For citizens of the European Union (EU) and their family members who are also EU citizens, obtaining residency in Cyprus is facilitated through the Yellow Slip, also known as the MEU1 form. It is essential to understand the process, validity, and requirements associated with the Yellow Slip for EU citizens and their family members.
Yellow Slip MEU1:
EU citizens and their EU citizen family members apply for the Yellow Slip MEU1 using the MEU1 form.
Processing Time: The Yellow Slip MEU1 is issued immediately or within a maximum of 5 days. It is obtained directly from the Immigration City Unit in the applicant’s place of residence.
Validity: The Yellow Slip MEU1 is issued once and does not have an expiration date. After continuously living in Cyprus for 5 years, EU citizens can apply for a permanent residence permit using the MEU3 form.
Yellow Slip MEU2:
Non-EU family members of an EU citizen apply for the Yellow Slip MEU2 using the MEU2 form.
Application Process: Unlike the MEU1, the Yellow Slip MEU2 application for non-EU family members is submitted to the Immigration City Unit and further examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia.
Processing Time: The Yellow Slip MEU2 is issued by the CRMD in Nicosia, and it is typically mailed to the applicant’s address. The examination process takes approximately 6-7 months.
Validity: The MEU2 certificate for non-EU family members is valid for 5 years. Upon expiration, the applicant can apply for renewal. During the application process, the applicant can stay in Cyprus and re-enter the country with the Receipt of Submission.
EU Family Members’ Employment Rights: Family members of EU citizens have the right to work or engage in self-employment in Cyprus. In such cases, they should update their permit by reapplying to inform the Immigration Authorities.
Yellow Slip MEU3:
The MEU3 form is used to apply for permanent residence for EU citizens and their family members.
Eligibility: EU citizens who have continuously resided in Cyprus for 5 years are eligible to apply for a permanent residence certificate, confirming their right to permanently live in the country. Non-EU family members of EU citizens should apply for permanent residence one month before the expiration of their Yellow Slip MEU2, which is valid for 5 years.
Processing Time: The MEU3 application is submitted to the Immigration City Unit and forwarded to the CRMD in Nicosia for examination. The Yellow Slip MEU3 is issued by the CRMD and sent to the applicant’s address. The examination process takes approximately 6-7 months.
Validity: The validity of the Yellow Slip MEU3 may be affected by absences longer than six months in a year. However, certain absences, such as military service, a maximum of 12 consecutive months for important reasons like pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, or study/vocational training, will not affect the validity. If an individual is absent for more than two consecutive years, the right of permanent residence will be lost.
Biometric Features Requirement: In all the above cases, applicants need to be physically present at the Migration Department to provide their biometric features (fingerprints and/or photographs) and sign the necessary documents before submitting their applications.
Understanding the Yellow Slip residency process is crucial for EU citizens and their family members wishing to reside in Cyprus. Adhering to the correct procedures, maintaining eligibility requirements, and ensuring timely applications will facilitate a smooth transition to Cyprus residency.