Marriage to a Cypriot citizen and residence in Italy: rules for registration and obtaining status explained by Visit Ukraine lawyers

Marriage to a Cypriot citizen opens up the possibility of obtaining a temporary residence permit, and citizenship only after a few years. Marriage registration is possible both in Cyprus and in Italy, but the procedures and documents differ. Find out what status spouses receive, how marriage is concluded in both countries, and whether it entitles them to permanent residence in Italy

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Marriage to a Cypriot citizen does not automatically grant citizenship. First, the other spouse receives a temporary residence permit. An application for citizenship can only be submitted after three years of marriage. An additional condition is that the applicant must have lived in Cyprus for at least two years.

If a Cypriot citizen lives outside their country, their spouse can also apply for Cypriot citizenship, but not earlier than three years after the official marriage. Thus, marriage is the basis for legal residence, but the process of obtaining citizenship is lengthy and gradual.

Visit Ukraine lawyers have compiled all the important details you need to know - read on to find out more.

Question: What status does a person receive after marrying a Cypriot citizen, in which country is it better to register the marriage, and what documents are required for this? How does the marriage procedure work in Cyprus and Italy, and does marriage give the right to a visa or permanent residence in Italy?

Marriage registration in Cyprus

According to Marriage Law No. 104 (I) of 2003, anyone wishing to marry in Cyprus must submit an application to the municipality in person.

The required documents include:

- a valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months;

- a certificate of no impediment to marriage, certified by the Ukrainian embassy;

- copies of the passports of both bride and groom and witnesses;

- birth certificates;

- divorce documents (if applicable).

The registration procedure consists of several steps: submission of an application, verification of documents, and an official ceremony. If the marriage is registered by the competent authorities of Cyprus, re-registration at Ukrainian diplomatic institutions is not required — it is only carried out to confirm marital status in Ukraine.

Usually, at least 15 days but no more than three months must pass between the submission of the application and the ceremony. Alternatively, for an additional fee, you can get married in a shortened period of three days.

Official documents for marriage and confirmation of status must be translated by sworn translators who are registered in the official register. This ensures the legal validity of translations for further use both in Cyprus and abroad.

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Marriage in Italy

In Italy, foreigners can get married in a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony. To do this, an official application must be submitted in accordance with the requirements of Italian law.

The main document is the Nulla osta – a certificate issued by the consulate or embassy of the country of origin, confirming that there are no legal obstacles to the marriage. This document must contain the personal data of the bride and groom: name, surname, date and place of birth, citizenship, as well as confirmation of “single status.” In some cases, a birth certificate or residence certificate may be required.

If the marriage is planned according to the Catholic rite, a form from the parish is also required. If neither of the bride and groom speaks Italian, the presence of an interpreter is mandatory.

All foreign documents are subject to the asseverazione procedure – official certification of the translation in court. This makes the documents valid for Italian institutions.

Visa and permanent residence in Italy

It is important to understand that even after marrying an EU citizen (in this case, a Cypriot), obtaining permanent residence in Italy is not automatic. Marriage does not affect the type of visa that must be obtained for a long-term stay in the country.

That is, regardless of the existence of a marriage certificate, for permanent residence in Italy, you must go through the standard visa procedure according to the general rules.

By contacting Visit Ukraine, you receive comprehensive legal support — from consultation to complete turnkey agreement execution. We work transparently, officially, and in the client's interests to ensure that the apartment donation process is as quick and hassle-free as possible.

Reminder! Earlier, we told you how to recognize a marriage with a foreigner in Ukraine and obtain a residence permit. A detailed explanation from Visit Ukraine lawyers can be found in our article.

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