How to Get Cyprus Citizenship by Descent in 2025: The Ultimate Guide

Imagine holding a European passport that offers both tax benefits and a high quality of life – without having to invest a small fortune to get it.

If you’ve got Cypriot roots, that could be you, as you may qualify for Cyprus Citizenship by Descent (CBD) and unlock the advantages of EU residency, visa-free travel, and financial flexibility. 

Perhaps a more pertinent question might be – why Cyprus? There are other options, after all.

Well, beyond its stunning Mediterranean coastline, this island nation boasts one of Europe’s most attractive tax systems and a fast-track citizenship process for those with Cypriot ancestry.

At Nomad Capitalist, we’ve helped countless clients reconnect with their roots, reclaim their heritage and secure a powerful second passport in the process.

Your future in Cyprus could be closer than you think, so let’s talk because if there’s one rule we follow at Nomad Capitalist, it’s that everyone should go where they’re treated best.

Cyprus – Country Overview

Cyprus is an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, exquisite wines and diverse culture.

The Cypriot culture is among the oldest in the Mediterranean region. The cultural and ethnic diversity and richness of Cyprus are attributed to its time under the rule of various empires, namely the Roman, Egyptian, Persian, Ottoman and Greek, among others.

Today, Cyprus is a thriving tourist destination that attracts a significant amount of foreign spending.

Nicosia is the capital and largest city of Cyprus. Greek and Turkish are the official languages. However, English is widely spoken and understood.

Most folks have to legally reside in the country for five to seven years and demonstrate a certain monthly income, among other requirements, to become a Cypriot citizen.

However, the process can be far quicker, straightforward and inexpensive for the lucky few with Cypriot origins.

So, let’s get into the benefits of Cypriot citizenship by descent.

Benefits of Cyprus Citizenship by Descent

Citizenship in Cyprus comes with many benefits. 

Travel Freedom

For starters, Cyprus’ passport is among the most powerful in the world. 

It currently ranks 24th in our Nomad Passport Index:

• There are 120 countries that Cyprus passport holders can enter without a visa. 
• 44 countries that allow Cyprus passport holders to enter by obtaining a visa on arrival. 
• And six electronic travel authorisation (eTA) destinations. 

The government of Cyprus is working on visa waiver agreements with the US and the Schengen zone. Once approved, Cyprus’s passport will receive a significant boost.

EU Member State

Cyprus became a full member state of the European Union in 2004, so acquiring Cypriot citizenship equates to getting European citizenship, which will grant you the right to live, study and work freely in any of the 27 EU countries.

Commonwealth Member State

Cyprus is also part of the Commonwealth and enjoys stable foreign affairs with the UK and other Commonwealth nations. As commonwealth citizens, Cypriot citizens have what’s called the right of abode in the UK, allowing them to live, work and even vote in elections.

Tax Benefits

Through proper tax planning, living in Cyprus can be beneficial from a tax perspective.

In Cyprus, personal income tax is levied at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 35% (over €60,000). Foreign income for non-tax residents in Cyprus is tax-exempt.

Dividend income and the first €19,500 of annual income are tax-exempt, regardless of your tax residency status.

The headline corporate income tax rate in Cyprus is 12.5%, which is lower than in most Western countries.

Moreover, companies can also qualify for several tax deductions and exemptions. 

How to Get Cyprus Citizenship by Descent?

Cypriot citizenship law primarily grants citizenship based on jus sanguinis rather than jus soli, meaning that citizenship is given based on blood rights rather than birthplace.

A person with at least one Cypriot parent usually receives Cypriot citizenship automatically, regardless of the place of birth, unless one or more parents are considered illegal migrants.

If one or both parents are considered illegal migrants, citizenship may only be acquired by a Council of Ministers’ decision. This makes acquiring Cypriot citizenship difficult for children born to Turkish Cypriots married to Turkish nationals in Northern Cyprus.

For context, there are primarily two ethnic groups in Cyprus – Greek Cypriots (majority) and Turkish Cypriots (minority).

Cyprus gained independence in 1960, officially becoming the Republic of Cyprus. In 1975, Turkey established a Turkish Cypriot state on the northern part of the island. 

The de facto state declared independence in 1983 and named itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

So far, TRNC is only recognised by Turkey.

The Cyprus citizenship law applies to the entire island of Cyprus, including Northern Cyprus. However, the dynamic between the two countries and ethnicities can potentially create issues for Turkish Cypriots acquiring Cypriot citizenship.

Applying for Cyprus Citizenship by Descent

The eligibility criteria for acquiring Cyprus citizenship by descent may be simple enough, but you must submit the application form that is most relevant to your situation.

Currently, there are six types of citizenship-by-origin application forms available on the official site of the Civil Registry and Migration Department site:

• M121 – Application for consular birth certificate
• M123 – Application for adults
• M124 – Application for British or Commonwealth citizens
• M126 – Application for the registration of minors
• M71 – For Citizens of the UK
• M72 – For Cypriot descendants from the male side.

Below, we’ll take a look at each application form and when you should submit it. 

Type M121 application can be submitted by:

• A person born abroad after August 16, 1960, whose father was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth
• A person born after June 11, 1999, whose mother was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth.

Type M123 application can be submitted by:

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

Type M124 application can be submitted by:

• An adult of Cypriot origins born before August 16, 1960, who is a British citizen or citizen of any Commonwealth State and has completed one year of legal residence in the Republic.

Type M126 application 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
• A minor whose parent(s) acquired Cypriot citizenship by naturalisation or registration due to marriage with a Cypriot citizen.

Type M71 application can be submitted by:

• A person born before August 16, 1960, who is a citizen of the UK and its former colonies, originates from Cyprus on the male side and resides permanently abroad.

Type M72 application can be submitted by:

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.

Documents for Acquiring Cyprus Citizenship by Descent

Each citizenship application form requires its own set of documents to be submitted with it. 

You are also required to pay an application fee that varies from €20 to €80, depending on the type of application you’re submitting.

The following is the list of documents that you may need to submit with your application form:

• Applicant’s birth certificate
• Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents
• Photocopy 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
• Copy of proof of fees paid.

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. 

For a full list of documents and due diligence according to each application form, consult the official immigration site of Cyprus. 

Cyprus Citizenship by Descent: FAQs

Start Your Journey to Citizenship

Cypriot citizenship has many benefits, and it’s an excellent way to delve into your family history and unravel your origins. 

However, the true benefit of pursuing citizenship through your ancestry is a second passport that could help you increase your freedom, legally reduce your taxes and find new investment opportunities. 

If you’re a seven- or eight-figure entrepreneur or investor, qualifying for a passport through your ancestry is a good alternative to paying large sums to acquire citizenship by investment.  

It does take planning, though. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we have a worldwide network of lawyers, estate agents, accountants and tax and company formation specialists. All that expertise and real-world experience come together when we create your holistic, bespoke action plan. 

Discover how you can leverage your ancestry to obtain a second passport with our eligibility checker.