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A landmark ruling by Cyprus’s Supreme Constitutional Court has sent a clear message: marrying a Cypriot does not guarantee Cypriot citizenship.
In a unanimous decision issued on 10 December 2025, the Court rejected an appeal by a foreign national who tried to overturn an earlier Administrative Court ruling that denied his request to become a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus through marriage. The application was based on Article 110 of Law 141(I)/2002, a provision often misunderstood as creating a pathway, or even a right, to citizenship.
The judges made it clear that no such right exists.
No automatic citizenship, no guaranteed approval
At the heart of the case was a common assumption: that marriage to a Cypriot citizen opens the door to automatic naturalisation. The Court firmly dismissed this idea, stressing that Article 110 merely outlines a procedure, not an entitlement. Even if all formal requirements are met, the final decision lies entirely with the Minister of the Interior, who has wide discretionary powers.
In other words, marriage may allow someone to apply, but it does not oblige the state to say yes.
Why the application failed
The ruling went beyond legal theory. Both the Administrative Court and the Supreme Constitutional Court examined the applicant’s full administrative file, including his personal history and behaviour. Particular weight was given to evidence pointing to serious concerns, including conduct linked to domestic violence.
These factors, the Court held, were legitimately taken into account and justified the refusal of registration.
Sovereignty comes first
The Supreme Constitutional Court reinforced a long-standing principle under international law and European case-law: decisions on who gains or loses nationality fall squarely within the sovereign powers of each state. As long as the criteria used are objective, reasonable, and non-discriminatory, a refusal of citizenship does not breach:
- Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (respect for private and family life),
- EU law, or
- Article 15 of the Cypriot Constitution.
In this case, the Court found no violation of any of these protections.
Big implications
The decision is being seen as a wake-up call for applicants who believe marriage alone can secure citizenship. It also strengthens the government’s hand in closely scrutinising applications and rejecting those that raise red flags, regardless of marital status.
The case was handled on behalf of the Republic by Advocate Nicoletta Nicolaou from the Attorney General’s Office.
