Whilst being a member of the EU guarantees freedom of movement within the European Union, please note that all European citizens are required to register with the Immigration Department within 4 months of arrival on the island to formalise their residency and supply the paperwork necessary for issue of an MEU1.
After a 5 year residency period, European Citizens can apply for 'permanent residency' [MEU3] after supplying supporting documentation.
Those EU citizens who have been on the island for 5+ years and who have not previously obtained an MEU1, can elect to obtain a combined MEU1 and MEU3 in one visit, but you would need to stipulate this at the time of making your appointment.
Failure to register with the Cypriot authorities leaves you open to a fine of up to €2,562.90. In addition, if you have not formalised your residency on the island, if there is a lockdown situation and you are trapped overseas, you are unlikely to be repatriated back onto the island and would have to wait until the normal flight schedules return. Access to GESY [the Cypriot Health service] is also likely to be affected.
Full details of the Immigration Procedure can be found by clicking on the appropriate category below in blue:
MEU1 - MEU1 [please read in particular about the need to have certain documents translated and/or Apostilled and/or certified - depending on your country of origin]
MEU3 - MEU3
Family members of EU citizens who are not EU citizens [MEU2]
General Guidelines for the process
To start the process you need to go down to the Immigration Department in Paphos with your passport[s] to make an appointment. They will provide you with a list of the documentation they require you to provide at that appointment.
