The Cyprus government has approved in November 2023 the Golden Knowledge Programme easing the rules for granting Cypriot citizenship to internationals.

The aim of this programme is to encourage the retention of skilled workers and stimulate economic growth in Cyprus through a fast-track citizenship application of researchers and tech innovators.

The programme has nothing to do with investing to obtain a Cyprus citizenship, but it is clearly depended to the applicant’s education and knowledge.

According to the programme, a third-country national has the right to apply for an expedited – fast-track citizenship if he covers the following:

Works in the ‘research and innovation’ sector of Cyprus

• Greek language competency
• Financial self-sufficiency
• A clean criminal record
• Good character
• Some periods of prior residency

Citizenship eligibility also extends to the applicants’ family members.

The streamlined processing of these citizenship requests ensures completion for a period of eight months and it is to the discretion of the Minister for approval.