How to Get a Yellow Slip in Cyprus

Updated: June 2025

The Yellow Slip (Registration Certificate for EU Nationals) is a legal requirement for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their EU family members who intend to stay in Cyprus for longer than 90 days. This document grants the right to reside, work, and access public services in Cyprus.

Who Needs a Yellow Slip

  • EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens staying in Cyprus more than 90 days

  • Family members of EU citizens who are also EU nationals

For non-EU family members, a different application process (MEU2) is required.

What the Yellow Slip Does (and Doesn’t Do)

  • Confirms legal residency in Cyprus

  • Grants full access to the labor market

  • Allows registration with the national healthcare system (GESY)

  • Enables opening a bank account, enrolling in schools, signing contracts, and more

Important:
The Yellow Slip is not a travel document and does not permit visa-free travel to other countries. It is valid only for Cyprus.

When to Apply

You must submit your Yellow Slip application within 4 months (120 days) of arriving in Cyprus.

Which Form to Use

  • MEU1 – for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their EU family members

  • MEU2 – for third-country (non-EU) family members of EU citizens

  • MEU3 – for permanent residency after 5 years of legal residence

Required Documents for MEU1 (EU Citizens)

You must present originals and one copy of each document:

  1. Valid passport or EU national ID

  2. Completed MEU1 application form

  3. Rental or property agreement

    • Must be minimum 1 year

    • Rental agreement must be certified by a Muhtar or certifying officer

    • Must be stamped at the Tax Department if rent exceeds €5,000/year or duration exceeds 1 year

  4. Proof of employment (if working in Cyprus):

    • Employment confirmation letter

    • Social insurance registration

    • Annual income certificate

    • Employer must sign the application

  5. Proof of financial means (if not working in Cyprus):

    • Bank statements (local or foreign) showing past 6 months of income and expenses

    • Confirmation letter and payslips (if working remotely abroad)

    • Recommended minimum:

      • €10,000–€15,000 for individuals

      • €20,000–€25,000+ for couples/families

    • Local Cypriot bank account is recommended

  6. Health insurance (if not employed in Cyprus)

    • Can be international or purchased locally (approx. €200/year per person)

  7. Marriage and/or birth certificates (if applying with family)

    • Must be translated into English

    • Must be apostilled or certified by the issuing country’s foreign ministry and Cyprus embassy

  8. Application fee: €20 per applicant

    • Payable at the time of submission

  9. Photograph

    • Taken on-site at the immigration office during the application process

Application Procedure

  • You must book an appointment at your local Immigration Office (Aliens & Immigration Unit)

  • Personal attendance is mandatory (no proxy or power of attorney allowed)

  • The application is reviewed and processed by the Civil Registry and Migration Department

  • Processing time: typically 1 month

Where to Apply (District Offices)

CityAddress
NicosiaAgamemnonos 6, Engomi, 2411
LimassolFranglinou Rousvelt 223, Zakaki, Bldg “D. Nikolaou”, 2nd floor, 3046
LarnakaTasou Mitsopoulou 34, 6027
PafosEleftheriou Venizelou & Kaningos 22, 2nd floor, 8021
FamagustaEleftherias 83, Derynia Plaza, 1st floor, 5380

Yellow Slip Validity

  • EU citizens: Does not expire

  • Non-EU family members (MEU2): Valid for 5 years, then renewable

After Five Years: Permanent Residency (MEU3)

After legally residing in Cyprus for five continuous years, EU nationals and their EU family members may apply for permanent residency using the MEU3 form. Processing time is approximately 4–6 months.

Additional Notes

  • Healthcare: Yellow Slip holders can register with GESY, Cyprus’s public health system

  • Driver’s license: Can be exchanged for a Cypriot license after registration

  • Banking: A Yellow Slip is typically required to open a full-service local account

UK Nationals After Brexit

  • UK citizens who obtained MEU1, MEU2, or MEU3 before Dec 31, 2020, retain residency rights

  • New arrivals from the UK must now apply under third-country (non-EU) rules unless covered under Withdrawal Agreement

  • UK nationals may apply for replacement documents (UKW1, UKW2, UKW3)

Renewal

  • EU citizens: Yellow Slip does not expire

  • Non-EU family members: Must renew after 5 years by resubmitting required documents