The MEU3 Permanent Residence Card is available to third-country nationals who are family members of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen and have legally resided in the Republic of Cyprus for five consecutive years in accordance with the applicable legislation.
This residence status provides eligible family members with the right to obtain a Permanent Residence Card valid for 10 years, which may be renewed upon application.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible to apply for an MEU3 Permanent 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 an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, including the children of their spouse or civil partner; or
- You are a dependent direct relative in the ascending line of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, including the dependent parents of their spouse or civil partner; and
- You have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus for five consecutive years; and
- You can demonstrate that you have not become a burden on the social assistance system of the Republic during your period of residence.
The key requirement
5 years of continuous legal residence in Cyprus
Once the required five-year period has been completed, an eligible family member may apply for permanent residence rather than continuing to hold a temporary residence card as a family member of an EU citizen.
How does the MEU3 application process work?
01 — Eligibility Assessment
We review your residence history and family relationship with the EU/EEA/Swiss citizen to determine whether you meet the requirements for permanent residence.
02 — Preparation of the Application
The MEU3 application and the supporting documentation are prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Cyprus Migration Department. Documents issued abroad must be properly certified and, where required, officially translated.
03 — Submission
The application is submitted to the competent authority in Cyprus.
The EU/EEA/Swiss citizen must be present together with the third-country national family member at the time of submission.
The applicant’s biometric data, including photograph and fingerprints where applicable, are collected as part of the procedure.
04 — Examination
The competent authorities examine the application and may request additional information or documentation, or conduct an interview where considered necessary.
A properly completed application with all required documentation is generally examined within six months.
05 — Permanent Residence Card
Following approval, the applicant is notified to collect the MEU3 Permanent Residence Card.
The card is issued with a 10-year validity and may be renewed upon application.
Application Fee
€20
Why apply for permanent residence?
Obtaining an MEU3 Permanent Residence Card provides an eligible third-country national family member with a more secure and long-term residence status in Cyprus after completing the required five-year period of legal residence.
Need to check whether you qualify?
Every residence history is different. Previous absences from Cyprus, changes in family circumstances, changes of residence status and the continuity of legal residence may affect eligibility.
Contact us for an assessment of your eligibility and guidance throughout the MEU3 application process.