implementation of the new rules requires some clarification, leaving many applicants in limbo.

According to a representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the history tests for many applicants are still being reviewed by the committee.

Pending a final decision on the history/culture tests following the amendment to the law, the Civil Migration Department has ceased accepting new applications from individuals seeking Cypriot citizenship.