Breaking news

Cyprus Cracks Down: 304 Lose Citizenship Over Golden Passport Violations

The Cypriot government has announced that 304 individuals have had their citizenships revoked following an in-depth investigation into the controversial golden passport scheme, which previously awarded nationality through investments. This thorough examination revealed that many beneficiaries had obtained citizenship by declaring false information or concealing critical data.

The Magnitude of the Issue

The affected group consists of 88 investors and 216 family members. So far, revocation orders have been signed for 112 individuals, including 33 investors and 79 of their relatives, whose documents are now void.

Since the program’s termination in late 2020 under mounting pressure from the European Union, substantial reviews have led to the exposure of major breaches, such as failing to deposit required funds or misrepresentations of personal circumstances.

Legal Path and Integrity Assurance

In serious cases, some investors didn’t make the necessary financial commitments, and in instances like Jho Low, the infamous financier embroiled in global scandals, legal actions have annulled their Cypriot passports. Under article 113 of Cyprus’ population registration law, there is a clear pathway for affected individuals to appeal through an independent committee.

The Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou emphasized the government’s commitment to full legal compliance and safeguarding Cyprus’s reputation and values. Moving forward, the government promises rigorous oversight and due process in all future inquiries related to citizenship.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter