Stage 1
Cyprus Fast Track Program: Citizenship for Highly Skilled Professionals
What is the Fast Track, who is eligible, timelines, and costs
Fast Track is an official state program for accelerated naturalization of employees of high-tech and international companies operating in Cyprus. It allows highly qualified specialists to obtain citizenship significantly faster than the standard procedure, under which the residency requirement alone is 7–8 years, and the application processing takes several more years (totalling 10–12 years). The program is regulated by Amendment 149(I)/2023 to the Civil Registry Law. Official forms (M127) and up-to-date guidelines are published on the state portal gov.cy.
Fast Track: B1 or A2
| Parameter | Fast Track (B1) | Fast Track (A2) |
|---|---|---|
| Years of residence | 4 years | 5 years |
| Greek language level | B1 | A2 |
Regardless of the chosen path (B1 or A2):
- Culture and politics exam — ≥ 60%
- Processing time — ~8 months (in practice 8–9 months)
- State fee for submission — €5,000
- Citizenship certificate fee — €500
Who is Eligible for Fast Track
Only employees of companies approved by the Government of Cyprus under the “Business Attraction Strategy” are eligible to apply. These include:
- Companies of foreign interest (active BCS companies with independent offices)
- Cypriot shipping companies
- Hi-tech and innovative companies (IT, telecom, aerospace, R&D)
- Pharmaceutical, biogenetic, and biotechnology companies in Cyprus
- International higher education institutions accredited in Cyprus
Applicants from these companies are divided into two categories:
Path 1. Holders of a residence permit for work in companies of foreign interest in the positions of: Director, Specialist, or Key personnel.
Path 2. Any employees of the specified companies, regardless of their current residence permit type, who meet the following criteria:
- Gross monthly salary — at least €2,500
- A university degree or confirmed 2 years of experience in a similar position (e.g., supported by tax returns)
Important: This category requires a special certificate-confirmation from the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) or the Migration Department (CRMD).
Key Requirements
To submit an application, the following conditions must be met simultaneously:
- Employment duration — minimum 2 years of continuous work in an eligible company immediately prior to submission
- Residency rule (“3+1” or “4+1”) — legally reside in Cyprus for 4 years (3+1) or 5 years (4+1) within the last 10 years, where the final year immediately before submission must be continuous
- Permitted absences:
- In the preceding 3–4 years, trips up to 90 days in a single year do not count as absence and do not reduce the residency period; any absence exceeding 90 days per year shifts the minimum submission date by the difference.
- In the final (continuous) year, the 90-day rule does not apply — any exit shifts the submission date by the same number of days.
- Finances and housing — stable and regular income sufficient to support oneself and one’s family, as well as suitable housing (owned or rented)
- Reputation — good character and clean criminal record
- Intention — sincere intention to reside permanently in the Republic of Cyprus
- Exemption from language exam — applicants with a school certificate or university degree where the language of instruction was entirely Greek are exempt from taking the language test
Read more about each requirement in the Requirements section.
Family of the Applicant
Spouse (or civil partner) — can submit documents simultaneously with the main applicant or later. The spouse must independently meet the residency duration requirements in Cyprus and pass both exams (Greek language level A2/B1 and the Cyprus culture & politics test).
Minor children — obtain citizenship through a separate procedure after the main applicant parent receives approval. Processing takes ~8 months. The child’s age is fixed as of the parent’s submission date, not the approval date.
Procedure and Cost
The application form M127 is submitted in person at the local District Administration Office and signed strictly in the presence of a registrar. A full set of certified and translated documents must be attached.
Total Budget
| Expense Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| State fee for submitting the application | €5,000 |
| Naturalization certificate (after approval) | €500 |
| Greek language exam (Greek Language Centre) | €90 |
| Culture and politics exam | €20 |
| Criminal record certificate | €20 |
| Newspaper announcements (Politis) | €26 for two announcements |
| Document translations | ~€30–40 per document |
| ID card (taftotita) | €30 |
| Passport | €50 standard / €120 express |
Plus minor expenses: revenue stamps, certified photos. In total, approximately €6,000 per applicant, the bulk of which is the €5,000 state fee (paid on-site upon submission) and €500 for the certificate (only after approval).
If spouses apply simultaneously, double the budget: each applicant has their own fee, exams, translations, and newspaper announcements.
Children — expenses after the parent receives citizenship:
| Expense Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Child visa submission | €50 |
| Child citizenship application | €80 |
| Child ID card (taftotita) | €30 |
The child goes through the minor path if they were under 18 at the time of their document submission — form M126 is filled out. However, if the child was a minor at the time of the parent’s submission but turned 18 during the processing period, form M127 must be filled out instead, and the state fee will be €5,000 (like for an adult); language and culture exams are not required in this case.