Residency in Cyprus: Understanding MEU1 & MEU2 Permits for UK Nationals

Since Brexit, UK nationals no longer enjoy automatic EU residency rights. For many clients – whether
professionals, retirees, or entrepreneurs – securing a legal pathway into the EU is essential. Cyprus stands
out as a preferred destination thanks to its close historicties with the UK, common law system, widespread
use of English, and highly favourable tax regime. By understanding the MEU1 and MEU2 residence permits,
You can add value to their cross-border services and guide clients seeking to relocate or expand into the EU.
KEY ADVANTAGES FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS:
■ Relocation support: UK citizens with EU family members can establish residency in Cyprus.
■ Tax efficiency: Cyprus offers the non-domicile
regime, exemption from tax on worldwide dividends, and a favourable double tax treaty with the UK.
■ Family planning: Non-EU spouses and dependents of EU citizens can live and work in Cyprus with MEU2.
■ Business expansion: Cyprus provides UK companies with a strategic EU base. Directors, employees,
and their families often need MEU1/MEU2 to begin operations.
MEU1: REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE FOR
EU CITIZENS
For EU citizens intending to reside in Cyprus for more than three months, the MEU1 is essential.
WHO CAN APPLY?
■ EU citizens employed or self-employed in Cyprus
■ EU citizens with sufficient income/resources and health insurance
■ Students enrolled in recognized institutions in Cyprus
WHY REGISTER?
■ Legal requirement after 90 days; fines apply for non-registration
■ Proof of residence for banks, utilities, property transactions

■ Access to healthcare (GESY) and other public services
■ Tax planning opportunities under Cyprus’s regime
■ Future stability for permanent residence or citizenship
■ Enables family reunification (MEU2 for non-EU relatives)
MEU2: RESIDENCE CARD FOR
FAMILY MEMBERS OF EU CITIZENS
The MEU2 card applies to non-EU family members of
EU nationals who hold MEU1.
WHO CAN APPLY?
■ Non-EU spouses or partners
■ Children (under 21 or dependent)
■ Dependent parents or grandparents KEY BENEFITS
■ Legal residence in Cyprus
■ Right also to work or be self-employed without a separate work permit
■ Access to healthcare and social benefits
■ Secure family unity under EU freedom of movement rules
■ Easier EU travel
HOW WE CAN HELP
At Lyssiotis Law Office, we provide comprehensive guidance throughout the residency process. From
document preparation to submission, we ensure a smooth experience for your clients considering Cyprus
as their new EU base. Lyssiotis Law Office (founded in 1955), a second-generation law practice specialises in:
■ Immigration & Residency
■ Corporate, Commercial & Tax Advisory
■ Real Estate Law
■ Intellectual Property & Trademarks
■ Wills and succession
■ Bank account opening

MEU1B | DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED
EMPLOYED – SELF-EMPLOYED

• INVOLUNTARILY UNEMPLOYED

1. Copy of a valid passport or identity card (the original passport or identity card must also be presented upon submission).

2. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, they must be duly certified and translated (the original is required at the time of submission) (where applicable).

3. Divorce certificate or dissolution of civil partnership or death certificate (the original is also required upon submission). Foreign documents, duly certified and translated (where applicable).

4. Birth certificate of child(ren), duly certified and translated (where applicable).

5. Signed and stamped Part III, Employment Data on the application. Please attach a salary certificate, where applicable.

6. Certificate of registration of the European citizen with the Social Insurance Services and a detailed statement of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary. For a self-employed person, a certificate of payment of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund is required for the last four (4) months.

7. A Union citizen who pays Social Insurance in another European country must present form A1 (social security certificate) and health insurance covering inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs (plan A).

8. If the applicant worked in the Republic and is not currently working, a certificate from the Department of Labour must be submitted that he/she is involuntarily unemployed, he/she is a person seeking employment and has exercised professional activity in the last one (1) year in the Republic and health insurance covering medical care, inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs (plan A) or a Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A).

9. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should indicate the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers), as well as the address which will be the official postal address and the contact address with the department and an original utility bill e.g. Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Water Supply, in the name of the tenant.

STUDENT

1. Copy of a valid passport or identity card (the original passport or identity card must also be presented upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card and copy of Registration Certificate (MEU1) of parents residing in the Republic and copy of the applicant’s birth certificate in case he/she is a dependent person (where applicable).

3. Certificate of attendance at a private or public educational institution of the Republic for attendance at studies, including vocational training courses.

4. Evidence of stable or satisfactory income (bank account activity of the last quarter).
5. In case the applicant is a dependent person of parents residing in the Republic, evidence of the existence of a stable or satisfactory income of the parents (pension, bank accounts, rents, dividends, interest on deposits, etc.) must be provided. If the parents work, a detailed statement of their contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (where applicable).

6. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant
and original rent payment receipts. (the rental document should indicate the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers), as well as the address which will be the official postal address / contact address of the department. Original bills from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and Water Supply in the name of the tenant.

7. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport costs (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A) or European Hospitalization Card.

MINOR – DEPENDANT UNDER 21 YEARS OLD

1.Copy of valid passport or identity card (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card of the parents the applicant is a family member and copy of their Registration
Certificate (ΜΕU1/ΜΕU2) (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

3. Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, duly certified and translated (the original must be presented upon submission).

4. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership Agreement of the parents. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, it must be duly certified and translated.

5. Original court decision on parental responsibility of the minor, or sworn consent of the other parent for the minor’s stay and proposed duration of residence in the Republic, by a competent authority of his/her country, duly certified and translated.

6. Certificate of registration of parents with the Social Insurance Services and a detailed statement of their contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (concerns anmployee and a self-mployed person).

7. Original certificate of attendance or enrolment in an educational institution in the Republic (where applicable). Signed employment certificate from the parents’ employer, stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary

8. If the parents are not working, present evidence of the existence of a stable and satisfactory income (employment outside the Republic or from other sources) and bank account movement for the last trimester.

9. If the European citizen used to work in the Republic and now does not work, a certificate from the Department of Labour must be submitted that he is involuntarily unemployed, is a person who is looking for work and has had a professional activity for more than one (1) year in the Republic.

10. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should include the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers). Original bills from the Electricity and Water Authority of Cyprus in the name of one of the spouses.

11. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport costs (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A), where applicable.
DEPENDENT DIRECT ASCENDANT

1. Copy of valid passport or identity card (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card and birth certificate(s) of the child(ren) that the applicant is a family member and copy of Registration Certificate (MEU1) (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

3. Certificate of marital status from a competent authority of the country of origin, showing all members of the applicant’s family (e.g. spouse, children) duly certified and translated.

4. Oath Declaration of responsibility for expenses and hospitality by the European citizen.

5. Evidence of the existence of a stable or satisfactory income of the European citizen whose applicant is dependent, a detailed statement of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary.

6. If the European citizen is not working, provide evidence of a stable or satisfactory income (e.g. pension, bank accounts, rents, dividends, interest on deposits).

7. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent
payment receipts. (The rental document should indicate the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers), as well as the address which will be the official
postal address and the contact address with the department and an original utility bill e.g. Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Water Supply, in the name of the tenant.

8. Health insurance covering inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs (plan A), for pensioners E121/S1 from the Ministry of Health or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body
transport costs (plan A).

VISITOR | VISITING PENSIONER

1. Copy of valid passport or identity card (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).
2. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, it must be duly certified and translated (the original must also be presented at the time of submission) (where applicable).

3. Divorce certificate or dissolution of civil partnership or death certificate. Foreign documents, be duly certified and translated (where applicable).

4. Evidence of stable or satisfactory income, e.g. pension, interest on deposits, dividends, rent.

5. Bank account handling of the last quarter.

6. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should indicate the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers), as well as the address which will be the official postal address and the contact address with
the department and an original utility bill e.g. Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Water Supply, in the name of the tenant.

7. Health insurance covering inpatient, outpatient and body
transport costs (plan A), for pensioners E121/S1 from the Ministry
of Health or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body
transport costs (plan A).
SPOUSE OF A CYPRIOT CITIZEN

1. Copy of a valid passport or identity card (the original passport or identity card must also be presented upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card of the Cypriot citizen whose applicant is a family member. During submission, the original passport or identity card is also presented.

3. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, it must be duly certified and translated.

4. Birth certificate of child(ren), duly certified and translated (where applicable)

5. Evidence of the existence of stable or satisfactory income of the applicant (e.g. pension, bank accounts, rents, dividends, interest on deposits).

6. Evidence of the existence of a stable or satisfactory income of the Cypriot citizen whose applicant is a family member and a detailed statement of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary.

7. If the Cypriot or European citizen is not working, provide evidence of stable or satisfactory income (e.g. pension, bank accounts, rents, dividends, interest on deposits).

8. Signed Declaration of Harmonious Cohabitation of the couple, at their officially declared address, certified by the relevant Parish President or President of the Community Council.

9. Title Deed of Immovable Property or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Superintendent of Stamping and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should indicate the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers), as well as the address which will be the official postal address and the contact address
with the department and an original utility bill e.g. Electricity Authority of Cyprus, Water Supply, in the name of the tenant.

10. Health insurance covering inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A).

MEU2B | DOCUMENTS YOU WILL NEED
SPOUSE OF A EUROPEAN CITIZEN

1. Copy of valid passport (the original passport must also be presented upon submission).

2. Copy of a valid passport or identity card of the European citizen whose applicant is a family member (present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

3. Copy of the Registration Certificate (MEU1) of the European citizen.

4. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, they must be duly certified and translated (the original must also be presented upon submission).
5. If the marriage or civil partnership took place in the Republic, the non Impediment certificates must be presented by a competent authority of the country of origin, duly certified and translated (the originals must also be presented upon submission) or a Certificate from the Registrar of Marriage.

6. Birth certificate of child(ren), duly certified and translated (where applicable).

7. Signed Declaration of Harmonious Cohabitation of the couple, at their officially declared address, certified by the elevant Parish President or President of the Community Council.

8. Affidavit Declaration by the European citizen about the assumption of expenses of his/her spouse.

9. Signed employment certificate from the European citizen’s employer stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary.

10. A signed employment certificate from the employer of the European citizen’s spouse, stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary.

11. Certificate of registration of the European citizen with the SocialInsurance Services and detailed statement of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (concerns an employee and self-employed) and Tax Declarations to the Tax Department (where applicable).

12. If the European citizen is not working, present evidence of the existence of a stable and satisfactory income (employment outside the Republic or from other sources) and bank account movement for the last quarter. If the European citizen used to work in the Republic and now does not work, a certificate from the Department
of Labour must be submitted that he is involuntarily unemployed, is a person who is looking for work and has had a professional activity for more than one (1) year in the Republic.

13. Title Deed or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Stamp Marker and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should include the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers). Original bills from the Electricity and Water Authority of Cyprus in the name of one of the spouses. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A).
Note: The competent authority may request a re-examination in cases where
there is reasonable doubt whether the necessary conditions are met (article
27(2) of Law 7(I)/2007).
MINOR OR DEPENDENT DESCENDANT

1. Copy of valid passport (present the original passport upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card of the parents the applicant is a family member and copy of their Registration Certificate (MEU1/ MEU2) (when submitting the original passport or identity card).

3. Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate, duly certified and translated (the original must be presented upon submission).

4. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership Agreement of parents whose applicant is a family member. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, it must be duly certified and translated.

5. Original court decision on parental responsibility of the minor or sworn consent of the other parent to the minor’s residence and proposed duration of residence in the Republic by a competent authority of his/her country, duly certified and translated.

6. Original certificate of attendance or enrolment in an educational institution in the Republic (where applicable).

7. Affidavit Declaration by the European citizen to bear expenses for his family members.

8. Signed employment certificate from the employer of the European citizen and his/her spouse, stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary.

9. Certificate of registration of the European citizen and his/her spouse with the Social Insurance Services and a detailed statement of their contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (concerns an employee and a self-employed person).

10. If the European citizen is not working, present evidence of the existence of a stable and satisfactory income (employment outside the Republic or from other sources) and bank account movement for the last quarter. If the European citizen used to work in the Republic and now does not work, a certificate from the Department of Labour
must be submitted that he is involuntarily unemployed, is a person who is looking for work and has had a professional activity for more than one (1) year in the Republic.

11. Title Deed or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Stamp Marker and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should include the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers). Original bills from the Electricity and Water Authority of Cyprus in the name of one of the spouses.

12. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A).
DEPENDENT DIRECT ASCENDANT

1. Copy of valid passport (present the original passport upon submission).

2. Copy of valid passport or identity card of the child(ren) that the applicant is a family member and copy of their Registration Certificate (ΜΕU1/ΜΕU2). (Present the original passport or identity card upon submission).

3. Birth certificate of the applicant’s child (European citizen/third country national) duly certified and translated.
Certificate of marital status from the country of origin, showing all members of the applicant’s family (spouse, children) duly certified and translated.

4. Certificate of marital status from the country of origin, showing all members of the applicant’s family (spouse, children) duly certified and translated.

5. Bank account transfer of the applicant for the last quarter.

6. Oath Declaration of responsibility for expenses and hospitality by the European citizen.

7. Signed employment certificate from the employer of the European citizen and his/her spouse, stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary.

8. Certificate of registration of the European citizen and his/her spouse with the Social Insurance Services and a detailed statement of their contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (concerns an employee and a self-employed person).

9. If the European citizen is not working, present evidence of the existence of a stable and satisfactory income (employment outside the Republic or from other sources) and bank account movement for the last quarter.

10. Title Deed or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Stamp Marker and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document should include the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, ARC of foreigner / European and contact numbers). Original bills from the Electricity and Water Authority of Cyprus in the name of one of the spouses.

11. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A).
RIGHT OF A THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONAL DERIVING BY MARRIAGE TO A EUROPEAN
CITIZEN FOLLOWING THE DIVORCE OR DEATH OF THE EUROPEAN CITIZEN

1. Copy of valid passport (the original passport must also be presented upon submission).

2. Copy of a valid passport or identity card of the European citizen whose applicant is a family member (present the original passport or identity card upon submission). Copy of the Registration Certificate (MEU1) of the European citizen.

3. Marriage certificate or Civil Partnership. If the marriage or civil partnership took place abroad, they must be duly certified and translated (the original must also be presented upon submission).
If the marriage or civil partnership took place in the Republic, the non Impediment certificates must be presented by a competent authority of the country of origin, duly certified and translated (the originals must also be presented upon submission) or a Certificate from the Registrar of Marriage.
4. Application and divorce certificate or application and dissolution of the Civil Partnership. If the divorce or dissolution of the civil partnership took place abroad, it must be duly certified and translated.

5. To provide documents proving the cohabitation of the applicant with the European citizen for a period of three (3) years, one (1) year in the Republic.

6. These documents should include a joint bank account of three (3) years, a joint rental document (3) of three years, based on the jointly declared address, a utility bill in the name of the European and one in the name of the spouse.

7. Death certificate of the European citizen. If it is from a foreign country, duly certified and translated. To provide documents proving the cohabitation of the applicant with the European citizen for a period of one (1) year in the Republic. These documents should include a joint bank account, a joint rental document, based on the
jointly declared address, a utility bill in the name of the European and one in the name of the spouse.

8. Birth certificate of child(ren), duly certified and translated (where applicable).

9. Signed employment certificate from the employer, stating the proposed duration of employment and the weekly or monthly salary.

10. Certificate of registration of the European citizen with the Social Insurance Services and detailed statement of contributions to the Social Insurance Fund stating the last employer and salary (concerns an employee and self-employed) and Tax Declarations to the Tax Department (where applicable).
1 1. If the applicant is not working, provide evidence of the existence of a stable and satisfactory income (employment outside the Republic or from other sources) and bank account movement for the last quarter. If the applicant used to work in the Republic and is not currently working, a certificate from the Department of Labour must be provided that he is involuntarily unemployed, he is a person who is a job seeker and has had a professional activity for more than one (1) year in the Republic.
1 2. Title Deed or Rental Document, duly stamped by the Stamp Marker and certified by a certifying officer regarding the signatures of landlord and tenant and original rent payment receipts. (The rental document must include the name of the owner and tenants, ID number, alien’s ARC and contact numbers). Original bills from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and Water Supply in the name of the applicant.
1 3. Health insurance covering medical care, inpatient and outpatient and body transport (plan A) or Certificate of Registration with the GHS and body transport costs (plan A). Note: The competent authority may request a re-examination in cases where there is reasonable doubt whether the necessary conditions are
met (article 27(2) of Law 7(I)/2007)