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EU Citizens Moving to the Republic of CyprusThe legal requirements for visiting or staying in Cyprus depend on citizenship - European Union (EU) or non-European Union (EU) citizen - reason for entry into Cyprus and the intended duration of the stay. Because the Republic of Cyprus is a member of the European Union, all citizens of other EU and EEA (European Economic Area) countries do not require a visa to enter, have the same rights of residence as Cypriot citizens and are entitled to the same conditions of employment and social insurance. Non-EU dependants (the spouse and children) of EU citizens are entitled to these same rights.
The information below is a general guide on how an EU national and their family members may apply for and receive a Cyprus residency permit. Please note: The process is in a state of flux and things may not happen as stated. AngloINFO would be interested to hear of your personal experiences should they vary greatly from the information as laid out below. Entry into CyprusCitizens of the EU and EEA (which includes Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) may enter Cyprus using their valid EU passport or photo ID Card. Dependants of EU citizens who are not EU citizens themselves, may require an entry visa.
The government recommends that entry into the Republic of Cyprus be made via one of the legal ports in the government-controlled area. These are the airports of Larnaca and Paphos and the seaports of Larnaca, Limassol, Latsi and Paphos. Planning to Stay: Alien Registration Certificate (ARC)EU citizens planning to stay in Cyprus for longer than three months or beginning employment, must register at the local Immigration Branch of the Police for an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC). This is a small booklet and is issued automatically and for a small fee.
Registration Certificate and Residence CardApplication for the residence permit, the Registration Certificate, must be requested within four months of the date entry into Cyprus. It can be made at the same time and location as the ARC registration. Proof of employment or adequate finances is needed, and if not employed proof of health insurance is essential. Application must be made in person. Application forms for a Registration Certificate can be obtained from the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Ministry of Interior and in some areas, from the local Immigration Branch of the Police. Forms are also available online at the Ministry of Interior (MOI) website in Greek and English:
The "pink slip"/"yellow slip"The Residence Certificate, commonly referred to as the "pink slip" (although the document is yellow), is said to be issued within six months of application (many wait longer). Note that there may be no notification that it is ready and a office will expect the applicant to go in person and find out. It is recommended to find out about this at the point of application. Note: a residence permit is not required to begin working in Cyprus - an EU national may begin work while the residency paperwork is still in process - however the employer and employee may be fined if application for the Registration Certificate is never made. Documents Required for a Residence Certificate ApplicationThe application for MEU1 (for EU citizens) must be completed and submitted with the following documents: Employed and self-employed
Before moving to Cyprus to open a business and provide services it is recommended to check if a professional permit is necessary for the activity. If it is, certificates and documents needed to verify qualifications must be provided.
Retired, non workingA person retiring to Cyprus, or not working in Cyprus must show that they have:
EU terms state that: "Each country is free to define what constitutes ‘sufficient’ financial resources. If you are entitled to retirement benefits, these are payable wherever you are living. If the retirement scheme under which you are insured covers your medical expenses, you have the right to the same cover as a retired person in the country where you are living. To qualify for these benefits, you should notify your change of residence to your pension authorities before you leave and ask for Form E121 from the health authorities in the country you are moving from. The form should be handed to the relevant authorities in the country to which you move." StudentsIn addition to the passport or identity documents and two passport-sized photographs, students are required to show:
Family MembersFamily members include a spouse, children aged under 21, other dependents and a spouse's dependents, and any direct family members. An application fee is payable at the time of submission along with a fee for each family member. A person not making the application for residency will be fined.
EU family membersWhere an EU-citizen's family also carry EU passports, the following documents must be provided along with the completed application form MEU1 (for EU citizens):
Application for Residence Card (non-EU spouse and children)The residence card is issued to the non-EU family members of EU citizens moving to Cyprus. Application must be made within four months of the date of entry. Family members of EU citizens who are not EU citizens themselves should provide the following with a competed application form MEU2 (for non-EU family members of EU citizens):
Registration Certificates Validity PeriodResidence permits granted for employment purposes (including self-employment) are valid for five years from the date of issue. Registration Certificates issued to family members of EU citizens are valid for two years. If an employment contract exceeds three months but is less than a year, or in cases of seasonal employment lasting more than three months, a Temporary Registration Certificate may be issued. This is valid only for the expected duration of employment. Permanent ResidenceCitizens from other EU countries who have been resident in Cyprus for at least five uninterrupted years are eligible to apply for a Permanent Registration Certificate. Non-EU citizen family members of an EU citizen may apply for a Permanent Residence Card. An application for a Permanent Residence Card must be submitted within one month of the Residence Card's expiry. The Permanent Residence Card for non-EU family members is valid for 10 years and is renewable. The family members residing with anyone who has obtained permanent residency are also eligible to apply, regardless of nationality. A Cyprus resident need not wait five years before applying for permanent residence if they have been employed or self-employed on a permanent basis for a fixed period of time. There is also some protection for the family members of a person who could qualify for permanent residency but dies before doing so. In all instances the criteria differ and information is available form the Ministry of Interior. Permanent Registration Certificate validityResidence cards remain valid during temporary absences not exceeding six months in any year or by one absence of a maximum of 12 consecutive months for pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, study or professional training, or a posting in a different country. Once permanent residency is acquired, an absence from the country of more than two consecutive years will nullify residency. Application for permanent residencyA completed application form MEU3A is required along with:
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This is the "EU Residency in Cyprus: How to Apply for a Residence Permit" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Cyprus. AngloINFO Cyprus's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Cyprus, in English!". AngloINFO Cyprus is your Cyprus information source, for everyone living in Cyprus or moving to Cyprus, covering everything from the Cyprus property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to Cyprus, to all aspects of everyday life in the Cyprus international community for those living their lives in Cyprus. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
