Cyprus recorded a citizenship acquisition rate of 1.21 percent in 2024, remaining well below the European Union average of 2.73 percent, according to new Eurostat data.
Greece posted a rate of 1.92 percent, while significantly higher levels were reported in several northern European countries.
Across the bloc, 88 percent of new citizenship recipients were nationals of non‑EU countries, with EU citizens accounting for 10.6 percent.
Syrians were the largest group acquiring EU citizenship in 2024, with 110,100 people naturalized.
Moroccan nationals followed with 97,100, and Albanians with 48,000.
Cyprus’ comparatively low citizenship rate comes against the backdrop of sustained migration pressures.
The island has recorded one of the highest per‑capita asylum application rates in the EU for several years, driven largely by arrivals from conflict‑affected regions and irregular crossings through the UN‑controlled buffer zone.
Authorities have repeatedly said the system is under strain, citing overcrowded reception facilities, lengthy processing times and challenges in returning rejected applicants.
The government has tightened border controls, expanded surveillance along the buffer zone and sought greater EU support, arguing that Cyprus’ geographic position makes it particularly vulnerable to irregular flows.
At the same time, officials say naturalization procedures remain strict, with long residency requirements and detailed vetting, contributing to the lower citizenship‑acquisition rate compared with the EU average.
