Life in Cyprus attracts many with its mild climate, high living standards, and favorable business conditions. If you plan to stay on this Mediterranean island for an extended period, obtaining the necessary documentation is crucial. One of the key documents is the Yellow Slip — a registration certificate granting the right to live and work in Cyprus. This article provides a detailed overview of what the Yellow Slip is, who needs it, who qualifies for it, its benefits, and the process for obtaining it.
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What is a Yellow Slip?
The Yellow Slip is a registration certificate, also known as a temporary residence permit or resident visa. The document is printed on yellow paper, hence its name. It is available for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and their family members, including non-EU nationals. If you plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, obtaining a Yellow Slip is mandatory.
It is important to note that the Yellow Slip is valid only within Cyprus. It does not grant visa-free travel to other countries, so separate visas or permits are required for international travel.
Who Needs a Yellow Slip?
The Yellow Slip is mandatory for EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens who intend to live, work, or study in Cyprus for more than three months. It is also required for:
- Family members of EU citizens who are not EU nationals. They can obtain the Yellow Slip under certain conditions.
- Students from EU and EEA countries enrolled in Cypriot universities.
- Pensioners and individuals with independent incomes who wish to reside in Cyprus.
Non-EU family members of EU citizens can also apply for a Yellow Slip under specific circumstances.
Benefits of the Yellow Slip
Obtaining a Yellow Slip comes with numerous advantages:
- Legal residency and employment: It confirms your resident status and allows you to officially work or conduct business in Cyprus.
- Access to healthcare: It enables you to register with the GESY healthcare system, which provides a wide range of medical services, from regular checkups to specialized treatments.
- Social and financial opportunities: Holders can open bank accounts, sign rental agreements, purchase property, and access other financial services.
- Free movement: Yellow Slip holders can freely enter and leave Cyprus without limitations on the number of days spent abroad.
Procedure for Obtaining a Yellow Slip
Document Preparation
To apply for a Yellow Slip, you need the following documents:
- Completed application form:
MEU1: For EU citizens and their family members who are also EU citizens.
MEU2: For family members of EU citizens who are non-EU nationals. - Valid passport or ID card.
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates of children (if applicable). These must be translated into English or Greek and either apostilled or legalized.
- Rental or purchase agreement: Rental agreements must be for at least one year, certified by a mukhtar or certifying officer, and stamped by the tax department.
- Bank statements showing financial stability and transactions over the past six months from a Cypriot or foreign bank.
- Proof of employment:
For employees:
Employer’s letter confirming employment.
Social insurance registration certificate.
Annual income statement.
Employer’s signature on the application form.
For remote workers:
Employer’s letter.
Payslips or income statements. - Health insurance: If you are unemployed in Cyprus, you must provide international or local insurance, which typically costs around €150 per person and can be issued within a day.
- Photos are not required as they will be taken during the application process.
Application Submission
The application process involves several steps:
- Booking an appointment: Visit the Cyprus Migration Department’s website to schedule a date and time. It is recommended to book at least 3–4 weeks in advance.
- Personal attendance: The applicant must submit the application in person. While legal representatives cannot submit on your behalf, a lawyer may accompany you for assistance.
- Fee payment: A fee of €20 per family member is required.
- Document submission: Provide the complete set of documents on the scheduled date. Ensure all paperwork is correctly prepared and translated if needed.
Processing Time and Validity
- EU citizens and their families: The Yellow Slip is usually issued within one month.
- Non-EU family members: Processing may take 4–6 months, and the certificate is sent by post upon approval.
During the application process, the receipt of submission allows you to legally stay in Cyprus and travel without restrictions.
Renewal and Permanent Residency
- EU citizens: The Yellow Slip is a permanent document and does not require renewal.
- Non-EU citizens: It is valid for 5 years and can be renewed or upgraded to permanent residency using the MEU3 form.
When renewing, you must provide all the documents and certificates similar to those required during the initial registration. This includes proof of employment, financial stability, and residential address.
Conditions for Obtaining Permanent Residency (MEU3)
If you have lived in Cyprus continuously for 5 years, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Continuous residence is not disrupted by temporary absences of up to six months per year or a single absence of up to 12 months for serious reasons (e.g., pregnancy, illness, or study). The right to permanent residence is lost if you are absent from Cyprus for more than two consecutive years.
Special Provisions for UK Citizens Post-Brexit
Following the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, the conditions for British citizens in Cyprus have changed:
- Retention of Rights for Previous Residents: UK citizens and their families who obtained a Yellow Slip before Brexit retain their rights to live and work in Cyprus.
- Obtaining Permanent Residency: If you have lived in Cyprus for more than five years, you are eligible to apply for permanent residency using the UKW3 form.
- Document Replacement: British citizens can replace their old documents with new residency cards issued after January 1, 2021, by completing the UKW1 form. Family members from third countries must fill out the UKW2 form.
The new residency cards are valid for five years. After this period, you can apply for renewal or permanent residency.
Where to Apply?
Applications can be submitted at Migration Department offices in Cyprus cities:
- Nicosia: Agamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411.
- Limassol: Franglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, 2nd Floor, 3046.
- Larnaca: Tasou Mitsopoulou 34, 6027.
- Paphos: Eleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd Floor, 8021.
- Famagusta: Eleftherias 83, Deryneia Plaza, 1st Floor, 5380.
Applications must be submitted in the city of residence. Contact details and working hours are available on the Migration Department’s official website.
Head of European Division: +357 22 804447
MEU1: +357 22 804443 / +357 22 804586
MEU2: +357 22 804585 / +357 22 403912
MEU3: +357 22 403919
Email: migration@crmd.moi.gov.cy
The Yellow Slip in Cyprus is an important document that grants a wide range of rights and opportunities to those eligible to obtain it. However, it is important to note that not everyone qualifies for this certificate. To apply, you must meet certain criteria, including EU citizenship or being a family member of an EU citizen.
Holders of a Yellow Slip can integrate into Cypriot society, access healthcare services, work, or conduct business. Timely submission of the application and accurate preparation of documents are key to successfully obtaining this important status and avoiding potential delays or rejections.
The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For professional assistance, contact our company—we can provide details for a licensed lawyer.
