How to Get Citizenship Through Descent in Cyprus: A Simple Breakdown for Families
Cyprus has one of the most straightforward citizenship-by-descent systems in Europe — but only if you know which category you fall under and what documents are truly required. Whether you’re applying for yourself, your children, or helping an older family member reconnect with their Cypriot roots, this guide explains the process in simple, practical terms.
Who Qualifies for Citizenship by Descent?
You may be eligible for Cypriot citizenship through descent if one or both of your parents or grandparents were Cypriot. The most common categories include:
1. Born Abroad to a Cypriot Parent
If your father or mother is Cypriot, you can usually register for citizenship regardless of your place of birth.
2. Born Before 1999 to a Cypriot Mother
Before 1999, citizenship could only be passed automatically through the father.
Now, adults born before 1999 to a Cypriot mother can register through a dedicated process.
3. Grandchildren of Cypriots (for certain years and situations)
If your grandparent was Cypriot and your parent did not register in time, you may still qualify under specific categories. These cases are common among families in the UK, Australia, the US, and South Africa.
If you’re not sure which category you fall into, don’t worry — this is one of the most common questions we help families with.
Main Documents You’ll Need
While exact requirements depend on the category, most applicants will need:
Full birth certificate (long form)
Birth certificate of the Cypriot parent or grandparent
Marriage certificate(s) showing name changes
Passport or ID copies
Proof of Cypriot origin (old certificates, electoral records, family books, etc.)
Apostilles for UK, US, Australia, South Africa & other non-EU documents
Translations where needed
How Long Does the Process Take?
Processing times vary depending on the category:
Children of Cypriots: Typically faster
Adults applying through Cypriot mothers (pre-1999): Moderate timelines
Grandchildren of Cypriots: Often the longest due to document verification
The earlier you start, the better — especially if you want everything ready for a planned trip to Cyprus.
Do You Need to Travel to Cyprus?
Not always. Many categories can be submitted abroad, but some require:
Signing forms in front of a Cypriot consulate
Providing original documents in Cyprus
Visiting for final ID or passport issuance once approved
If you’re planning a trip next summer, starting the application now is ideal.
Common Challenges (and How We Solve Them)
Missing documents
We help families locate Cypriot birth or marriage certificates directly from the archives.
Name changes over time
We prepare clear supporting explanations to avoid delays.
Confusion about the right application form
There are more than 10 different forms for descent cases — choosing the wrong one can set you back months. We identify the correct category instantly.
Apostilles & translations
We guide you through only what is required (and what is not), saving time and costs.
Why Families Choose to Apply Now
Many families are taking the step today because:
Cyprus allows dual citizenship
It’s a meaningful way to keep a family connection alive
It guarantees easier travel, residency, and work across the EU for future generations
Processing times tend to be faster outside the summer rush
Thinking About Applying? We Can Help.
If you believe you have Cypriot roots but aren’t sure where to start, we can assess your situation, find missing documents, and guide you through the entire citizenship process from abroad.
Get in touch for a free eligibility check — reconnecting with your Cypriot heritage may be easier than you think.