There will be changes to the way that UK nationals
can live, travel and access services in Cyprus after 31 December 2020. The
below FAQs explain the importance of obtaining or updating your residency
status, the benefits that residency gives you and the difference between
temporary (MEU1) and permanent residency (MEU3). Please visit the GOV.UK Living in Cyprus guide for further guidance on residence rights in Cyprus
and follow our social media pages for further updates.
1.
Why do I need a residency document? I’ve lived here for years without one
and experienced no problems.
The Withdrawal Agreement that the UK agreed with
the EU in 2019, established a transition period until the end of December 2020,
during which time UK nationals will continue to be treated in the same way as
EU nationals in Cyprus. In order to evidence your rights to live, work, study
or access benefits in Cyprus after the end of 2020 you need to apply for
residency. If you have been in Cyprus for less than 5 years you should apply
for an MEU1 (temporary residency permit). If you have been in Cyprus for over 5
years you should apply for an MEU3 (permanent residency). You will not be
penalised if you have been living in Cyprus without residency documents.
You can find all the information on how to apply
for your residency document on our Living in Cyprus page.
2.
When do I need to apply by?
You should apply before the end of the transition
period on 31 December 2020. This is because UK nationals with residency
documents will then be able to continue to travel freely into and out of Cyprus
on the same basis as EU nationals from January 1 2021. UK nationals who have
regularised their residency will also be able to register with GESY – the
Cypriot General Healthcare system and be entitled to lifelong healthcare rights
for as long as they remain resident in Cyprus. After 31 December 2020, the
procedure for residency applications and residency documents is likely to
change. The new procedures may be different and the new residency document will
have a defined validity in years. The current MEU1 and MEU3 documents do not
have an expiry date.
3.
Is it a legal requirement to have a residency document in Cyprus?
Yes, all UKNs who plan to stay in Cyprus longer
than 90 days must register with the Civil Registry and Immigration Authorities
and apply for an MEU residency document.
This includes UK nationals who have bought property
in Cyprus and spend more than 90 days here, those who have lived in Cyprus for
many years and never registered or have residency documents issued prior to
2004, those who work or study in Cyprus, and those who have retired and chosen
to make Cyprus their permanent home.
4. I have an older residency document do I have
to apply for an MEU residency document?
Yes. Examples of outdated and invalid residency
documents include: a brown residency booklet, a blue slip, a pink slip, an ARC,
or an old residency stamp in a UK passport.
All these residency documents and stamps in
passports, issued prior to 2004, became invalid when Cyprus entered the EU and
initiated the MEU residency document procedures for all nationals of EU Member
States living in Cyprus. If you do not update your older residency documents
you may experience difficulties re-entering Cyprus or accessing services after
31 December 2020.
5.
What is the financial criteria that I need to pass in order to be able to
apply for my residency document?
According to the Minimum Guaranteed income funds as
provided by the Ministry of Labour (EEE), you will need to be able to provide
documentary evidence that you receive a minimum income or pension of over €480
per month.
6.
If I don’t have a residency document and remain in Cyprus for longer than 90
days will I have difficulties leaving or returning to Cyprus?
Yes. The rules on travel to and from the Republic
of Cyprus will change after 31 December 2020. If you do not have a residency
document then you cannot remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days after this
date. If you exceed the 90 day limit, you could face difficulties and/or fines
when travelling in and out of Cyprus. As per our Living in Cyprus guide, you
are advised to carry your Cyprus-issued residency documents when travelling
in/out of Cyprus.
7.
What help is there for UKNs who are elderly or vulnerable to register for
residency?
UK National Support Fund
On 6 March 2020 the FCO announced funding for organisations to provide practical support to
UK nationals who may find it harder to complete their residency applications.
These organisations will help individuals who may
find it harder to complete the necessary paperwork to secure their residency
rights, including pensioners, disabled people, those living in remote areas or
who have mobility difficulties, and those who require help with language
translation or interpretation.
In Cyprus, two organisations are providing this
practical support: SSAFA (specifically for armed forces veterans) and Cyprus
Residency Planning Group (CRPG). If you or someone you know may find it harder
to complete the paperwork, you can contact them using the details below to
discuss how they may be able to help you.
SSAFA: 800 77058 (freephone)
Mon - Fri 09.00-17.30
CRPG: 800 09009 (freephone)
Mon – Fri 09.00-13.00
8.
I applied for my MEU residency document months ago and still haven’t
received it. What should I do?
We are aware that there are currently delays in the
issuance of residency documents. It is important to keep the receipt that you
receive when you submit your residency application, as this receipt will enable
you to look into the progress of your application by referencing the
application number as it appears on the receipt. If you have not received your
residency documents after several months, you can enquire into the status of
your application through the SMS Service for Information Regarding
Applications for Residence Permits by sending a free SMS message to 8999.
Send a message with the word STATUS leave a space and add the number of your
application.
9.
I have been in Cyprus for longer than 5 years and have an MEU1 document, why
should I apply for MEU3 permanent residency status?
The MEU3 document allows immediate registration to
Cyprus’ General Healthcare system known as GESY. You do not have to be an S1
holder or be contributing to the Cyprus Social Insurance Scheme to register
with GESY if you have an MEU3.
If you plan to spend time both in the UK and in
Cyprus during the year, an MEU1 allows you to be out of Cyprus for up to 6
months per year whereas, the MEU3 permanent residency status allows up to 5
years out of the country.
10.
I have an MEU1 can I register with GESY?
If you have an MEU1, you can only register with
GESY if you are an S1 holder, or if you are contributing to Cyprus Social
Insurance as an employee or company owner, or if you are voluntarily
contributing to the Cyprus Social Insurance Scheme.
We advise you to have comprehensive healthcare
cover if you are not entitled to register with GESY. There is more information
about GESY on our Living in Cyprus page.
11.
I am an early retiree and do not yet have an S1 can I register with GESY if
I have an MEU1?
As an MEU1 holder, you can’t register with GESY
unless you are currently receiving a state pension as evidenced by the S1
document, or unless you are contributing to the Cyprus Social Insurance Scheme.
We advise you to have comprehensive healthcare cover if you are not entitled to
register with GESY. More information about state pensions and social assistance
benefits can be found on our Living in Cyprus page.
Note if you are a dependant of a pensioner, but under state pension age, you can obtain an S1 and register for GESY.
12.
If I have an MEU1 or MEU3 residence document can I apply for a Cyprus issued
EHIC card?
You can apply for a Cyprus issued EHIC card only if
you are contributing to the Cyprus Social Insurance Scheme. Having an MEU1 or
MEU3 without contributing to Social Insurance does not entitle you to apply for
a Cyprus issued EHIC card.
13.
If I have an MEU1 or MEU3 residency document can I apply for social
assistance benefits?
Yes, both MEU1 and MEU3 holders are entitled to
apply for social assistance and social welfare benefits. More information can
be found on the Living in Cyprus Guide and the Department of Social Welfare Services
website here.
If there are changes to residency registration
processes, we will update this guidance as soon as information is available.
