George Anastasi

Review of Cyprus High Commission

Professional and friendly team who helped me and ...

Professional and friendly team who helped me and apply for Citizenship with no issues. The process was efficient, quick and thorough, and the very courteous lady who processed our application was brilliant.

Like me you are probably here to get Cypriot citizenship. Please see below for details of this process.

To get the most from the process be prepared and ensure you have everything you need at the time. We applied from my mother's side as she has a Cyprus ID card and birth certificate. Note you pay in CASH only, bring it with you. They will issue a receipt. Save this as you will need it to collect.

You will need

Apostilled copy of your parents Marriage certicate
Apostilled Birth Certificate - NOTE this will be kept! You can order these from the GRO.
Apostilled copy of your Passport (this will be kept), plus your actual passport
Parents' Cyprus ID card (just one parent is fine)- if you can provide a copy of both sides even better.
Parents passports and copies of same (no need to apostille these if cyprus ID card present for one of them. I did anyway)
Filled in form - I filled in the M123 form (search online) but this was the incorrect form, however it was worth bringing it anyway. The correct form was provided. NOTE sometimes only Greek forms available. Not a problem for me as I speak Greek but you may need help. Also note, put your mobile number on the form. They will text you an update.

Ensure your name matches the application (look out for a stray "S" at the end of surname, lots of middle names could be an issue)

Bring everything with you plus copies! Note the consular entrance is down the steps in the basement.

The Commission is short staffed and staff have to deal with a huge number of appointments far in excess of their capacity so be patient- it is amazing they process so many and they simply do not have the capacity to answer the phone or emails. If you happen to be going to Cyprus in the near future it will certainly be quicker to apply in person in Cyprus. Considering these limitations they do an excellent job and I am delighted with how I was handled.

I expect to receive a Birth certificate in nine months. I can then apply at the Commission for ID card and passport, but I may simply apply in person in Cyprus for this bit.

Finally, if you are only at the start of this process, I strongly recommend using Westminster Legalisation Services for the Apostille process. A same day service as standard and they were a great help.

****Update:

I now understand that you no longer require your documentation to be apostilled. This could change depending on Brexit. Good news and a big money saving!

****Further update:

Six months later, I received a text message confirming my registration was available. I collected the certificate of registration and have booked an appointment to apply for a passport. The process works!

*****Further further update:

A very straightforward passport application meeting that took very little time. Staffing levels have improved and waiting times have gone down. Still a 5* review if you put the work in.

***** Final update:

I now have a passport. Great stuff

Good luck!