Introducing the Golden Knowledge Programme, Cyprus has clarified that it is distinct from the Golden Passport Program, aiming to attract skilled professionals to the island. The decision follows an amendment to the Civil Registry Law, easing the process for granting Cypriot citizenship to international individuals, according to SchengenVisaInfo.com.

The bill, spearheaded by Diko MP Nicolas Papadopoulos, emphasizes its departure from traditional citizenship programs, stating that it is centered around knowledge rather than investment. Papadopoulos underscores the objective of luring qualified specialists in specific fields, framing the initiative as an investment in the nation's future through research and innovation, leading to substantial economic benefits.

Papadopoulos explicitly labels it a Golden Knowledge Programme, specifying that applicants must possess a working knowledge of the Greek language, financial self-sufficiency, and a clean criminal record. Moreover, family members meeting residency criteria are also eligible for citizenship.

Important Pointers Regarding Cyprus’ Golden Knowledge Program

Key provisions of the amended law include:

• Streamlined citizenship for international professionals in the research and innovation sector.
• Language proficiency requirement.
• Financial independence.
• Clean criminal record.
• Citizenship eligibility for family members.
• Expedited processing with an eight-month timeframe.

Aristos Damianou of Akel praises the amendments, highlighting that many tech experts and their families are already residents on the island. He notes that these professionals contribute significantly to Cyprus, with research and innovation companies injecting €3.2 billion into the economy, employing a substantial portion of the local workforce.

In addition to attracting tech talent, the amendments aim to retain skilled workers and bolster the country's economic growth. Notably, Cyprus' previous Golden Passport Program was discontinued in 2020 due to irregularities exposed by Al Jazeera's Cyprus Papers report, leading to significant financial losses and public criticism. The Golden Knowledge Programme stands as a distinct initiative focused on expertise and knowledge rather than citizenship through investment.