Family reunification in Cyprus is an important process for foreigners who wish to invite their close relatives, such as spouses and children, for permanent or long-term residence on the island. This procedure is regulated by Cypriot legislation, as well as EU laws for those who are citizens of the European Union. The island offers various programs for families seeking reunification, taking into account the rights and responsibilities of both residents and their relatives.
To reunite with family in Cyprus, the inviting party must prove their ability to support the family members, provide accommodation, and submit documents confirming the legality of their stay. The consideration of family reunification applications can take several months, and it is important to gather a complete package of documents, which requires careful preparation.
Contents
Documents confirming family ties
The basis for starting the process is proof of the relationship between the inviting party and the family members who wish to move to Cyprus. Required documents include:
- marriage certificate for spouses;
- birth certificates for children;
- adoption court orders (if applicable).
All documents must be translated into English or Greek and certified by the appropriate authorities, including an apostille if necessary. In some cases, such as for Russian citizens, an apostille may not be required, simplifying the document preparation process.
Criminal record certificates and medical tests
An important requirement is the submission of criminal record certificates from the country of residence for all family members. These certificates must be obtained for both the applicant and other adult family members over the age of 16. A certificate of a clean criminal record from the Cypriot police will also be required. Children under the age of 16 do not need these certificates, but adults must prove their lawfulness for successful case consideration.
Additionally, medical certificates are required, confirming the absence of dangerous diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and tuberculosis. These tests are necessary for all adult family members and children over 6 years old. The tests must be conducted in accredited Cypriot or international clinics. For younger children, only standard pediatric examinations, such as the Mantoux test for tuberculosis, may be required.
Accommodation and health insurance
For successful family reunification, proof of accommodation must be provided. This may include ownership documents for housing or a long-term rental agreement. The inviting party must also confirm that the housing meets the requirements for accommodating the entire family. Utility bills may be required to confirm that the family members will live in appropriate conditions in Cyprus. Another important element is the availability of health insurance for all family members.
Financial documents
A key aspect is the financial stability of the inviting party. The applicant must provide documents proving a stable income sufficient to support the family in Cyprus. These may include bank statements, income certificates, tax returns, and confirmations of tax payments and no debts to the state. A valid employment contract of at least 18 months at the time of application submission is an important condition. If the applicant has income not only from employment, such as from property rental or dividends, this must also be confirmed by appropriate documents.
In general, Cypriot authorities require the inviting party to have a sufficient level of income to support not only themselves but also all family members who will reside in the country.
Application submission and processing time
The procedure for applying for family reunification involves several stages. The first step is gathering all the necessary documents, translating, and certifying them. After that, the document package is submitted to the Cyprus immigration service, where it is reviewed for compliance with legal requirements.
The processing of the application can take from several weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of information provided. Therefore, it is important to prepare the documents as thoroughly as possible to avoid delays and rejections. If necessary, the immigration service may request additional documents or clarifications, which can also affect processing times.
Special Considerations for Children and Elderly Parents
For children, the reunification process may have certain limitations. Minor children can be included in the application if they are under 18 years of age and are not married. In the case of older children, as well as elderly parents, additional documents may be required, such as guardianship certificates or proof of the need for their relocation to Cyprus for care.
If elderly parents are financially dependent on a Cyprus resident, this must be documented, and additional financial documents may be required in such cases.
The family reunification procedure in Cyprus requires careful document preparation and compliance with all immigration law requirements. The information provided in this article is general and may not account for all the specifics of a particular situation. For a clear understanding and successful completion of the procedure, it is recommended to seek advice from lawyers specializing in Cyprus immigration law.
