The MEU2 Residence Card is available to third-country nationals who are family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen exercising their right of free movement and residence in the Republic of Cyprus.
The MEU2 allows eligible family members to reside in Cyprus for more than three months and provides free access to employment, including both employed and self-employed activities.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible to apply for an MEU2 Residence Card if you are a third-country national and:
- You are the spouse or registered civil partner of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen; or
- You are a direct descendant under the age of 21 or a dependent descendant of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, including qualifying descendants of their spouse or civil partner; or
- You are a dependent direct relative in the ascending line of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, including qualifying relatives of their spouse or civil partner.
The EU/EEA/Swiss citizen must be exercising their right of residence in Cyprus and the applicable conditions must be satisfied.
What about other family members?
Family members who do not fall within the above definition may, depending on their circumstances, be able to obtain another type of residence permit under the Cyprus immigration legislation, provided that they independently satisfy the relevant requirements.
Entry to Cyprus
Depending on their nationality, family members may require an entry / national visa to enter Cyprus.
However, a third-country national who holds a valid residence card issued by Cyprus or another EU Member State is generally exempt from the visa requirement.
Short-term residence
A third-country national family member accompanying or joining an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen may reside in Cyprus for up to three months, provided they hold a valid passport and meet the applicable conditions.
Residence for more than three months
If the family member intends to remain in Cyprus for more than three months, an MEU2 Residence Card must be applied for within four months from the date of entry into Cyprus.
How does the MEU2 application process work?
01 — Eligibility Assessment
We assess the family relationship, the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen’s residence status and the circumstances of the family member to determine eligibility for the MEU2.
02 — Application Preparation
The MEU2 application is prepared together with the necessary supporting documentation. Documents issued outside Cyprus must be properly certified and/or apostilled and, where required, officially translated.
03 — Submission
The application is submitted to the competent authorities in Cyprus.
The EU/EEA/Swiss citizen must be present together with the third-country national family member during the submission of the application.
Biometric data, including photograph and fingerprints where applicable, are collected as part of the application process.
04 — Examination
The competent authorities examine the application and may request additional documentation or conduct an interview where considered necessary.
A properly completed application is generally examined within 3–6 months.
05 — Residence Card
Once the application is approved, the applicant is notified to collect the MEU2 Residence Card.
Government Fee
€20
Validity
The MEU2 Residence Card is generally valid for five years. The card may be renewed where the right of residence continues to exist.
Right to Work in Cyprus
One of the main advantages of the MEU2 is that eligible family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enjoy free access to employment in Cyprus.
This includes:
- Employment with a Cyprus employer
- Self-employment
- Other lawful professional activities
A separate employment permit is generally not required for the exercise of this right.
Protection of Residence Rights
In certain circumstances, family members may retain their right of residence even if:
- the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen dies or leaves Cyprus; or
- the marriage ends in divorce or annulment, or the registered partnership is terminated.
Specific legal conditions apply depending on the circumstances, including the duration of the marriage or partnership, custody or access rights to children, and particularly difficult circumstances such as domestic violence.
Important
The MEU2 is based on the EU citizen’s right of free movement and residence in Cyprus. The eligibility of the third-country national therefore depends not only on the family relationship but also on the circumstances and residence status of the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.
Are you planning to join your EU family member in Cyprus?
We can assess your circumstances, confirm the appropriate residence category and assist with the MEU2 application process from preparation through submission.