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How do I become an EU Citizen?
In simple terms, the European Union (EU) Citizenship is the complementary citizenship (referred to as “additional to national citizenship” in the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union) automatically granted to the nationals of an EU Member state. So in order gain EU citizenship, you have to be a national of any of the EU member States first.
Citizens of the European Union enjoy many of the associated rights including the right to move and reside feely within the territory of the member states. But, it is getting increasingly tougher to gain the citizenship of the most of the EU member states. This is partially fuelled by the concerned voices raised by the nationals of the EU member states in light of the high unemployment rate and the global financial crisis. One of the EU states which is actively promoting investment and immigration into its country is Cyprus. Cyprus offers Immigration Visas, which can be leveraged by the financially healthy individuals (/ their companies) of the Non-EU Nationals to move to Cyprus permanently with a view to gain Cyprus / European Union citizenship in due course. Of course, there are immigration policies that need to be complied with and these are set below. Please ensure you read and understand the requirements set out below if you are looking to immigrate to Cyprus.
When Cyprus Immigration approves you for a “Category F” Visa permit, you are automatically allowed to stay in Cyprus permanently, for an indefinite period of time - No need to apply for a visa or to reapply for a new Cyprus entry visa. While this offers a route to become a European Union (EU) Citizen, it is also true that Cyprus offers its unique advantages for a healthy and prosperous living through an advanced infrastructure, efficient professional services, highly qualified and multilingual labour force, favourable tax regime, lot of investment opportunities and one of the best climates in whole of the Europe.
If you apply for a Cyprus Category F permanent migration / immigration visa you automatically have the option to become a Cyprus Citizen (you can apply for Full Cyprus Citizenship in the sixth year of residency) which means you can travel to any European Union Country or European Member State and move freely in these Countries. You can also start up your own business, buy a new home and there are no restrictions. For example, if you become a Cyprus Citizen you are free to move permanently into the UK and you will no longer require a visa to get entry into the UK. Cyprus Category F visa also allows your dependants to be included and therefore your whole family can move to any part of Europe e.g. UK (as mentioned in our previous example). In essence, you are also free to further migrate to UK, Germany, Ireland, Spain or any other European Member state Country, if you wish to.
We would suggest you speak to Prosperous Consultants Immigration Visa Specialists in Cyprus who will be able to give you all the advice on how you should proceed.
For further information please contact here
Background
According to Cyprus Regulation 4 of the Aliens and Cyprus Immigration Regulations, Cap.105, the Cyprus Commission on Control of Immigration examines appliances for concession of certain applications with a report being sent to the Cyprus Ministry of Internal Affairs who is responsible for granting the relevant authorisations. An alien can only have his Immigration Visa Permit granted if and only if the application raises one of the six categories under Regulation 5 [Category F only relevant for this Memo].
An immigration permit that is granted in relation to Category F is equivalent to an approval for permanent residence in Cyprus and provides the holders of such a permit the ability to be excluded from any time-consuming migratory formalities that the other Categories may place on (non EU (European Union) Citizens or non EU Nationals). However, immigrants that have their Immigration Visa Permits approved are compelled according to regulations, if abroad, to come to Cyprus, within one year, for permanent residence from the date in which the Immigrant Permit was granted. Furthermore, if an Immigrant does not live in Cyprus, for almost two years he loses the right for permanent residence in Cyprus.
According to Cyprus Immigration Policy Regulation 8 of the Aliens and Immigration Regulations, Cap.105, dependants of the Immigration Permit Applicant are also considered as permanent residences in Cyprus. Dependants include children under the age of 18 and/or the applicant’s wife.
Requirements for permanent living permits:
1. Cyprus Migration Policy Category F relates to people that are third-country nationals which will not be working in Cyprus but will remain in Cyprus as permanent resident. They must have at their disposal a secured annual income of at least 9568.17 euro and a further 4613 euro for every dependent person who may, for example, emanate from pensions, shares or even permanent deposits. This income however must not emanate from any employment or self-employment in Cyprus but only from abroad. The immigration control board may demand additional income.
2. A further requirement that is essential for the approval of an Cyprus Immigration Permit Visa by the Minister of Internal Affairs is that third-country nationals must purchase a householder residence for ownership-occupancy in Cyprus worth €300,000 or more [preferably, the property must be written on the name of the Immigration Permit Applicant].
Relevant documents required after forms have been completed:
1. Notarised Passport Copy
2. If already a resident in Cyprus, a copy of a residence permit is required
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
4. Original documents of Bank Deposits
5. Original documents and Affidavit to prove income from other sources other than employment (e.g. income from shares)
6. Original documents to prove the purchase of property in Cyprus (the contract is required that also states the price of the property)
7. Documents that prove occupation
8. Deed that indicates annual turnover and income from applicant’s business
9. Utility Bill (for example, electricity bill to prove the country of residence)
10. Reference Letter from the bank
11. Health Insurance Certificate (Resident in Cyprus)
12. Certificate of Clean Criminal Record
13. Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
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