In response to mounting pressure from the European Union, Cyprus is advancing crucial legislative changes aimed at eliminating any remaining gaps in the country’s investor citizenship program framework, commonly known as the “Golden Passport” scheme.
As reported by StockWatch, the Ministry of the Interior, instructed by the Attorney General, has introduced a comprehensive bill to the House of Representatives. The draft law aims to permanently bar any potential reinstatement of Cyprus’ investor citizenship program, officially referred to as the Cyprus Investment Programme, which was officially terminated in November 2020 after intervention by the European Commission.
Cyprus’ Golden Passport initiative previously allowed privileged investors and their families to obtain citizenship through a government-approved investment process. However, after concerns over transparency and compliance triggered infringement procedures by the European Commission, the program was conclusively abolished. The EU demanded further legal guarantees that no legislative framework could enable a similar scheme in the future.
The new legislation, titled “Population Register (Amending) (No. 2) Law of 2025,” is built on close collaboration between Cyprus’ Legal Service and the European Commission, receiving full endorsement from Brussels. This law not only closes all previous loopholes but introduces new regulations governing the loss of Cypriot citizenship for those affected.
Specifically, citizens stripped of their Cypriot nationality will have a 60-day window to appeal to an Independent Committee designated for citizenship deprivation reviews. Transparency is emphasized by a requirement for the Minister of the Interior to publish notices in the Official Gazette when citizenship revocations occur, helping public and private entities to avoid misuse of invalid identification documents.
The measures have secured approval from both the Data Protection Commissioner and the Cabinet, reflecting a strong legal foundation.
For investors eyeing Cyprus property, these legislative changes close the door on citizenship-linked property purchases. However, Cyprus continues to offer a vibrant real estate market with diverse opportunities, from affordable apartments to premium villas and commercial properties.
If you’re exploring the Cyprus property market, it’s important to stay abreast of regulatory updates while focusing on transparent and compliant investment opportunities. Whether you are interested in houses for sale in Cyprus or wider commercial options, INDEX.cy offers an extensive and reliable marketplace to guide your choices with data-driven insights.
To review the full draft law and understand the legal specifics, visit the comprehensive document on StockWatch.
Cyprus’ commitment to tightening its citizenship program demonstrates a clear alignment with European standards and a dedication to safeguarding market integrity—both crucial for sustainable real estate development and investor confidence.
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