In Cyprus, Alien Registration Certificate (ARC), often referred to as “Yellow Slip” is an official foreigner registration document confirming legal residence in the Republic of Cyprus for a period exceeding three months. It is required for all categories of foreigners, regardless of citizenship, who plan to live, study, work, or reunite with family on the island. Although the name “ARC” is used colloquially, the official name of the document depends on its status—a registration certificate for EU citizens or a residence permit for third-country nationals.
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What is ARC and who needs it?
An ARC is a foreigner registration certificate that confirms the applicant’s registration with the Cyprus Immigration Service. It includes a unique ARC ‑number, which is used to identify the individual in public and private systems—similar to an ID card number. Having an ARC is necessary for legal residence in Cyprus, opening a bank account, registering for the social security system, applying to government agencies, and receiving a number of administrative services.
For EU and EEA citizens, the ARC is issued along with a registration certificate based on form MEU1 if the stay exceeds three months. Such individuals are required to submit an application within four months of entry. Families of EU citizens who are not EU citizens receive a separate residence permit, issued using form MEU2, which also contains an ARC ‑number.
For citizens of non-EU countries, the ARC is issued when applying for a residence permit, for example, based on work, study, investment, or family reunification. In these cases, this document accompanies the residence permit itself and serves as its confirmation.
Differences between an ARC and a visa/residence permit
It’s important to understand that the ARC is not a visa in itself and does not replace a residence permit. It is a registration identifier issued after the residence application has been accepted. For example, a third-country national must obtain the appropriate entry visa and only then register their stay, receiving an ARC along with a residence permit, which indicates the right to legally reside on the island.
For EU citizens, the ARC is usually issued as a registration certificate, which is valid indefinitely. For families of non-EU citizens, this document is typically valid for five years and can be renewed after expiration.
Why do I need an ARC and ARC ‑number?
The ARC ‑number is the primary identifier of a foreigner in Cyprus and is required in the following cases:
- Registration in the social security system and obtaining a labor social security number.
- Opening a bank account, drawing up lease agreements or services in government agencies.
- Registration in the medical system (GESY) and access to medical care.
- Obtaining insurance, employment contracts, and other official documents requiring confirmation of residency status.
The ARC ‑number remains unchanged throughout the document’s validity period and cannot be re-issued under a different number, even if renewed or its status changed.
Registration procedure
The procedure for obtaining an ARC depends on the applicant’s category—EU citizen, family member of an EU citizen, or third-country national. Generally, the process involves the following steps:
- Preparation of documents, which include a passport (and its copies), documents confirming the purpose of stay (employment contract, certificate of enrollment in an educational institution, rental agreement, bank statements of financial solvency, medical insurance).
- Submitting an application to the Migration Service Department ( Migration Department ), which is located in Nicosia or in regional offices throughout Cyprus.
- Taking biometric data, including a photo and signature, is necessary for inclusion in the foreign national database. Biometrics are a standard part of the process for citizens of all ages, with some exceptions for young children.
- Waiting for processing. The average processing time for an ARC ranges from several weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s category and the completeness of the documents. EU citizens are often issued a registration certificate within a few days of submission, while third-country nationals may require longer.
- Receiving the document. The completed ARC is mailed to the applicant’s residence address or collected in person at the immigration office.
Document requirements
The standard package of documents includes:
- a valid passport and its copies,
- confirmation of residential address,
- proof of income or means of subsistence,
- health insurance,
- an employment contract or a corresponding document on the purpose of stay.
Additionally, family members of EU citizens may be required to provide marriage certificates and birth certificates of children, translated into English or Greek with an apostille if they were issued outside Cyprus.
Validity and renewal
For EU citizens, the registration certificate with an ARC ‑number has no expiration date, making it a stable document for the entire period of residence. For family members who are not EU citizens, the initial document is issued for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal requires submitting updated documents and proof of residence conditions.
After five years of continuous legal residence, EU citizens and their families can apply for permanent residence. This status allows them to obtain a permanent certificate with the same ARC ‑number, which does not require further renewal.
Special cases and exceptions
Minor errors in submitting documents may delay the receipt of the ARC, but if the documents have already been accepted, the application receipt serves as proof of legal residence, which can be presented at some institutions before the card itself is issued.
Citizens who have acquired Cypriot citizenship are automatically exempt from the requirement to obtain an ARC, as they receive a national identification number, similar to the ARC, used for all administrative purposes.
The ARC in Cyprus is the central document for all foreigners planning a long-term stay on the island. It confirms local legislation on the registration of foreigners and is an essential tool for legal residence, work, study, and integration into Cypriot society. The ARC ‑number functions as a unique identifier in official systems, and the document itself provides access to a wide range of services, from healthcare to social and financial opportunities.
