Who may be registered as a Cypriot citizen by descent
A person of Cypriot origin is generally entitled to be registered as a citizen of the Republic where one of the following applies:
- At least one parent was a Cypriot citizen at the time of the applicant’s birth, for births on or after 16 August 1960.
- The applicant was born before 16 August 1960 and descends through the paternal line from a person who was, or would have qualified as, a citizen of the Republic at independence.
- The applicant’s grandparent was Cypriot and the linking parent was, or can still be, registered as a Cypriot citizen.
Each file is assessed on its own facts and documentary chain of descent. The official requirements and forms are published by the Civil Registry and Migration Department on gov.cy.
How the firm assists
The firm advises and represents clients throughout the registration, including:
- Legal review of eligibility under the Civil Registry Law of the Republic of Cyprus.
- Preparation of the registration form for the applicable route (M123, M121 or M124).
- Coordination of Apostille and certified translation of foreign civil status documents.
- Submission and follow-up with the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia.
- Advice on the next steps once registration is granted.
Clients living abroad
The firm acts for clients of Cypriot origin living abroad, including in the European Union, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, the Gulf, and Southern Africa. Foreign documents are generally accepted once apostilled under the Hague Convention of 1961, or legalised through a Cypriot consulate in countries where the Convention does not apply. Certified translations may also be required.
What registration means
A registered Cypriot citizen is a citizen of the European Union. EU citizens may live, work and study in other EU member states, and in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, subject to the conditions of the EU free movement rules. Cypriot law permits dual citizenship, so an existing nationality does not need to be renounced under Cypriot law. Whether the other country allows its citizens to hold a second nationality depends on that country’s own law.
About our fees
Myrofora A. Pastou LLC is a private law firm and is not affiliated with any government authority. Our legal fees are separate from the fees charged by the Republic of Cyprus for registration.
