Migration questions Cyprus

Obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Cyprus depends on the purpose of stay, such as work, study, family reunification, or investment:

Work: A labor contract with a Cypriot employer and the appropriate work permit are required.

Study: Confirmation of enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Cyprus is required.

Family reunification: Proof of family ties with a Cypriot citizen or foreigner legally residing in the country is necessary.

Investment: There are special programs for investors involving significant investments in the Cypriot economy.

Required Documents

Completed application form of standard format.

Valid international passport (valid for at least 6 months).

Proof of financial solvency (bank account statements, sponsorship letters, etc.).

Proof of accommodation in Cyprus (rental agreement or property documents).

Health insurance valid in Cyprus.

Certificate of no criminal record from the country of residence.

Additional documents depending on the purpose of stay: 

For work: Labor contract, work permit.

For study: Admission letter, confirmation of tuition payment.

For family reunification: Documents proving family ties (birth, marriage certificates, etc.).

For investors: Documents confirming investments and appropriate financial reports.

Processing times: Processing times for applications vary depending on the type of permit and the completeness of submitted documents. On average, the process takes from 1 to 3 months.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration Cyprus directly or visit the official website: moi.gov.cy.

1. Determine the category of residence permit and prepare the necessary documents.

2. Application submission: The application is submitted to the Department of Civil Registry and Migration Cyprus. In some cases, the application can be submitted online through the official portal moi.gov.cy. Personal presence of the applicant may be required for biometric data submission (photo, fingerprints).

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration Cyprus directly or visit their official website: moi.gov.cy.

Entry and Stay

Visa-free entry: EU/EEA citizens can enter Cyprus visa-free by presenting a valid passport or national identity card.

Short-term stay: Staying up to 90 days does not require additional formalities.

Long-term stay: When planning to stay for more than 90 days, it is necessary to obtain the Certificate of Registration for EU citizens, also known as form MEU1.

Registration Procedure

Application deadline: The application for the Certificate of Registration should be submitted within the first four months of entering Cyprus.

Required documents: 

- Completed form MEU1.

- Valid passport or identity card.

- Proof of employment (e.g., labor contract) or financial solvency.

- Proof of accommodation (rental agreement or property documents).

- Two passport-sized photographs.

Submission location: The application is submitted to the local office of the Department of Civil Registry and Migration or a district police station.

Employment

No work permit required: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Cyprus without the need to obtain a special work permit.

Registration with the social insurance system: For official employment, it is necessary to register with the Cyprus social insurance system by providing the Certificate of Registration for EU citizens.

Regulated professions: For certain professions (e.g., doctor, lawyer, engineer), recognition of qualifications and obtaining the appropriate permits from professional associations are required.

Permanent Residence

Right to Permanent Residence: After five years of continuous legal residence in Cyprus, EU/EEA citizens can apply for a Certificate of Permanent Residence, confirming their right to permanent residence.

Family Members

Rights of Family Members: Family members of EU/EEA citizens, regardless of their nationality, have the right to join them in Cyprus.

Procedure for Family Members: It is necessary to obtain a Resident Card for family members of an EU citizen by submitting the appropriate application and providing supporting documents (e.g., marriage certificate, proof of relationship).

For the most current information, it is recommended to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration of the Republic of Cyprus or visit their official website.

Entry and Visa Requirements

Visa Requirement: Third-country nationals must obtain a visa to enter Cyprus. There are several categories of visas, including short-term (type C) and long-term (type D), depending on the purpose and duration of stay.

Passport Validity: The passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of departure from the territory of the Republic of Cyprus.

Duration of Stay: The total stay on a short-term visa must not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

Employment

Work Permit: Foreign nationals can be employed in Cyprus provided they first find a local employer willing to process the necessary documents. The employer must obtain a work permit for the foreigner from the relevant authorities.

Application Procedure: After receiving a job offer and approval from the authorities, the applicant must apply for the appropriate visa and work permit.

Residence

Residence Permit: After arriving in Cyprus and starting work, a foreign national must obtain a residence permit confirming their legal status in the country. This permit is usually issued for the duration of the employment contract and can be extended if necessary.

Important Notes

Prohibited Points of Entry: Entry into the territory of the Republic of Cyprus through ports and airports located in occupied territories is illegal. It is recommended to use only official entry points, such as Larnaca and Paphos airports.

Compliance with Legislation: Foreign nationals are required to comply with all laws and regulations of the Republic of Cyprus, including registration, taxation, and social security requirements.

For the most current information, it is recommended to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration of the Republic of Cyprus or visit their official website.

Application Deadlines:

It is recommended to apply for an extension of the residence permit at least one month before the current permit expires.

Required Documents:

- Completed application form: Choose the appropriate form depending on your category of stay (e.g., employment, study, family reunification).

- Valid passport: Provide the original and a copy of the passport with up-to-date data.

- Proof of the purpose of stay:

For employees: updated employment contract.

For students: proof of continued study.

For family members: documents proving ongoing family ties.

- Proof of financial means: Updated bank statements or other documents proving sufficient funds.

- Health insurance: A valid policy covering the extended stay period.

- Proof of accommodation: Rental agreement or property ownership documents.

Application Procedure:

Personal attendance: The applicant must personally visit the appropriate office to submit the application and provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints).

Application Venue:

- Department of Civil Registry and Migration in Nicosia.

- District branches of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the police in other regions.

Biometric Data Collection: When submitting an application, it is necessary to provide biometric data, including a photo and fingerprints. Children under 6 years old are exempt from fingerprinting.

Payment of Fees: The amount of fees depends on the category of the residence permit and may include application, registration, and issuance fees for a new permit.

Waiting and Obtaining the Permit: After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation of document receipt. If you need to leave the country before receiving the new permit, ensure that there is a stamp on the payment receipt allowing re-entry. Without this stamp, a special re-entry permit may be required.

Important Notes:

Late submission of a renewal application may result in the cancellation of the current residence permit and the need to undergo the application procedure again.

If passport details change, you must update the information on your residence permit by submitting the relevant application with the new data.

For the most current information, it is recommended to contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department of the Republic of Cyprus or visit their official website.

Medical Insurance Requirements

Mandatory: Medical insurance is a mandatory requirement for obtaining both temporary and permanent residence permits in Cyprus.

Coverage: The policy must cover basic medical services, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, as well as repatriation if necessary.

Validity Period: The insurance must be valid for the entire planned duration of stay in Cyprus.

Coverage Amount: The recommended minimum coverage amount is 30,000 euros.

Types of Medical Insurance

Private Medical Insurance: Non-EU foreign nationals usually obtain private medical policies, which provide access to medical services outside the state healthcare system.

State Healthcare System: EU citizens and permanent residents of Cyprus can use the services of the state healthcare system; however, many choose to additionally purchase private policies for extended coverage.

 Providing Insurance When Applying for a Residence Permit

Documentation: When applying for a residence permit, a copy of the medical insurance policy must be provided along with other required documents.

Recommendations

Consultation with Professionals: If needed, contact immigration consultants or insurance brokers specializing in the Cypriot market for additional information and assistance in policy arrangement.

Citizenship by Descent (Through Registration)

Born to Cypriot Parents: Persons born after August 16, 1960, with at least one parent who is a Cypriot citizen, may apply for citizenship through a registration procedure.

Descent through the Male Line: Persons of Cypriot descent through the male line, born before August 16, 1960, and who are not citizens of the United Kingdom or its former colonies, may apply for citizenship.

Citizenship Through Marriage to a Cypriot Citizen

Conditions: Foreign nationals married to a Cypriot citizen may apply for citizenship after three years of marriage and cohabitation. If the couple resides outside Cyprus, the period of cohabitation must be at least three years.

Citizenship Through Naturalization

Conditions: Foreign nationals residing legally in Cyprus may apply for naturalization after seven years of continuous residence in the country. For those of Cypriot descent, this period is reduced to five years.

Application Process

Document Collection: It is necessary to collect supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence, and others, depending on the chosen path to citizenship.

Application Submission: Cyprus residents submit applications at the central offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department or district administrations. Residents of other countries may submit applications at the consular offices of the Republic of Cyprus abroad.

Application Review: After submission, the application undergoes verification by the relevant authorities. The review period may vary depending on the application category and the completeness of the documents provided.

Important Remarks

Language of Documents: All documents accompanying the application must be officially translated into Greek or English and properly certified.

Additional Requirements: Depending on the applicant's individual circumstances, additional documents or fulfillment of certain conditions may be required.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration of the Republic of Cyprus or visit their official website.

Yes, possessing a valid temporary residence permit in the Republic of Cyprus, you have the right to leave the country and return. However, it is important to consider the following crucial points:

Duration of Stay Outside Cyprus: If you leave Cyprus and are absent for more than three months, your temporary residence permit is canceled, regardless of the validity period indicated on it.

Returning to Cyprus: For re-entry into the country, you must have with you a valid temporary residence permit; a valid passport. Provided that your absence did not exceed three months, these documents are sufficient for uninterrupted return.

Prolonged Absence: If you were absent for more than three months, your temporary residence permit is canceled. In this case, standard entry procedures relevant to the purpose of your stay need to be followed; a new residence permit must be obtained after entry, if required.

Awaiting Residence Permit Issuance: If you have applied for or are extending a residence permit and plan to travel before receiving it, take note of the following:

- The receipt of payment for the application may contain a stamp allowing re-entry.

- If such a stamp is present: take the receipt and passport for your return.

- If no stamp is present: it is necessary to contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration for obtaining a special re-entry permit.

Recommendations:

For additional information, contact the Department of Civil Registry and Migration of the Republic of Cyprus or visit their official website.

Analysis of Refusal Reasons:

Official Notification: After receiving a refusal, carefully study the official notification to understand the specific reasons for the refusal. This will help determine which aspects of your application require adjustment or additional information.

Appealing the Decision

Administrative Appeal: You have the right to appeal the refusal decision administratively by submitting an appeal to the relevant authority. It is recommended to consult a qualified lawyer specializing in Cyprus immigration law, who will help draft and submit the appeal in accordance with the legislation.

Judicial Appeal: If the administrative appeal did not yield the desired result, you may approach the court for a review of the decision. In this case, it is also advisable to secure support from an experienced attorney.

Resubmitting the Application

Eliminating Deficiencies: After analyzing the reasons for refusal and, if necessary, consulting with a lawyer, prepare a new application, eliminating previously indicated deficiencies. Ensure all documents are current and meet the Cyprus immigration authorities' requirements.

Observing Deadlines: When resubmitting the application, pay attention to the deadlines set for submitting documents after refusal to avoid delays.

Preventing Refusals

Consultation with Professionals: Consulting immigration law specialists can significantly increase the chances of successful residence permit acquisition, as they will help consider all nuances and legal requirements.

When undergoing immigration procedures in the Republic of Cyprus, it is important to consider the language requirements for submitted documents and the need for their official translation.

Need for Document Translation

Language of Documents: Cyprus immigration authorities usually accept documents in Greek or English. If your documents are in another language, an official translation is required.

Official Translation: The translation must be carried out by a certified translator or a translation agency to ensure accuracy and compliance with the requirements of the Cypriot authorities.

Where to Find Certified Translators in Cyprus

Translation Agencies: There are specialized agencies in Cyprus that provide official document translation services.

Sworn Translators: Since July 1, 2019, Cyprus has been governed by the Law on Certified Translators, regulating the activities of sworn translators. Such specialists have the right to perform official translations recognized by government bodies.

Recommendations

Verification of Requirements: Before beginning the process, verify with the relevant immigration authorities in Cyprus which specific documents require translation and what kind of certification is necessary.