Requirements

Four independent conditions that must be met simultaneously: reside in Cyprus for the minimum required period, confirm the necessary level of the Greek language, show real integration into the life of the country, and work for at least two years in a BCS company immediately prior to submission.

Days in Cyprus

The required period of residence in Cyprus is calculated in total over the last 10 years and depends on the level of the Greek language you take:

Level	Residency in Cyprus (total, within the 10-year period)
B1	4 years
A2	5 years

All periods must be within the same 10-year window. The final year (12 months) before submission is already included in these 4 or 5 years and must be continuous. During this time, you must work in a BCS company — see Employment in a BCS Company.

Absences: How They Shift the Submission Date

You can travel — but absences can push back your minimum submission date:

• The final year before submission. Each day of absence shifts the submission date by one day later — until you accumulate a full 12 continuous months of presence. If you were absent for a total of 10 days in the last year, you can apply 10 days later than originally planned.
• Other years within the 10-year window. Absences of up to 90 days in a year do not count as absences — such a year is credited fully. However, anything exceeding 90 days shifts the submission date by the difference. For example, if in the penultimate year before submission you were absent for 120 days, the minimum submission date shifts by 30 days (120 − 90).

The more days in Cyprus, the better. You should not try to “optimize” for the bare minimum.

How to Collect Data

1. Find all passports from your time in Cyprus (including expired ones)
2. List all arrivals and departures based on stamps
3. If some stamps are missing for any reason, verify with flight tickets, boarding passes, or card statements

Days are counted the same way as for tax residency: the arrival day in Cyprus is a day of presence, and the departure day is a day of absence. If your count is close to the absolute minimum, it is better to wait with submission rather than risk a rejection.

Arrivals and Departures Table — download template and completed example. It is filled out by year: arrival date, departure date, destination country, days in Cyprus. It is attached to form M127 along with copies of all relevant passport pages.

Employment in a BCS Company

A minimum of 2 years of continuous work in a company approved under the “Business Attraction Strategy” (BCS) immediately prior to submitting the application. Which companies are eligible and into which categories applicants are divided is described in the About the Program section.

A certificate of the company’s BCS status must be attached to the documents — how to get it, see Documents.

Greek Language

A2 or B1?

The required level depends on the duration of residence — see the table in the Days in Cyprus section above. If you have 5 years of residence, A2 is sufficient. If you want to apply earlier, after 4 years, B1 is required.

What is Accepted as Proof

• A2 or B1 exam certificate
• Diploma/certificate from the School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus
• School certificate from a school where instruction was entirely in Greek
• University degree where instruction was entirely in Greek

Where to Take the Exam

• Examination Sessions of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of Cyprus — Greek Language Certification Examinations by the Greek Language Centre of the Hellenic Republic, exam fee — €90
• School of Modern Greek of the University of Cyprus — where you can also study

Culture and Politics Exam

In addition to the language exam, a separate certificate is required — an exam on the knowledge of basic elements of the political and social reality of Cyprus with a result of ≥ 60%. This is a test about history, the constitution, and state structure. Do not confuse it with the language exam.

The exam fee is €20. Register in advance — examination sessions are not held every month.

Integration

Integration is the most subjective part of the process and one of the most common reasons for rejection. The officer will verify this during the interview.

What You Need to Show

• The center of your life is in Cyprus: work, housing, family, doctor, children’s school
• Participation in local life: communities, clubs, volunteering
• Knowledge of the country: news, history, politics, Cypriot neighbors
• 3 Cypriot sponsors — citizens of Cyprus who know you personally

Specific Evidence

• Children study in Cypriot schools
• Owning real estate property
• A long-term lease agreement (not short-term)
• Membership in local clubs, sports teams, associations
• Volunteering — for example, at the Limassol Marathon
• Regular blood donation — nearest donation center
• Attendance at Greek courses, cultural events
• Cypriot colleagues, neighbors with whom you maintain relationships

About Sponsors (Guarantors)

Three citizens of Cyprus who sign form M127 and confirm they know you personally and vouch for your character. A neighbor, colleague, landlord, or coach is suitable. At the interview, you may be asked: who are they, and how do you know them.

Start in Advance

Integration is not built in a month. If submission is still a year or two away, it is the perfect time to join a gym, find a local doctor, and start attending Greek courses with local residents.