LIVING IN CYPRUS
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Cyprus – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
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Getting help with living in Cyprus
Help from the Cyprus government
For any questions about moving to or living in Cyprus, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British High Commission in Nicosia cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Cyprus.
Professional help in Cyprus
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Cyprus, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Cyprus to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Cyprus. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Cyprus before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to enter and live in Cyprus.
You can get a visa to:
- work
- study
- do research
- join family members
For more information, read guidance on:
Registering as a resident
If you want to stay longer than 90 days as a visitor, you need to apply for temporary residency as a third country national. A third country national is someone who does not have EU, EEA or Swiss nationality.
If you have any problems or questions about registering your residency, contact:
Extending or replacing your visa or residence permit
See the Cypriot Migration Department’s residence permit FAQs for information on how to:
- extend your visa or residence permit
- replace a lost, damaged or stolen visa or residence permit
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Cyprus if you have lived there for 5 years or more.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read guidance from the Cypriot Migration Department.
Citizenship
Cyprus recognises dual citizenship with the UK. This means that you do not have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Cypriot citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Cypriot citizenship:
- read the Directorate of Civil Registry’s information on Cyprus citizenship (in Greek)
- contact the Ministry of Interior’s Directorate of Civil Registry
- contact the High Commission of Cyprus in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British High Commission in Nicosia cannot help with Cypriot visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
Residency if you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021, and have been legally living there since then, you and your family members have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Read guidance on your Withdrawal Agreement rights from the Cypriot government.
Residence documents if you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021, you may have one of the following residence documents:
- Registration Certificate (MEU1)
- Residence Card (MEU2) - this is for family members who are not EU citizens
- Permanent Residence Card (MEU3)
These show that you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
You should exchange your MEU residence document for the newer MUKW biometric residence card.
If you do not have a residence document
If you were living in Cyprus before 1 January 2021, but do not have a residence document, you should apply for an MUKW residence card now. You’ll need to submit evidence to prove that you met the residency criteria at the time.
Read guidance on your Withdrawal Agreement rights and the documents you should apply for from the Cypriot government.
If you have been legally resident in Cyprus for:
- less than 5 years – complete an MUKW1 application form (in Greek and English) (also known as UKW1) to apply for a temporary residence card valid for 5 years
- over 5 years – complete an MUKW3 application form (in Greek and English) (also known as UKW3) to apply for a permanent residency card (valid for 10 years and renewable after that)
Take or send your MUKW application forms to one of the following:
- the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia
- one of the District Units of the Aliens and Immigration Service of the Police
You will have to pay a fee and book an appointment online, so you can submit your documents and have your biometric data taken.
If your application is successful, you’ll get a biometric residence card.
If your application is unsuccessful, you may be able to appeal. The refusal letter will include instructions on how to appeal. Consider getting legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Cyprus. If your appeal is rejected, you may be able to apply for long term residence as a third country national.
Read the Ministry of Interior’s FAQs on residence documents and applications.
Renewing your residence document if you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021
If you have any of the following residence documents, you should replace them with a biometric MUKW residence card:
- Registration Certificate (MEU1)
- Residence Card (MEU2) - this is for family members who are not EU citizens
- Permanent Residence Card (MEU3)
You’ll need to renew any residence document every 5 or 10 years, depending on how long you have been resident in Cyprus.
For more guidance read the Ministry of Interior’s:
- FAQs on residence documents and applications
- guidance on your Withdrawal Agreement rights including residency from the Cypriot government
See also the Cyprus Residency Planning Group’s help for UK nationals.
Bringing family members to Cyprus if you moved there before 1 January 2021
If you moved to Cyprus before 1 January 2021, family members who have come to live with you after that date may also have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
Non-EU family members should apply for a MUKW2 residence document (in Greek and English) within 4 months of their arrival in Cyprus.
Your family members will qualify for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence. Children born or adopted after 1 January 2021 will get the same residence rights as their family members already living in Cyprus.
The Migration Department’s guidance on UK nationals and family members with free movement explains:
- which family members can join you in Cyprus under the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement
- how and when they should apply for their residence document
Read more information on citizens’ rights if you moved to an EU country before 1 January 2021.
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Cyprus is not part of the Schengen area. If you visit countries in the Schengen area from Cyprus, make sure you do not exceed the visa-free 90 days in any 180-day period.
Always carry your passport and residence document when entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. If you’re asked to show your passport at border control, make sure you also show your residence document or other evidence of residence status, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill. Your passport may be stamped if you do not.
If you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement, you can enter and exit Cyprus with a valid passport right up until the date of expiry on the passport.
If you have dual citizenship with an EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country, you should enter and leave Cyprus using your EU or EFTA passport.
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under need a letter of authority if they’re travelling out of Cyprus without their parent or legal guardian.
Read guidance from the Cyprus Police for more information.
European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Under the new digital Entry/Exit System (EES) there are new rules for entering, leaving or travelling within the Schengen area. Non-EU nationals will need to have their photo and fingerprints taken or verified at the border. This data will be stored in a digital record and used to monitor how long visitors have spent in the Schengen area.
Cyprus does not use the EES. British nationals resident in Cyprus will have to register with the EES to travel to other EU countries.
For more information about the EES, read:
Healthcare in Cyprus
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on healthcare in Cyprus and health in Cyprus
- find English-speaking doctors and on-call pharmacies in Cyprus
- look through our list of hospitals and medical facilities in Cyprus
Working in Cyprus
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Cyprus, you may need a work permit or work visa. Our guidance on travelling to Cyprus for work explains the different work permits and visas available to you.
Read the Cyprus government’s guidance on working in Cyprus as a foreign national and how to get a visa.
You do not need a work permit or visa if you have been living in Cyprus legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
To apply for a job, you may need to provide a UK police certificate.
If you live in Cyprus and were regularly commuting to work in another EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country before 1 January 2021, read guidance for frontier workers.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Cyprus, you may need to how to get your qualification recognised in Cyprus.
Read guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in the EU.
Driving in Cyprus
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
The Road Transport Department provides information on driving in Cyprus, including how to:
For more information read guidance on:
- driving in the EU
- road travel in Cyprus, in safety and security in the travel advice for Cyprus
- driving licence rules in Cyprus if you live there
Driving in Cyprus using a foreign driving licence
You can drive in Cyprus for up to 6 months using a driving licence issued in:
- the UK
- Gibraltar
- Jersey
- Guernsey
- the Isle of Man
You cannot replace or renew any of these licences if you live in Cyprus.
Exchanging a UK driving licence
To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your driving licence if it was issued in the UK.
You’ll need to:
- get a check code from the DVLA – for English, Welsh and Scottish driving licences
- get a check code from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) – for Northern Irish driving licences
- visit one of the district offices of the Road Transport Department
You should apply for the exchange before the 6 months is over. Applications may take time to process, and you’ll need your Cypriot licence to drive legally. You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of exchanging your licence.
Applying for a Cypriot driving licence
If your driving licence was issued in Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man, you cannot exchange it. You must apply for a Cypriot licence as a non-EU national.
You will need to take a test.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for an EU parking card for people with disabilities.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Cyprus, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Bringing a UK-registered vehicle to Cyprus
You can bring a vehicle into the Republic of Cyprus, but you cannot import one through the northern part of Cyprus. The authorities may seize your vehicle.
For further information, see:
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Cyprus so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Tax Department in the Ministry of Finance for any questions about double taxation relief.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Cyprus. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Cyprus.
National Insurance
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. It covers paying National Insurance while abroad.
National Insurance contributions (NIC) are called ‘social security contributions’ (SSC) in Cyprus.
Read guidance on:
- National Insurance for workers from the UK working in the EEA or Switzerland
- social security contributions for workers coming to the UK from the EEA or Switzerland
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Your UK state pension is calculated differently if you’ve previously lived in Australia, Canada or New Zealand and now live in the EU.
Claiming a Cypriot pension
If you have lived in Cyprus for at least 20 years since you were 40, or 35 years since you were 18, you may be able to claim a Cypriot pension.
Contact the Department of Social Insurance Services to find out whether you can claim an old age pension in Cyprus.
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
You can also read guidance on benefits and pensions for UK nationals in the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
Claiming Cypriot benefits
You may be entitled to some Cyprus benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim read guidance from the Cypriot Department of Social Insurance Services.
Buying and renting property in Cyprus
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad . This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Foreign nationals can own land in the Republic of Cyprus but for non-EU citizens there are a number of restrictions. For further information, read:
- our guide on Cyprus: buying property
- Ministry of Interior guidance on buying property as a foreign national
Contact an English-speaking lawyer if you’re considering buying property or land in Cyprus.
Voting in Cyprus
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Cypriot elections
You cannot vote in Cypriot local or national elections unless you hold Cypriot citizenship.
You cannot vote in European elections unless you hold citizenship of an EU country.
Studying in Cyprus
If you plan to study in Cyprus, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
You do not need a student visa if you have been living in Cyprus legally since before 1 January 2021, as you have rights under the Withdrawal Agreement.
For more information, read guidance on:
- studying in the EU
- higher education in Cyprus
- non-EU citizens wishing to study in Cyprus
- travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
You can also contact:
- your higher education provider in the UK or Cyprus
- the Cypriot Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth
- High Commission of Cyprus in London
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Cyprus.
All children aged 4 to 15 must attend school in Cyprus.
For more information, read the Cyprus government’s information on :
- primary education in Cyprus
- secondary education in Cyprus
- how to enrol a child in a primary school
- how to enrol a child in a secondary school
Childcare
The Department of Primary Education is responsible for childcare services in Cyprus.
If your child is 4 or younger, you can apply for help with nursery fees.
There is no government-sponsored childcare system, but there are plenty of private childcare services. You can read information on childcare and daycare options in Cyprus, including:
- child allowances
- child protection and social welfare services
- child benefits
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Cyprus, register the birth with the Cyprus authorities.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Cyprus, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
You can also read the Cypriot government guidance on how to:
- get a certificate of no impediment so that you can get married in Cyprus
- register a civil partnership in Cyprus
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
To get a divorce in Cyprus you will need to contact one of the three Family Courts.
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer.
Documents for British people in Cyprus
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
- witnessing signatures
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Cyprus, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Cyprus, read guidance on:
- the non-commercial movement of pets to Cyprus
- taking your pet dog, cat or ferret abroad
- moving to EU countries with your pet
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
If the NHS funds your healthcare in Cyprus through the S1 form, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team to cancel it.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Cypriot authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
