A reminder from the British High Commission to all UK expats living in Cyprus. Please take a few minutes to read the following document.
The recommendation is that you should obtain your yellow slip [MEU1] and, once you have been here 5 years, or if you already hold the MEU1 and have been here 5 years, upgrade this to an MEU3.
After Brexit, we will no longer be European citizens and our status on Cyprus will change. By law you should only stay here for 90 days without formalising your stay ie obtaining the MEU1 and then, after 5 years, the MEU3.
To obtain your MEU1 or upgrade to the MEU3, you will need to go to the Immigration Department with your passport to make an appointment. Immigration will tell you what documents they require you to bring to that appointment - and be prepared for a lengthy wait for that appointment as they are currently allocating dates in May/June 2019!
Remember you may own a property here and live in Cyprus, but if you do not formalise your stay by obtaining the correct paperwork, then after Brexit you run the risk that Immigration may not allow you back into the country, or pursue you if you have exceeded the 90 day stay limit, if the formal paperwork is not in place or in the pipeline.
Guidance
Living in Cyprus
Official information British people moving to and living in Cyprus need to know, including residency, healthcare and driving.
EU exit: what you need to know
Sign up to email alerts on living in Cyprus
There will be no change to the rights and status of UK nationals living in Cyprus while the UK remains in the EU.
While the government continues to negotiate Brexit, you should:
- make sure you’re correctly registered as resident in Cyprus
- read UK nationals in the EU: essential information
- attend one of our citizens outreach meetings
- follow the British High Commission on Facebook and Twitter
Before you go
See our travel advice for Cyprus and sign up for up-to-date information on local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
See entry requirements for Cyprus in our travel advice.
The Cyprus government has issued guidance on EU exit and residency in Cyprus.
If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, you must apply for a registration certificate from the Ministry of the Interior, Civil Registry and Migration Department.
After living in Cyprus for more than 5 years, you can apply for permanent residence.
The UK and EU have agreed the full legal text of the draft Withdrawal Agreement in principle. The agreement on citizens’ rights will allow UKnationals to stay in their Member State of residence after the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019.
In the event of changes to residency rules or registration processes after 29 March 2019, we will update this page as soon as information is available.
Healthcare
See our travel advice for Cyprus.
The NHS has information about healthcare for British people living in and visiting Cyprus.
Once you are registered as resident, you may be entitled to state healthcare. You should check with the Ministry of Health or at your local citizen service centre to see if you are covered. We strongly advise you to take out private medical insurance if you are not eligible for state healthcare.
You are entitled to a free, Cyprus-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you hold a Cyprus medical card. If you receive an exportable UKpension or benefit through the S1 form the UK will issue your EHIC.
You can find English-speaking doctors in Cyprus. You should also check your prescriptions are legal in Cyprus.
S1 form – healthcare paid for by the UK
You may be entitled to state healthcare paid for by the UK if you live in Cyprus and get an exportable UK pension, contribution-based Employment Support Allowance or another exportable benefit.
You need to apply for a S1 form – contact the Department for Work and Pensions’ International Pensions Centre.
You should register the S1 form with your local state hospital or health facility through your local citizen service centre before you obtain your medical card.
Working in Cyprus
Some jobs may require a UK criminal records check (known as a DBS check).
Tax
The UK has a double-taxation agreement with Cyprus to ensure people do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
See the Cyprus Ministry of Finance, Tax Department.
You may be able to pay National Insurance while abroad in order to protect your State Pension and entitlement to other benefits and allowances.
Pensions
If you have worked in Cyprus, you should apply for your UK state pension through your local citizen service centre.
If you haven’t worked in Cyprus, you should claim your UK state pension by contacting the International Pension Centre.
If you’ve worked in several EU countries, see state pensions abroad.
You may be entitled to a Cyprus state pension, depending on your work history. You should contact your citizen service centre for advice.
Life certificates for UK state pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Benefits
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can’t be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
You may be eligible to claim some Cyprus social security benefits – see Cyprus social security benefits. When you are checking whether you are eligible for benefits in Cyprus you should make sure you declare any National Insurance contributions you made in the UK.
You can request proof of National Insurance contributions from HM Revenue and Customs, if you are asked for this information.
Driving in Cyprus
See driving abroad and road travel in Cyprus.
See information on importing a vehicle into Cyprus. You cannot import vehicles through the northern part of Cyprus – the authorities may seize your vehicle.
The Road Transport Department has information about driving in Cyprus.
Voting
British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter.
If you’re resident in Cyprus, you can vote in local municipal and European Parliamentary elections.
Births
Deaths
See also bereavement information for Cyprus.
Getting married
Renewing passports
See overseas British passports applications and get an emergency travel document (sometimes called an emergency passport).
Pets
See travelling with pets.
UK nationals will still be able to travel to and from the UK with a pet (cat, dog or ferret) when the UK leaves the EU, but the rules will change. See pet travel to Europe after Brexit for more information.
Emergencies
As well as the European emergency number 112, Cyprus also has 199.
If you need urgent help, contact the British High Commission Nicosia.
Accommodation and buying property
Other useful information
- English-speaking lawyers and translators in Cyprus
- notarial and documentary services for Cyprus
- citizen service centres
Returning to the UK
To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Cypriot authorities. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Published 22 March 2013
Last updated 22 November 2018 + show all updates
Last updated 22 November 2018 + show all updates
