Golden Knowledge Program to attract talents to Cyprus

Close-up of colorful fall leaves on a sunny day

Программа «Золотые знания» для привлечения талантов на Кипр

Cyprus is introducing the Golden Knowledge Program, designed to attract highly qualified specialists in the field of technology to the island. This program offers an accelerated path to obtaining Cypriot citizenship for foreign citizens with exceptional experience in research and innovation.

Why does Cyprus need this program? It’s simple, the influx of technology professionals will bring new knowledge, experience and fresh perspectives. In this way, Cyprus reduces its dependence on traditional industries such as tourism and agriculture, allowing it to diversify the country’s economy.

These measures are already creating additional jobs, not only in the technology sector, but also in related industries such as finance, education and healthcare. This orientation ensures the influx of migrant workers, which is important for the country against the background of global instability. After all, with a decrease in the flow of tourists, Cyprus will be able to rely on domestic production resources.

According to forecasts, these measures will lead to a decrease in unemployment from 6.4% in 2023 to 5.7% in 2024. For more detailed information on the labor market and job search in Cyprus, you can read our article.

Features of the Golden Knowledge Program

The basis of the Golden Knowledge Program is the amendments to the migration legislation introduced by Law No. 149(I) of December 2023. The main changes concerned the time required for high-level specialists (“golden talents”) to obtain Cypriot citizenship by naturalization. Cyprus has included many industries in the program, including IT, knowledge in which can be useful and valuable for the country.

New provisions introduced by Law No. 149(I) of 2023:

  • Reduction of the length of stay. For high-level specialists, the mandatory period of residence for naturalization is reduced from 7 to 4-5 years.
  • Mandatory knowledge of the Greek language. The minimum level of Greek language proficiency is A2, but it is better to aim for B2, as this will reduce the mandatory period of residence in the country for applying for naturalization by one year.
  • Financial independence and no criminal record: Applicants must be financially independent, have rented or purchased housing, have a clean criminal history and be a trustworthy person.
  • The process for family members: Family members of applicants can also obtain citizenship if certain conditions are met, such as legal and continuous residence in Cyprus for 12 months before applying.
  • Integration into society. You need to take an exam to test your basic knowledge of the social and political realities of Cyprus. The questions relate to the structure of the government, basic laws, and cultural characteristics. The exam is conducted in writing by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth.

The Golden Knowledge Program is open to all foreign citizens with higher education or equivalent qualifications in the relevant field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM). Although financial independence is still one of the criteria of the program, it does not require specific investments or investments of large sums in the country’s economy.

Программа «Золотые знания» для привлечения талантов на Кипр

Requirements for participation in the Golden Knowledge program

The latest amendments to the migration legislation of Cyprus are mainly aimed at reducing the time of naturalization for those who are sufficiently proficient in the Greek language. And also, on increasing the requirements for the qualifications of potential employees and their reliability. The main requirements include:

  • Work in the field of research and innovation. Applicants must work in areas that are part of Cyprus’ strategic plan to attract talent and develop innovative industries in the research and innovation sector. These can be specialists in the field of technology, science, medicine and other related disciplines. For example: engineers and developers in the field of information technology; researchers in the field of biomedicine, virology and epidemiology; researchers in the field of nanotechnology and innovative materials; cybersecurity and training specialists AI; experts in the field of green energy and ecology.
  • Knowledge of the Greek language. Basic knowledge of the Greek language at the B1 level is required. The Common European System of Language Proficiency Levels (CEFR). The level of proficiency is checked by a written language proficiency exam conducted by the Examination Service of the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth of Cyprus. It is important to note that the period of obtaining citizenship by naturalization directly depends on the level of proficiency. For level A2, the period is 5 years of legal residence, for B1 — 4 years.
  • Financial independence. Applicants must be financially independent. This means that you have housing and a stable income sufficient to support yourself and your family members without having to resort to social assistance. The amount of monthly income, according to various sources, can range from €1,000 to €2,500. Its level can be confirmed through official employment documents, bank statements, and tax returns.
  • No criminal record. Applicants must provide evidence of the absence of criminal records both in their country and in the Cyprus. This should include the absence of serious criminal offenses and other violations of the law that negatively affect the status of a good citizen. Political refugees must provide a justification for their status in accordance with international law.
  • Good character. Applicants must have a good character, which implies positive recommendations from employers, colleagues or others who can confirm their positive reputation and integrity. An important aspect is the absence of participation in illegal activities, for example, in criminal organizations. An additional advantage will be participation in charity projects or volunteer activities.
  • Legal and continuous residence. At the time of applying for naturalization, the applicant must continuously reside in Cyprus for at least 12 months. This period may be shortened for those who have been living and working on the island for a long time, provided that the total absence from the country during these 12 months does not exceed 90 days.

What is happening in the Cyprus real estate market in 2023? Fresh analytics on prices and demand

Advantages of obtaining Cypriot citizenship under the Golden Knowledge program

One of the key advantages of the program is the accelerated process of obtaining citizenship. Consideration of applications takes no more than eight months, which is quite fast compared to other countries. The acquisition of Cypriot citizenship under the Golden Knowledge program will provide foreigners with a number of advantages, including:

  • Visa-free travel in the Schengen area.
  • The right to work and live in Cyprus.
  • Access to education and health care.
  • The possibility of family reunification. Cypriot citizens can sponsor their spouses, children and dependent parents to obtain a residence permit and, eventually, citizenship.
  • Tax benefits. Cyprus provides a number of tax benefits for new residents, including low tax rates and tax exemption on income earned abroad.

Recall that at the moment you can buy real estate in Cyprus in the amount of € 300,000 and get permanent residence in this country.

Author

Программа «Золотые знания» для привлечения талантов на Кипр

Mikhail Konon is a copywriter

I write informative articles about real estate, investments, job search and taxes.

Co-author

Программа «Золотые знания» для привлечения талантов на Кипр

Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief

I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.

Источник

Leave a Reply

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our site. By clicking "Accept", you agree to our use of cookies.

Accept
en_USEnglish