Brexit: UK citizens of Cypriot origin can get an EU passport
An EU passport includes the right to live and work in any EU member state. Following the UK referendum result, UK citizens will no longer have this right. However, following the Leave vote, some people are under the mistaken impression that they can renew their passport immediately and remain EU citizens for the next 10 years. This option will not work because once the UK leaves the EU, UK citizens cease to be EU citizens. As a result, many people are looking for an alternative passport. A Cypriot passport could therefore be an option as Cyprus has been a member of the EU since 2004.
Before presenting the necessary procedures to be followed in order to obtain a Cypriot passport, it should be clarified that The Republic of Cyprus allows its citizens to hold dual citizenship. This means that Cypriots born in the UK can apply for Cypriot citizenship and retain their UK citizenship.
In the following paragraphs we will explain:
- the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship by virtue of Cypriot origin;
- the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship as the spouse of a Cypriot citizen;
A.Acquisition of Cypriot citizenship due to Cypriot origin:
Minors (under 18) – type M121 and type M126:
a) Applications for registration of minors born abroad after 16 August 1960, whose father at the time of birth was a Cypriot citizen, and for minors born abroad after 11 June 1999, whose mother at the time of birth was a Cypriot citizen Cypriot citizen, are submitted on form M121.
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the applicant;
- Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents;
- A photocopy of the applicant’s and the applicant’s parents’ passports;
- Registration certificate of the Cypriot parents (if applicable);
b) Minors born in Cyprus or abroad after 16 August 1960, whose father or mother acquired Cypriot citizenship after the birth of the minor in question, or who were born before 11 June 1999 to a Cypriot citizen, are also entitled to apply for Cypriot citizenship. Form M126 must be submitted by the parent who is a Cypriot citizen.
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the candidate;
- Two photographs of the applicant (passport size);
- Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents;
- A copy of the passports of the applicant and the applicant’s parents;
- Registration certificate of the Cypriot parents (if applicable);
- The consent of the non-Cypriot parent. However, it is not required if the Cypriot parent has obtained a court order for exclusive parental care of the minor;
Adults:
a) Adults born before 16th August 1960 – Type M70 or M71:
Persons born before 16 August 1960 who are citizens of the United Kingdom and its former colonies, originating in Cyprus, on the male side are eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship by submitting an application on form M70 or M71.
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the applicant;
- Birth certificate of the applicant’s father;
- Photocopy of the applicant’s passport;
b) Adults born after 16th August 1960 and adults born in Cyprus between 5th November and 16th August – Type M123:
Persons of Cypriot origin born after 16 August 1960, whose mother is a Cypriot citizen and whose father is a foreigner, are eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship by submitting an application on form M123.
In addition, under the provisions of Section 109 of Law 141 (I)/2002, you are entitled to apply for Cypriot citizenship:
- Adults born after 16th from August 1960 and descended from a person who became a British citizen by virtue of the Annexation of Cyprus Orders in Council from 1914 to 1943;
- Adults born in Cyprus after 5th November 1914 and before 16th since August 1960, during which time their parents resided in Cyprus;
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the applicant;
- Marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents;
- A copy of the passports of the applicant and the applicant’s parents;
- Registration certificate of the Cypriot parent (where applicable);
c) Adults born after 16th August 1960 – Type M124:
Persons of Cypriot origin born before or after 16 August 1960 who are British citizens or citizens of any Commonwealth country and have completed one year of legal residence in the Republic of Cyprus are eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship by applying application form M124.
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the candidate;
- A clean criminal record certificate issued by the police;
- A copy of the applicant’s passport;
B. Acquisition of Cypriot citizenship as the spouse of a Cypriot citizen – type M125:
A person who is married to a Cypriot national is eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship by submitting Form M125 after completing three years of marriage and two years of residence in the Republic of Cyprus prior to the date of application.
Note that spouses of Cypriots abroad are also eligible to apply for Cypriot citizenship, provided they have been married for at least three years. In addition, a letter from the couple must be submitted explaining the reasons for requesting the granting of Cypriot citizenship to the foreign spouse. However, in case the couple has completed at least five years of marriage and has at least one child, then there is no need to submit the aforementioned letter.
In this case, the required accompanying documents are:
- Birth certificate of the candidate;
- Certificate of clean criminal record;
- Wedding contract;
- Birth certificate of the couple’s children (if applicable);
- A copy of the applicant’s passport;
- A copy of the Cypriot spouse’s passport;
- Certificate of acquisition of Cypriot citizenship of the Cypriot spouse (if applicable);
- Declaration of harmonious coexistence, signed in front of an official of the District Administration or the diplomatic leadership;
- Declaration of cohabitation from the local authority.
#Brexit #citizens #Cypriot #origin #passport