Unfortunately not.
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Does Cyprus recognize same-sex relationships in its citizenship-by-investment program?
I am in a same-sex marriage and am interested in becoming a citizen of Cyprus through its CBI program. Will my spouse also receive a passport in the program?
Answers
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Yes, Cyprus recognizes same-sex partners and this is considered to be in line with the CBI applicant-spouse/partner relationship for processing purposes.
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This is to confirm that the Cyprus authorities accept same-sex marriage and civil union for investors wishing to invest in the Cyprus investment scheme.
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Scheme for naturalization of investors in Cyprus by exception on the basis of subsection (2) of section 111A of the Civil Registry Laws of 2002-2015 provides the right to the investor and his/her legal spouse or partner to apply for naturalization through investment. The investor’s spouse or partner may acquire the Cypriot citizenship after filing the relevant application (Form M127). In order to facilitate the procedure of the acquisition of the Cypriot citizenship by the investor’s partner or spouse, the Council of Ministers decided to allow the submission of the spouse’s or partner’s application along with the application of the investor, so that both spouses/ partners will be able to acquire the Cypriot citizenship simultaneously. Furthermore, the decision of the Council of Ministers clarifies that for the purposes of the scheme the term partner is interpreted in accordance with the provisions of the Civil Partnership Law 184(I)/2015. According to this law, the state recognizes any civil partnership that had been concluded in the Republic of Cyprus, or any other state in accordance with the legislation of that state and is still in power. It is advisable before proceeding with any investment in Cyprus, for the purpose of naturalization, to consult with the relevant department of the ministry handling applications in order to make sure that your specific circumstances are falling under the above definition.
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In relation to the scheme for naturalization of non-Cypriot investors by exception on the basis of subsection (2) of section 111A of the Civil Registry Laws of 2002-2015, the Decision of the Council of Ministers dated Sept. 13, 2016, provides, inter alia, for the grant of the Cypriot citizenship to the spouse or partner of the investor. The investor’s spouse or partner may acquire Cypriot citizenship after filing the relevant application (Form M127), which may submitted along with the application of the investor so that both spouses/partners will be able to acquire Cypriot citizenship simultaneously. Furthermore, the aforementioned Decision of the Council of Ministers clarifies that, for the purposes of the scheme, the term partner is interpreted in line with the provisions of the Civil Partnership Law 184(I)/2015, according to which the state recognizes any civil partnership that had been concluded in the Republic of Cyprus, or any other state in accordance with the legislation of that state and is still in power. However, it should be stressed at the outset that each application is reviewed by the relevant department of the Ministry of Interior, so it is advisable to obtain their feedback as to whether the applicant’s specific circumstances fall within the above definition of "civil partnership" before he or she proceeds with the application for Cypriot citizenship through investment.
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The Decision of the Council of Ministers dated Sept. 13, 2016, provides the granting of Cypriot citizenship to the spouse as well as to the partner of an investor. In this decision, it is clarified that for the purposes of the program, the term “partner” will be interpreted in accordance to the provisions of the Civil Partnership Law 184 (I) / 2015 (the 'Law'). According to the Law, "Two individuals (either heterosexual or homosexual) may conclude a ‘written agreement,’ known as the ‘Civil Partnership Agreement,’ if they are at least 18 years old, if they are capable to take such a decision and if they give freely their consent to 'enter' to such an agreement. Contracting a Civil Partnership has respective effects and consequences as if a lawful marriage was solemnized between the two partners. It is also provided that any civil partnership agreement concluded at any country other than the Republic of Cyprus, will be recognizable in Cyprus: (a) if all formalities and requirements for its conclusion are met by the parties in accordance to the laws of the country of their habitual residence; (b) the civil partnership is still in power; and (c) if the parties, at the time of the conception of their civil union, were capable of entering into such an agreement. The capacity of the parties for the conception of such union, is also determined by the law of the country of their habitual residence. Concluding to the above, if you have entered into a civil partnership with your partner in full compliance with the requirements of the law of the country where you reside, you will be qualified to submit an application for naturalization in Cyprus along with your partner, by presenting your Civil Partnership Certificate. Note that the latter must be translated to either Greek or English and be duly authenticated, if issued by foreign authority.
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