Yellow Slip Cyprus: Residency for EU Citizens

What is a Yellow Slip?

EU citizens have the right to move freely within the EU and live in any member state under Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.

EU and EEA citizens entering Cyprus to work, stay, or visit for more than 3 months need to apply for a residence permit for EU citizens. The registration certificate they receive is commonly referred to as the Yellow Slip because it is printed on yellow paper.

Benefits of the Registration Certificate ( Yellow Slip)

• Legal Residency Status – The yellow slip allows EU citizens to legally reside in Cyprus for more than three months, providing a stay right similar to that of Cypriot citizens​.
• Employment Opportunities – Holders of a yellow slip can work without needing additional work permits, thus facilitating seamless employment.
• Public Healthcare Services – Yellow slip holders can register for GESY, Cyprus’s national health system, which provides comprehensive healthcare services
• Educational Institutions – Additionally, the yellow slip enables registration in schools and universities, ensuring educational opportunities for children and adults​
• Banking facilitation – The certificate is often required for opening bank accounts and completing other formalities, simplifying various bureaucratic processes​
• Non-EU family members – Non-EU family members can also gain and enjoy residency rights through the yellow slip, ensuring family unity under one application

Who needs to have a Registration Certificate (Yellow Slip)?

• EU citizens moving to Cyprus for work, study, or permanent residence.
• Family members of EU citizens, including spouses and children.
• Non-EU family members accompanying or joining an EU citizen residing in Cyprus

​What MEU Form should I fill out?

The Application type and forms are different for European Union citizens and their family members who are not European.

Yellow Slip certificates offer the following categories:

Yellow Slip MEU1 for EU Citizens and Their EU Family Members

• Who Can Apply: Citizens of the European Union and their family members who are also EU citizens should use the MEU1 form.
• Processing Time: Typically issued immediately or within five days at the local Immigration City Unit based on the applicant’s residence.
• Validity: The MEU1 does not expire and remains valid indefinitely. After five continuous years in Cyprus, EU citizens can apply for a permanent residence permit using the MEU3 form.

Yellow Slip MEU2 for Non-EU Family Members

• Who Can Apply: Non-European family members of EU citizens need to submit the MEU2 form.
• Processing Details: While MEU1 is processed locally, MEU2 applications are forwarded to and examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia.
• Processing Time: It typically takes 6-7 months to process; the document is mailed to the applicant’s address.
• Validity: Valid for 5 years and renewable upon expiration. Holders can work or engage in self-employment in Cyprus, requiring a permit update through re-application.
• Travel and Residence: Applicants can stay and re-enter Cyprus as long as they travel with the Receipt of Submission of the application.

Yellow Slip MEU3 for Permanent Residence

• Eligibility: Available to EU citizens and their family members after living in Cyprus for 5 years.
• Application Process: Applications are submitted locally but are forwarded and processed by the CRMD in Nicosia.
• Processing Time: The application will be processed in 6-7 months, after which it will be mailed to the applicant.
• Validity: Valid indefinitely, although absences over six months within a year may affect the status. Exceptions include military service and absences of up to 12 consecutive months for significant reasons such as pregnancy, serious illness, study, or vocational training. Absence exceeding two consecutive years may result in the loss of permanent residence rights.

General Requirements for All Applications

• Physical Presence: All applicants must be physically present at the time of application to provide biometric data (fingerprints and/or photographs) and signatures.

How to obtain a Registration certificate:

Required Documentation for Application Process:

The documents required to get the yellow card include:

Prepare and submit the following documents for a smooth application process:

1. Application Forms:
   • MEU1 and MEU2 Forms:
     • Access and download the MEU1 form here.
     • Access and download the MEU2 form here.
2. Identification Documents:
   • Valid Passport Copy: Essential for the application.
3. Certified Family Status Certificates (if applicable):
   • Marriage Certificate: Must be translated into English, certified, and bear the “APOSTILLE” or be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Embassy of the issuing country.
   • Children’s Birth Certificates: These have the same certification and translation requirements as the marriage certificate.
4. Residential Agreement:
   • House/Apartment Contract: This could be a rental or sale agreement. Rental agreements should be at least one year long, certified by a Muhtar or an authorized officer, and stamped at the tax office.
5. Financial Documentation:
   • Bank Statements: Include six-month statements from a Cyprus or foreign bank detailing income and expenses in Cyprus.
6. Employment Verification (if applicable):
   • For Overseas Workers: Submit an employer’s confirmation letter and a recent payslip.
   • For Workers in Cyprus:
     • Employer’s confirmation letter.
     • Social insurance registration and annual income certificate.
     • Employer-signed application form.
7. Health Insurance (if not employed in Cyprus):
   • Options for Coverage: Applicants can obtain local health insurance in Cyprus, generally available for around €200 per person, achievable within one day.
8. Passport Photos:
   • Photo Requirement: You do not need to provide passport photos upfront; they will be taken at the relevant office during the application.

Additional Notes:

• Document Translations: Documents marked with (*) must be translated into English and properly certified.
• Apostille and Certification: Ensure relevant documents are “APOSTILLE” certified or endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus Embassy of the issuing country.

Reminder: Double-check that all documents are accurately prepared and meet the specified requirements to facilitate a seamless application process.

Application Process:

1. Scheduling the Submission:
   • Applicants or their legal representatives should arrange the submission appointment well ahead of time, ideally 3-4 weeks before the desired submission date.
2. Requirements for Presence:
   • Applicants must be physically present when applying for the Yellow Slip. Submissions via power of attorney or solely through a lawyer are not permitted. However, lawyers are allowed to accompany applicants during the application process.

Cyprus government fees

Application for the first-time issue of a Yellow Slip or its renewal: €20 for each family member

Processing Time

Processing times vary, generally 5 days to 6 months, depending on whether the applicant is an EU citizen or a non-EU family member. Delays can occur if additional documentation or verification is required. Early application is recommended to avoid legal issues or penalties, such as fines or deportation for overstaying.

Outcome & Validity

The Yellow Slip is a yellow paper containing your ARC number. The ARC number, or Alien Registration Card number, is used for identification in various situations, such as doctor’s appointments and other official processes in Cyprus​.

For EU citizens, the Yellow Slip does not expire.
Non-EU family members receive a National Identification Card (ID) valid for five years and must be renewed upon expiration​.

Benefits of Getting Assistance from an Immigration Lawyer:

• Knowledge and Experience: Lawyers can navigate the complex application process.
• 100% Success Rate: Ensures no documents are missing.
• No Language Barrier: Assistance in Greek or English.
• Comprehensive Services: Document preparation, translations, submission scheduling, and regular status updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read

• Latest changes to the Cyprus Pink Slip Permit
• 3 Steps to prepare for your move to Cyprus
• Cyprus Residence for UK Nationals after Brexit

*This guide contains information for general guidance and does not substitute professional advice, which must be sought before taking any action.