CYPRUS YELLOW SLIP – How to effortlessly Obtain your Cyprus Yellow Slip for EU Citizens.

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    What is a Yellow Slip?

    Under Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), EU citizens have the right to move freely and reside in any member state.

    EU and EEA citizens who plan to work, reside, or stay in Cyprus for over three months must apply for a residence permit known as the Yellow Slip. This registration certificate, issued on yellow paper, outlines the legal requirements for living and working in Cyprus.

    Eligibility Criteria

    EU Citizens and Their Family Members
    The Yellow Slip is available to EU citizens and their family members who wish to reside in Cyprus. Applicants must provide a valid passport or ID and demonstrate their intention to live in Cyprus. Eligible family members include spouses, children under 21, and dependent relatives, who must show proof of their relationship and dependency on the EU citizen.

    Benefits of the Yellow Slip

    1. Legal Residency: Allows EU citizens to live in Cyprus for over three months with rights similar to Cypriot citizens.
    2. Employment: Enables holders to work without requiring additional work permits.
    3. Healthcare: Grants access to Cyprus’s national health system (GESY).
    4. Education: Facilitates enrollment in schools and universities.
    5. Banking: Often required for opening bank accounts and completing official formalities.
    6. Residency for Non-EU Family Members: Extends residency rights to non-EU family members of EU citizens.

    Who Needs a Yellow Slip?

    • EU citizens moving to Cyprus for work, study, or permanent residence.
    • Family members of EU citizens, including spouses and children.
    • Non-EU family members accompanying or joining an EU citizen in Cyprus.

    Types of Yellow Slips and Forms

    1. MEU1: For EU Citizens and Their EU Family Members
      • Who Applies: EU citizens and their EU family members.
      • Processing Time: Immediate or within five days.
      • Validity: Indefinite. After five years of continuous residence, applicants can apply for permanent residency (MEU3).
    2. MEU2: For Non-EU Family Members
      • Who Applies: Non-EU family members of EU citizens.
      • Processing Time: 6–7 months.
      • Validity: Five years, renewable upon expiration.
      • Travel and Residence: Applicants can stay and re-enter Cyprus with a receipt confirming submission.
    3. MEU3: For Permanent Residence
      • Who Applies: EU citizens and their family members after five years of residence.
      • Processing Time: 6–7 months.
      • Validity: Indefinite, with exceptions for long absences.

    General Requirements for All Applications

    1. Physical Presence: Applicants must appear in person for biometric data collection (fingerprints, photos, and signatures).
    2. Required Documents:
      • Identification: Valid passport or ID.
      • Family Certificates: Marriage and birth certificates (translated, certified, and apostilled).
      • Residence Agreement: Rental or property purchase agreement.
      • Financial Proof: Six months of bank statements.
      • Employment Verification (if applicable): Employer letters and payslips.
      • Health Insurance: Local insurance coverage for unemployed applicants.

    Application Process

    1. Schedule an Appointment: Arrange submission 3–4 weeks in advance.
    2. Submission Requirements:
      • Applicants must be present in person.
      • Lawyers may assist but cannot submit applications on behalf of applicants.

    Government Fees

    • First-time application or renewal: €20 per applicant.

    Processing Time and Outcome

    • Processing Times:
      • EU citizens: 5 days.
      • Non-EU family members: 6–7 months.
    • Yellow Slip Details: Includes the Alien Registration Card (ARC) number used for identification in official processes.

    Renewal and Status Changes

    • EU Citizens: The Yellow Slip does not require renewal as it is valid indefinitely.
    • Non-EU Family Members: Renewal is required every five years with updated documentation.

    Benefits of Hiring an Immigration Lawyer

    • Expert Guidance: Simplifies the process with a high success rate.
    • Document Assistance: Ensures no missing paperwork or translation issues.
    • Bilingual Support: Assistance in Greek and English.
    • Comprehensive Services: Includes document preparation, translations, appointment scheduling, and regular updates.
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