Cyprus provides facilitated residence arrangements for eligible non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss family members of Cypriot citizens. Depending on the family relationship and individual circumstances, eligible family members may obtain a residence permit and, in certain cases, access to employment in Cyprus.
Who is eligible?
Recognised family members may include:
- Spouses or civil partners of Cypriot citizens;
- Parents of minor Cypriot citizens, provided that they have not been deprived by a court decision of parental responsibility or any right of communication with the child;
- Children of a Cypriot citizen or their spouse who are under 21 years of age or dependent on the Cypriot citizen or their spouse;
- Dependent parents and other direct ascendants of the Cypriot citizen or their spouse.
Eligibility is assessed according to the specific family relationship, age and dependency of the applicant.
Entry into Cyprus
A non-EU family member of a Cypriot citizen may enter Cyprus with:
- A visa issued by the Diplomatic or Consular Authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, where a visa is required; or
- An entry permit issued by the Migration Department following an application by the Cypriot citizen.
Where the applicant already holds a valid Cyprus residence permit, re-entry is generally possible by presenting the valid residence permit together with a valid passport, provided the person has not remained outside Cyprus for more than three months.
Where a residence application is pending, special arrangements may apply for re-entry into Cyprus. Applicants should obtain the appropriate confirmation or re-entry permission before travelling where necessary.
After Arrival in Cyprus
Following arrival, the applicant must complete the required registration with the Aliens’ Registry and apply for the appropriate temporary residence and, where applicable, employment permit.
The Cypriot citizen must also be present when the application is submitted.
How does the application process work?
01 — Eligibility Assessment
We assess the family relationship, dependency and personal circumstances to determine the appropriate residence route.
02 — Application Preparation
We prepare the relevant residence application and supporting documentation in accordance with the applicable requirements.
03 — Submission
The application is submitted at the designated application point. The Cypriot citizen must be present at the time of submission.
04 — Biometrics & Examination
The applicant provides biometric data and signature. The Migration Department then examines the application.
05 — Residence Permit
Once approved, the applicant receives notification regarding the issuance or collection of the residence permit.
Right to Work
Certain non-dependent family members of Cypriot citizens have free access to the Cyprus labour market, including the right to self-employment.
This specifically includes:
- Spouses / civil partners of Cypriot citizens; and
- Parents of minor Cypriot citizens.
The right to work may be exercised following the issuance of the appropriate residence and employment permit.
Where a person changes employer, an application for renewal of the residence and employment permit is required.
Application / Government Fees
Residence & Employment – Employed Work
- €80 – Issuance or renewal of residence and employment permit, including change of employer
- €70 – Initial registration in the Aliens’ Registry, where applicable
Residence & Employment – Self-Employment
- €50 – Issuance or renewal of residence permit
- €70 – Initial registration in the Aliens’ Registry, where applicable
Residence Without Employment
- €50 – Issuance or renewal of residence permit
- €70 – Initial registration in the Aliens’ Registry, where applicable
Examination Time
Applications are generally examined within four months, provided that the application is complete and properly submitted.
Incomplete applications or cases requiring additional information may take longer.
Validity of the Residence Permit
The validity period depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the applicable residence status.
Each application is assessed on its own merits. Where employment is involved, the maximum validity that may be granted is up to five years.
Long-Term Residence in Cyprus
Eligible family members may continue to reside in Cyprus without a fixed overall time limit, provided that they continue to meet the applicable residence requirements and hold a valid residence permit.
Retention of Residence Rights
In certain circumstances, a non-EU family member may be able to retain a residence right following:
- Divorce;
- Annulment of marriage; or
- Death of the Cypriot citizen.
Such cases are assessed individually and may take into consideration factors including the duration of the marriage, the existence of a serious long-term legal or financial commitment, shared parental responsibilities and the applicant’s immigration history.
The retained right of residence is held on a personal basis.
Important
The residence route and the rights attached to the permit depend on the applicant’s family relationship, dependency, employment status and individual circumstances.
Family members who do not fall within the recognised family-member categories may, in certain circumstances, qualify under a separate Visitor Residence Permit for Other Family Members of Cypriot Citizens.
Let us assist you
Our team can assess your relationship with the Cypriot citizen, identify the appropriate residence and employment route, prepare the application and manage the process through to the issuance of the residence permit.
Contact us to arrange an eligibility assessment.