People wishing to apply to take examinations with the aim of either being naturalized as citizens of the Republic of Cyprus or acquire long-term residence permits will be able to do so between Wednesday and June 3, the education ministry said on Monday.
The exam will take place on July 5.
The examination is centered on 鈥淐yprus鈥� political and social reality鈥�, with the education ministry urging candidates to use the deputy tourism ministry鈥檚 Cyprus fact-file as a guide for the type of information they may be required to know.
The fact-file contains information such as the island鈥檚 official population, its system of government and the Cyprus problem.
The exam will only be available in Greek, though those applying for long-term residence permits are also required to independently prove competence in the Greek language to a minimum level of A2, while, with the exception of 鈥渉igh skilled鈥� applicants, those who are applying for naturalization are required to independently prove competence in the Greek language to a minimum level of B1.
Taking the exam costs 鈧�20, with payment accepted online through JCC Smart鈥檚 website.
The requirements for naturalization in Cyprus changed last year, with all applicants having to have maintained legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of their application for citizenship.
Previously, this meant that applicants could not leave Cyprus at all during the 12 months preceding their application, but, according to the new criteria, periods of absence which do not exceed 90 days in total do not interrupt that period.
They must have had legal residence in the Republic of Cyprus for a cumulative period of not less than seven years during the ten years immediately preceding that 12-month period.
They must also prove they have adequate accommodation and 鈥渟table and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and members of the family鈥�, and they must show intent to continue to reside in the Republic.
Last year, new requirements were also unveiled for the naturalization of 鈥渉ighly skilled鈥� individuals. This application is limited to employees of companies adhering to strict criteria.
These requirements include companies belonging to foreign interests operating in the Republic and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are 鈥渉oused in suitable premises, separate from any private premises, separate from any private residence or other office.鈥�
In addition, it applies to Cypriot shipping companies, Cypriot high-tech and innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, information technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, machinery, and chemicals.
Cypriot pharmaceutical companies and Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and technology are also included, as are foreign companies which are also registered in Cyprus.
鈥淗igh skilled鈥� applicants must meet similar requirements to regular applicants, but with reduced residence and language requirements.
They only have to have lived in Cyprus for either three or four years in the ten years preceding the 12 months prior to their application, and some applicants will only have to prove competence in the Greek language to a minimum level of A2.
Reference
Application for naturalization exams to open on Wednesday - Cyprus Mail
