Navigating Cyprus: MEU1 and MEU2 Registration Certificates for European Nationals and Their Non-European Family Members
This article provides an in-depth exploration of the MEU1 and MEU2 procedures shedding light on the application processes and their significance for EU nationals and their families in Cyprus.
MEU1 Registration Certificate for European Nationals:
The MEU1 Registration Certificate is a residence permit issued by the Republic of Cyprus to European nationals who intend to stay in the country for more than three months. Consult our Lawyers in Paphos should you have any questions.
European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) nationals intending to stay in Cyprus for more than three months are required to obtain the MEU1 Registration Certificate, commonly known as the “Yellow Slip”. The eligibility criteria include proof of financial means, health insurance, and accommodation.
The application is submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department in Nicosia or the District Administration Office of the city the EU citizen lives in, along with all necessary documentation such as a valid passport, proof of address, and evidence of income.
The MEU1 Registration Certificate serves as proof of legal residence, allowing European nationals access to various services, including healthcare, education, and employment opportunities in Cyprus.
The MEU1 registration certificate is issued immediately upon the submission of the necessary documents with the Civil Registry and Migration Department or within a maximum of 5 days.
MEU2 Residence Card for Non-European Family Members:
Eligible Family Members are:
- the spouse of a citizen of the Union, including the civil partner in the context of a civil partnership agreement,
- directly descended citizens of the Union, who are under 21 years of age or are dependent on him, as well as those of his/her spouse,
- dependent direct ascendants of the Union citizen, as well as those of his/her spouse.
Family members of citizens of the Union, who are nationals of third countries and holders of a valid passport, and who accompany or arrive to meet the citizen of the Union, have the right to reside in the Republic for a period not exceeding four months without no terms or wording.
An application for the issuance of a Residence Card (MEU2) is submitted by the non EU family member within four months from the date of their arrival in the Republic.
When submitting the application, the Union citizen must also be present and the maintenance resources must come from the Union citizen.
Application processing time
Applications are processed within a minimum of six months, provided they are properly completed.
The period of validity of the residence card is five years from the date of grant or for the intended period of residence of the citizen of the Union, if that period is shorter than five years.
In the event that the period of validity of the residence card is less than five years, and its holder has not left the Republic, at the expiry of said validity, this person is obliged to submit an application for the issuance of a new residence card no later than one month after the expiry of the previous residence permit.
The validity of the residence card is not affected by temporary absences not exceeding six months per year or by longer absences to fulfill compulsory military service or by an absence of a maximum of twelve consecutive months for serious reasons, including pregnancy and maternity, serious illness, studies or vocational training or secondment in another member state or third country. The validity of the residence card is terminated when the absence exceeds these time periods.
Access to work
Family members of EU nationals have free access to work including wage employment and self-employment.
Retention of the right of residence in the event of death or departure of the EU national from the Republic
The death of the citizen of the Union or his departure from the Republic does not entail the loss of the right of residence of his family members, who are not nationals of a Member State, and have resided in the Republic as members of his family for at least one year before the death of the citizen of the Union. Family members retain the right of residence exclusively on a personal basis.
The departure of the citizen of the Union from the Republic or his death does not entail the loss of the right of residence of his children or of the parent who has actual custody of the children, regardless of citizenship, as long as the children reside in the Republic and are enrolled in an educational institution with for the purpose of carrying out studies in the Republic, until the completion of their studies.
Retention of the right of residence by family members in the event of divorce, annulment of marriage or termination of registered partnership
Divorce or annulment of marriage/cohabitation agreement does not affect the right of residence of the family members of the Union citizen, who are nationals of a Member State in the following cases:
- if the marriage/cohabitation agreement lasted until the start of the divorce or annulment of the marriage/cohabitation agreement, at least three years, of which one year in the Republic; or
- if the custody of the children of the Union citizen has been assigned by an agreement duly ratified by a competent court between the spouses, to the spouse, who is not a national of a Member State, or by court order; or
- if this is dictated by particularly difficult situations, including where the family member became a victim of domestic violence as defined in the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection of Victims) Act, while the marriage/cohabitation agreement existed; or
- if the spouse who is not a national of a Member State enjoys, on the basis of an agreement duly ratified by a competent court between the spouses, or by court order, the right of contact with a minor child, provided that the court has ruled that such contact must take place in the Republic and for as long as required.
Family members retain the right of residence exclusively on a personal basis.
Documentation needed: The MEU2 application process involves providing documentation such as a valid passport, marriage or birth certificates, proof of the family relationship, proof of accommodation, and evidence of sufficient financial means. It is crucial to note that the MEU2 residence card is dependent on the valid residence of the European national (MEU1/ yellow slip holder) and hence physical presence of the EU national is required on the day of the submission of the non EU national’s application.
Benefits of MEU2 Certificate: The MEU2 Registration Certificate grants non-European family members legal residence in Cyprus, enabling them to access the same services as MEU1 holders. This includes healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. It also ensures family unity by allowing spouses and dependent family members to reside together.
The MEU1 registration certificate and the MEU2 residence card are instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging and security for both European nationals and their non-European family members in Cyprus. By navigating the application processes diligently and providing the required documentation, EU nationals and their families can enjoy the benefits of legal residence in Cyprus and access to essential services. As Cyprus continues to welcome a diverse community, the MEU1 and MEU2 certificates serve as key documents facilitating a smooth integration process for residents from all over the world.
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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 Eleni Simillidi, at Andreas Demetriades & Co LLC by email at info@demetriadeslaw.com or by phone +357 26 811 668.