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Does my son need to serve in the Cypriot military when he becomes 18 years old if we obtain citizenship through the CBI program?

My family is considering applying for Cypriot citizenship through the CBI program. However, I heard that Cyprus has mandatory military service for all adult male citizens. Does that mean when we obtain Cypriot citizenship and my son turns 18, he will be obliged to serve the military? Are there any exceptions for CBI investors?


Answers
  • Andreas Demetriades & Co LLC
    December 13, 2018

    The male offspring of the investor is exempt from serving in the Cyprus military.

  • Michael Kyprianou & Co. LLC
    December 14, 2018

    As per the decision of the Council of Ministers, Cyprus Investment Program (CIP) investors and their family members are exempted from the obligation to serve in the army.

  • CHRISO SAVVA LLC
    December 14, 2018

    Only the children of Cyprus nationals or persons who are parents are Cyprus nationals are obliged to serve in the Cyprus army.

  • Omirou & Omirou LLC
    December 14, 2018

    No, it has been clearly clarified since the very first time the program was released in 2013 that all male dependents will not serve in the Cyprus army. No worries!

  • Vasiliou Law
    January 12, 2019

    Every male who became Cypriot citizen by exception (via investment) has no obligation to serve the army in the Cyprus. However, if he wishes to serve the army he is eligible to do so. In different cases, he must notify the army that he acquired Cyprus citizenship by naturalization.

  • Pelecanos & Pelecanou LLC
    December 26, 2018

    Please note that the obligation for military service only applies on those who were born from a parent of Greek/Cypriot descent. Any foreigner who acquires Cyprus citizenship by the CBI program is exempted pursuant to Article 23(1)(d) of the National Guard Law of 2011 (Ν. 19(I)/2011). Furthermore, by virtue of the decision of the council of ministers dated May 23, 2014, every male who became Cypriot citizen by exception of investment has no obligation to serve in the Cyprus army, provided that he submits the necessary letter to the minister of defense requesting his exemption from the military service. The said letter shall be submitted including a copy of the naturalization certificate and the council of ministers' approval letter.

  • Christodoulos G. Vassiliades & Company LLC
    January 04, 2019

    In accordance with the decision of the Council of Ministers, investors and their family members are excluded from serving in the army of Cyprus.