RESIDENCY PROCEDURES IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS AFTER BREXIT
KOUZALIS Law Office, would like to inform you that under the Withdrawal Agreement, UK nationals who are eligible for residence rights as well as their family members, including family members that are third-country nationals, can continue to live, work or study in Cyprus.
UK Nationals and their family members who already hold current residency documents, such as a Certificate of Registration (MEU1), Residence Card (MEU2- until the expiration of 5 years), or a Certificate/Card of Permanent Residence (MEU3), can continue to use them as a means of proof of their residence rights in Cyprus. Cyprus has chosen not to make it obligatory for UK Nationals and their family members who already reside in its territory, and hold the above documents, to have to apply for a new residence status as a means of verifying that they are entitled to their residence rights. This is optional. However, should they opt to apply for the New Residence Documents (MUKW1, MUKW2, MUKW3), or they wish to apply for a permanent residency, after 5 years of legal presence in Cyprus, or those who have not applied for residency documents based on EU law, provided they can submit documentary evidence of their residency prior to the end of the transitional period (31/12/20), they will only need to follow a very simple procedure.
Below you can check the new forms that you can proceed with the application in order to obtain Residency in the Republic of Cyprus:
- Form MUKW1: UK Nationals and their family members who are also UK Nationals and are entitled to free movement residence rights in the Republic of Cyprus, under the provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement ( Valid for 5 Years)
- Form MUKW2: Family members of a UK national who are not UK nationals. The UK nationals must be entitled to the rights of residence under the Withdrawal Agreement. Application is submitted within four months from the date of entry into the Republic of Cyprus. (Valid for 5 years)
- Form MUKW3 – application of a permanent residence: UK nationals and UK nationals’ family members who are themselves UK nationals, after a five-year period of uninterrupted legal residence in the Republic of Cyprus before the transitional period or commencement of periods before and after the transitional period. ( Valid for 10 years)
UK Nationals, however, who do not hold residency documents issued prior to 31st December 2020, and do not have credible evidence that they exercised their free movement rights in the Republic of Cyprus – prior to the abovementioned date – and that they continue to reside in Cyprus, will still be able to visit Cyprus but their passports will be stamped during entry/exit border checks with a 90-day limitation period. This is the period of time that they can legally remain in Cyprus. This means that UK nationals can legally enter and stay in Cyprus with a 90 days’ maximum limit.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
In the event that UK Nationals wish to extend their stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days, they can apply for a temporary residence permit – the “pink slip” which allows non-EU passport holders to extend their stay in Cyprus for more than 90 days. However, without the ability to work.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE
In cases where UK Nationals wish to move to Cyprus permanently, then there are other routes that they, just as any other Non-EU National, can explore that will allow them to obtain permanent residence in Cyprus.
It is possible for any Non-EU National, including UK Nationals, to apply for an immigration permit on the basis of one of the Categories referred to in the Aliens and Immigration Regulations.
Category A: Persons who intend to work as self-employed in agriculture, cattle breeding, bird breeding, or fish culture in the Republic: provided that they have in their possession adequate land or a permit to acquire same, they have fully and freely at their disposal necessary capital as provided for in the regulations and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic.
Category B: Persons who intend to work as self-employed in mining enterprises in the Republic: provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal the necessary capital and such an employment should not negatively affect the general economy of the Republic.
Category C: Persons who intend to work as self-employed in a trade or profession in the Republic: provided that they have in their possession a relative permit, they have fully and freely at their disposal the required capital and that such an employment should not affect negatively the general economy of the Republic.
Category D: Persons who intend to work as self-employed in a profession or science in the Republic: provided that they have academic or professional qualifications for which there is a demand in Cyprus. Possession of adequate funds is also necessary.
Category E: Persons who have been offered permanent employment in the country, which will not create undue local competition.
Category F: Persons who have fully and freely at their disposal a secure and regular annual income, which is high enough to provide a decent living in Cyprus without having to engage in any business, trade, or profession in Cyprus.
The Immigration Control Board reviews applications, and the Minister of the Interior will grant final approval. Examination and processing of applications take around 12-18 months.
We feel that this category would be the most appropriate route for those wishing to retire in Cyprus and have savings or receive a pension or income from abroad. Owning a property in Cyprus weighs heavily positively in any such application though it is also possible to qualify merely with a rental agreement. Each application is examined on its merits.
Category 6(2) – A Non-European Investor who purchases a property for the minimum amount of €300,000 + vat is eligible to apply for a fast track permanent residency if the property (house or apartment) will be used as the permanent property of the Investor when he is in Cyprus.
The residency application can be submitted with all needed documents as soon as the contract of sale is lodged at the land registry and as soon as the minimum amount of €200,000 + vat is paid to the Vendors.
The Investor should also open a personal bank account in Cyprus where he will block the amount of €30,000 for three years.
It is important to mention that with the fast track scheme the parents of the Investor, in-laws, and children who are students up to 25 years old can also apply for their residency.
The residency application under the fast track scheme is examined in approximately three months from the day of the application’s submission.
Please be informed that under category F and F 6(2) holders of Permanent Residence Permits are not allowed to work in Cyprus. However, they can be shareholders in a Cypriot Company and provide services to local partners.
We are at your disposal for anything you need regarding residence rights and residence documents. For us, lawyers in Cyprus, the G. KOUZALIS LLC team we are able to provide you with any information and details on the subject and to guide you on legal issues to avoid any inconvenience but also for your proper information.
Your Cyprus Lawyers, G. KOUZALIS LLC is at your disposal in any matter. For more information, you can contact us at lawfirm@cytanet.com.cy or call us at 23811788.