Are you a British national who considers Cyprus as his/hers home? Read through the post-Brexit changes that you should know!

As we know, the United Kingdom left the European Union on the 1st of January 2021 and its nationals are no longer allowed to enjoy the right of Free Movement of People. How does it affect you though?

Well, it means that if you would like to reside in an EU country such as Cyprus or travel there for a period exceeding 90 days in six months, you would need a permit to do so.

 

Have you obtained your residence permit prior to Brexit?

Cyprus has chosen not to obligate British nationals and their family members residing in its territory in accordance with the conditions set out in the Withdrawal Agreement to apply for a new residence status as a means of verifying that they are entitled to the residence rights set out in the Withdrawal Agreement.

However, if you have obtained your permit prior to Brexit and you would like to exchange it to receive a biometric residency card then you can voluntarily do so by providing a copy of your valid passport and current permit.

 

Have you resided in Cyprus prior to Brexit but have not yet obtained your Residence permit?

If you and your family members can prove residency in Cyprus prior to the end of the transition period, then you are eligible to apply for a residency card in the same way as you were previously eligible to obtain an MEU1-yellow slip.

In addition to that your family members who are not British or EU nationals can obtain a permit through your permit to legally reside with you in the Republic as well.

Residency can be proven by providing your Tenancy Agreement or Stamped Contract of Sale or Title Deed and a utility bill which confirms the consumption of electricity or water at the property that you are currently living in. These documents along with the confirmation of your entry date in Cyprus which is shown at the internal system of Civil Registry and Migration Department will prove your residency.

Key features of the new applications:

MUKW1: For British nationals and family members who are also British nationals

  • This application will grant you a permit to legally reside in the Republic for a period of 5 years.
  • The requirements of the application are the same as the MEU1 – yellow slip application which is available to EU nationals
  • You will not be provided with a yellow slip but a residence card
  • The cost of the application is €30 instead of €20 which is the cost of an MEU1 application

MUKW2: Available to non-EU and non-UK family members of British nationals who hold a permit to legally reside in the Republic (either an MEU1 or a MUKW1)

  • This application will grant you a permit to legally reside in the Republic for a period of 5 years.
  • In accordance with the Directive 2004/38/EC Article 2(2) family members are considered:
  1. The spouse
  2. The partner with whom the British citizen has contracted a registered partnership, on the basis of the legislation of the Republic.
  • The direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependants and those of the spouse or partner
  1. The dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or partner
  • The requirements of the application are the same as the MEU2 application which is available to non-EU family members of EU nationals
  • The cost of the application is €30 instead of €20 which is the cost of an MEU2 application

 

Have you been in Cyprus for a continuous period of five year?

Where British nationals and their family members have been continuously resident in Cyprus for five years, they are eligible to obtain Permanent Residence. Once acquired, the right of permanent residence shall not be lost only trough absence from Cyprus for a period exceeding five consecutive years.

Key features of the new application

MUKW3: For British nationals and family members who are also British nationals or for family member who are non-EU and non-UK nationals

  • This application will grant you a permit to legally reside in the Republic for a period of 10 years provided that you can prove legal residency for 5 years
  • The requirements of the application are the same as the MEU3 application which is available to EU nationals
  • The cost of the application is €30 instead of €20 which is the cost of an MEU2 application

 

How can we help?

Here at Andreas Demetriades & Co LLC, we are qualified Cypriot Lawyers with an in depth knowledge of the law and the procedures pertaining to the Cyprus Immigration Laws. Having our base in Cyprus allows us to speedily solve problems so as to avoid unnecessary delays.

The Firm’s wealth of experience, knowledge and resources, offers clients the best possible legal support. We can provide step by step guidance through the whole process of submitting your permit application.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter and does not constitute legal advice. For any further information, please contact Pinelopi Charalampous, Lawyer of Andreas Demetriades & Co LLC by email at info@demetriadeslaw.com  or by phone at +357 26811668.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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