A comprehensive guide detailing the process of acquiring Cyprus citizenship through ancestry in the year 2025

Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, exquisite wines, and diverse culture, offers a unique opportunity for individuals with Cypriot ancestry to acquire citizenship. This guide will outline the various application types and requirements for obtaining Cypriot citizenship by descent.

The official site of the Civil Registry and Migration Department offers six types of citizenship-by-origin application forms: M121, M123, M124, M126, M71, and M72.

Type M121 is for individuals born abroad after August 16, 1960, whose father was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth, or for those born after June 11, 1999, whose mother was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth.

Type M123 is for adults born on or after August 16, 1960, with foreign parents at the time of their birth, adults born after August 16, 1960, whose parent(s) became a British citizen based on the Annexation of Cyprus Orders in Council 1914 to 1943, or adults born in Cyprus after November 5, 1914, and before August 16, 1960.

Type M124 is for adults of Cypriot origins born before August 16, 1960, who are British citizens or citizens of any Commonwealth State and have completed one year of legal residence in the Republic.

Type M126 can be submitted for a minor born before June 11, 1999, in Cyprus or abroad with a Cypriot citizen mother and a foreign father, a minor whose father acquired Cypriot citizenship after their birth, or a minor whose parent(s) acquired Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation or registration due to marriage with a Cypriot citizen.

Type M71 is for individuals born before August 16, 1960, who are citizens of the UK and its former colonies, originating from Cyprus on the male side and residing permanently abroad. Type M72 is for a person born before August 16, 1960, who is not a citizen of the UK and its former colonies and who originates from Cyprus from the male side.

Each application requires an application fee that varies from €20 to €80, depending on the type of application. All documents issued abroad must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicant's country of origin and then by the Cyprus Embassy in their country.

Each citizenship application form requires its own set of documents to be submitted, including the applicant's birth certificate, marriage certificate of the applicant's parents, photocopies of the applicant's and the applicant's parents' passports, certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (where applicable), declaration of the foreign parent signed before an officer of the District Administration Office, and a copy of proof of fees paid.

It's important to note that Cyprus recognizes the right to hold dual nationality. The Cyprus citizenship law primarily grants citizenship based on jus sanguinis (blood rights), making it easier for those with at least one Cypriot parent to acquire citizenship.

Cyprus offers a fast-track citizenship process for those with Cypriot ancestry. In addition to the cultural benefits, Cyprus also offers tax benefits, with personal income tax levied at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 35% (over €60,000), foreign income for non-tax residents being tax-exempt, and the headline corporate income tax rate being 12.5%.

Cyprus' passport ranks 24th in the Nomad Passport Index, allowing visa-free travel to 120 countries, visa on arrival to 44 countries, and eTA to 6 countries. Moreover, Cyprus is a part of the Commonwealth, which provides stable foreign affairs with the UK and other Commonwealth nations.

Cyprus, with its rich history dating back to various empires such as Roman, Egyptian, Persian, Ottoman, and Greek, is today a thriving tourist destination that attracts a significant amount of foreign spending. As a full member state of the European Union since 2004, Cyprus grants European citizenship and the right to live, study, and work freely in any of the 27 EU countries.

The capital and largest city of Cyprus is Nicosia, where Greek and Turkish are the official languages, but English is widely spoken and understood. Cyprus' culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean region, making it a unique and appealing destination for those seeking to connect with their roots.

A comprehensive guide detailing the process of acquiring Cyprus citizenship through ancestry in the year 2025