Brexit: How can UK nationals maintain their EU citizenship status?

The UK’s immigration policy is currently in a state of flux due to the referendum decision of 23.06.2016, by which the UK public voted to leave the EU. The result of this, will inevitably impact migration to the UK as a whole and the ways in which both non-EU and EU nationals seek to come to/stay and/or reside in this country. Currently, EU citizens and some non-EU family members have the right to live/reside in the UK without a visa (by virtue of the EU Free Movement Law).

Post Brexit, this is likely going to change. The same will apply to UK nationals who will not have the right to move freely in Europe.  

Exploring the options to take on Cypriot citizenship to stay part of the EU
 

Cyprus is a full member of the European Union.  This means that a citizen of Cyprus is also a citizen of the EU and can travel and reside freely in any of the member states of the EU.  Cyprus permits dual citizenship.
 

How can a UK national, holder of British Passport, acquire Cyprus citizenship?
 

There are many ways in which a UK national can acquire Cyprus citizenship. In short:

CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH

Those born in Cyprus on or after 16.08.1960 to at least 1 Cypriot parent automatically acquire citizenship at birth.  Those born abroad on or after 16.08.1960 to at least one Cypriot parent may also acquire citizenship at birth.

It should be noted that a person born in Cyprus or abroad between 16.08.1960 and 11.06.1999 to a Cypriot mother cannot acquire such citizenship.

CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Those born abroad to at least one Cypriot parent or those of Cypriot origin are entitled to citizenship and can register for citizenship with a local consulate.  Those born on or after 16.08.1960 and who descended from a parent who either became a British national on the basis of the Annexation of Cyprus Orders in Council of 1914 to 1943 or born in Cyprus between 5.11.1914 and 16.08.1960 during which time the parents were ordinarily resident in Cyprus, may register as a citizen, provided that he is an adult (a person who has completed the age of 18 and of sound mind).

CITIZENSHIP BY REGISTRATION

A British citizen or a citizen of any commonwealth country of Cypriot origin may register as a Cyprus citizen, provided that he is an adult and he resides in the Republic of Cyprus 1 year preceding the application, is of good character and intends to continue to reside in Cyprus.

CITIZENSHIP BY MARRIAGE

Foreign spouses of Cypriot nationals who have completed 3 years of marriage and harmonious cohabitation with the Cypriot spouse and two years of residence in Cyprus prior to the date of application may also apply for Cyprus citizenship.

 

CITIZENSHIP BY NATURALISATION

A British citizen residing in Cyprus for at least 7 years (2555 days) and continuously residing in Cyprus 12 months prior to the date of application may as well apply for Cyprus citizenship.

Our Firm will be happy to assist such clients wishing to obtain the Cyprus Citizenship status.  For more information and/or queries, contact us by email.