
Cyprus citizenship by descent
Cyprus passes citizenship to children of Cypriots, and lets grandchildren of Cypriot-origin persons register — with rules turning on the 1960 independence cutoff. Check whether you qualify, build your lineage, and get a primary-source-backed document checklist and cost estimate.
Who may qualify
- A Cypriot-citizen parent → citizenship by descent.
- A grandparent of Cypriot origin → registration (some routes need ~1 year residence).
- Births before 16 Aug 1960 follow father-line rules.
- Maternal-line transmission was equalized for births from 11 June 1999.
A general overview — your eligibility depends on the specifics of your line. The free check gives a personalized answer.
Not sure where to start?
The free eligibility check takes about two minutes.
By ancestor path
Your relationship to the Cyprus ancestor determines which rules apply.
What you'll need
- Government fee
- ~€20–80, plus stamp duties
- Typical timeline
- ~12–18 months
- Where
- Civil Registry and Migration Department
Key dates & laws
16 Aug 1960
Independence cutoff: father-line transmission only before this date.
11 June 1999
Maternal-line transmission equalized for births from this date.
Where it's processed
Civil Registry and Migration Department, Ministry of Interior
Tools
Guides
Frequently asked questions
- Who qualifies for Cyprus citizenship by descent?
- Eligibility runs through the Descent pathway and depends on your specific line of descent — which ancestor was a citizen, when, and whether the chain was ever broken by naturalization or other events. Run the free eligibility check for a personalized answer.
- Which authority decides Cyprus citizenship cases?
- Civil Registry. EasyPassport is not affiliated with them; we help you organize and verify, and you submit to the authority directly.
- How long does it take?
- Timelines vary widely by route and backlog and are outside any service's control. Treat published averages as estimates and confirm current waits with the authority.
- Do I need to upload my passport or ID?
- No. EasyPassport never stores passports or government IDs — it's a checklist and organization tool, not a document vault.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. We use “may qualify” language because the authority makes the final determination. For an individualized opinion, consult a qualified attorney in the relevant jurisdiction.
Other countries we support
EasyPassport is not affiliated with Civil Registry, any government, or any consulate. This is a document-organization tool, not legal advice — always verify with the relevant authority.