A total of 5,176 Cypriot citizenships have been granted to Turkish Cypriots since 2004, according to figures from the Ministry of Interior.
The data show that the largest number of Turkish Cypriot citizenships was granted before formal criteria were introduced in 2007, while 331 citizenships have been approved since revised criteria came into force in February 2024.
Citizenship figures since 2004
According to the Ministry of Interior:
- From 2004 to February 2007, before formal criteria were established, 2,972 Cypriot citizenships were granted.
- From 14 February 2007, when the Council of Ministers introduced specific criteria, until 2013, a further 1,806 citizenships were granted.
- Between 2014 and 2023, 67 citizenships were granted.
- From 2 February 2024, when the revised criteria entered into force, 331 citizenships have been granted by decisions of the Council of Ministers.
The Ministry of Interior’s current public information confirms that Cypriot citizenship matters are administered through the Civil Registry and related services.
Criteria for Turkish Cypriots and children of mixed marriages
The Ministry said the criteria governing cases involving Turkish Cypriots and children of mixed marriages were established by a Council of Ministers decision on 14 February 2007 and revised on 2 February 2024.
The criteria determine which cases can be submitted to the Council of Ministers for approval under Article 109(1) of the Civil Registry Law.
They take into account factors including whether the foreign parent is a Turkish citizen or a citizen of another third country, where the parents’ marriage took place and, where the parent is a Turkish citizen, the circumstances under which they entered Cyprus.
Cases that meet the criteria are submitted to the Council of Ministers with a recommendation for approval.
Requests involving children born in Cyprus
Article 109(1) also concerns children born in Cyprus whose foreign parent entered or resides illegally in the Republic. Their registration requires a decision by the Council of Ministers.
The Ministry clarified that figures on pending cases cannot be provided because these are not formally registered as applications. Instead, they are requests or letters, with many submitted more than once.
The Ministry therefore does not have a definitive figure for the number of outstanding requests.
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