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Military service

Question:


I am a citizen of Russia; I am going to submit application for the Cyprus citizenship. In case having two
nationalities, in what country I am supposed to serve in the army? Am I supposed to go to military service in
both countries? What is the maximum age of the recruit?


Response:


According to Cyprus Regulations draftees of any class who were asked or will be asked for military
conscription, who will inform the Minister of Defence that before their military conscription in the National
Guard they have performed military service, of at least eleven months, in any other country of which they are
also nationals, serving for only three months.


It is important to be clarified that Military service in another country means compulsory military service,
which is confirmed by official military diploma of another country, in which the draftee served and does not
include repurchase service.


We do not have enough information about your case but in the cases below the Draftees are entitled to
reduced military term:


Reduced military term of three (3) months:

  • The permanent residents abroad, who on the date of arrival in the Republic for permanent residence of an age
    exceeding twenty-sixth (26th) year if they are classified in Military service within two (2) years from the date of
    their arrival in the Republic, otherwise they have to serve additional compulsory service of two (2) months.
  • Those who acquire Cypriot citizenship by naturalization after completing the twenty-sixth (26th) year of age,
    whose their parents are not persons of Cypriot origin, if they are classified in Military service within two (2)
    years from the date of their naturalization, otherwise service obligation imposed additional two (2) months.
    Reduced military term of six (6) months:
  • The permanent residents abroad, who on the date of arrival in the Republic for permanent residence aged more
    than eighteen (18) years, but not the twenty-sixth (26th) year if they are classified in Military service
    immediately after graduation from School of Secondary Education, or within two (2) years from the date of
    their arrival in the Republic, otherwise they are imposed for service obligation for additional two (2) months.
  • Those who acquire Cypriot citizenship by naturalization after completing the eighteenth (18th) and before the
    completion of the twenty-sixth (26th) year of age, whose parents are not persons of Cypriot origin, if they are
    classified in Military service within two (2 ) years from the date of their naturalization, otherwise they are
    imposed for additional compulsory service of two (2) months.
    Reduced military service of fourteen (14) months:
  • The foreign residents, who on the date of arrival in the Republic for permanent residence are over thirteen year
    old, but not over eighteen year old.
    Reduced military service of eighteen (18) months:
  • The permanent residents abroad, who on the date of arrival in the Republic for permanent residence are over
    ten year old, but not over thirteen years old.
    It is better to take information and details regarding your case from National Guard in Russia in order to be sure
    if you are obliged to serve in Russia as well.