Who this is for
- A citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland staying in Cyprus longer than three months
- A family member who is also an EU citizen — they use MEU1 too, not MEU2
- Anyone taking a job, going self-employed, studying or retiring here
- Not for a non-EU spouse or parent — that is MEU2
What is required
- A valid identity card or passport
- And one of two things: you are working or self-employed here, or you have sufficient resources not to become a burden on social assistance and comprehensive sickness insurance in Cyprus
- Registration within four months of the date you entered the Republic
Documents to bring
- Form MEU1, completed
- Valid identity card or passport
- Evidence for the ground you are relying on — employment contract, business registration, or proof of resources plus sickness insurance
- Proof of your address in Cyprus
- Every foreign document officially translated and duly certified — the Department's own wording, and the step most people underestimate
What it costs
€20
The fee for a Union citizen and for family members who are also Union citizens. Translation and certification of your documents are separate, and usually cost more than the fee itself.
The procedure
- Assemble the file and get the foreign documents translated and certified
- Check whether the office you are going to needs an appointment
- Submit MEU1 in person and pay the fee
- A photograph is taken there, against your receipt and travel document
- If approved, the certificate is posted to you — so the address you declared has to be right
How long it takes
One month at the most for examination and a decision — but only if the file is complete. An incomplete file has no time limit at all.
Where it goes wrong
- Treating the four months as optional
- The fine reaches €2,500. It is in the law, not in a leaflet.
- Counting from when they decided to stay
- It runs from the date of entry, not from the day the plan changed.
- Bringing travel insurance
- The requirement is comprehensive sickness insurance cover in Cyprus, which is a different product.
- Untranslated documents
- Officially translated and duly certified is the standard. A printout from a translation site is not.
- Moving house and not telling them
- A refusal is posted to the last address you declared, and the clock for appealing runs from then.
How we help
We put the file together in the order the Department wants it, arrange the sworn translations and certification, tell you which ground is easiest to evidence in your situation, and come with you if you would rather not go alone.
Ask us about your caseCommon questions
It is the application for a registration certificate, which EU, EEA and Swiss citizens must file to stay in Cyprus longer than three months. It is often called the yellow slip. The fee is €20 and it must be submitted within four months of entering the Republic.
The application fee is €20 for a Union citizen and for family members who are also Union citizens. Translation and certification of foreign documents are separate costs and usually come to more than the fee.
No. Registration certificates carry no expiry date. What changes after five years of uninterrupted legal residence is that you may apply for permanent residence on form MEU3.
Failing to apply for a registration certificate makes you liable to a financial penalty of up to €2,500.
Yes. Union citizens and their family members have free access to employment, whether employed or self-employed.