The Supreme Constitutional Court issued a significant ruling on migration and naturalization, determining that marriage between a foreigner and a Cypriot citizen does not automatically entitle the foreigner to Cypriot citizenship. In a unanimous decision dated December 10, 2025, the Court dismissed a foreign national’s appeal against an Administrative Court ruling.
The Administrative Court had rejected the appellant’s application for registration as a citizen of the Republic under Article 110 of Law 141(I)/2002, based on marriage to a Cypriot woman.
State’s discretionary authority confirmed
The Supreme Constitutional Court affirmed that Article 110 does not create a right to naturalization but outlines the procedure for foreigners to apply for citizenship registration. Final decisions rest exclusively with the Interior Minister’s discretion, who must evaluate each case based on specific and objective criteria.
Applicant’s history key factor
The Court emphasized the Administrative Court’s thorough review of the appellant’s administrative file, considering his overall history and conduct. Problematic aspects, including incidents of domestic violence, proved decisive in rejecting the application.
Compatible with EU and international law
The Court ruled the refusal does not violate Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (right to respect for private and family life), applicable EU law, or Article 15 of the Cyprus Constitution. Determining conditions for acquiring and losing nationality falls under each member state’s sovereign authority, per international law and case law from the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights.
As long as refusals rely on objective and reasonable criteria protecting state interests without discriminatory effects, they remain lawful.
Precedent for future cases
This decision clarifies the legal framework for registering foreigners as Cypriot citizens through marriage. It serves as a reference point for similar future cases, strengthening the state’s position on discretionary powers in citizenship matters.
Also read: Cyprus nears Schengen zone entry
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