The Yellow Slip, officially known as the Registration Certificate for EU Nationals, is the key document that grants European Union citizens the right to legally reside and work in Cyprus for more than three months. The certificate is commonly called “Yellow Slip” due to its distinctive yellow colour.
Under Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, EU citizens have the right to move and live freely within any EU Member State. In Cyprus, this right is formalised through the issuance of the Yellow Slip.
Who Needs a Yellow Slip?
The Yellow Slip is required for:
- EU citizens relocating to Cyprus for work, study, or long-term residence.
- Family members of an EU national, including spouses, children, and dependent relatives.
- Non-EU family members who accompany or join an EU citizen residing in Cyprus.
Key Benefits of the Yellow Slip
- Legal Residency — Confirms lawful residence in Cyprus without time limitations for EU citizens.
- Employment Rights — Allows holders to work freely without additional work permits.
- Access to GESY Healthcare — Enables registration in Cyprus’ national health system.
- Education Access — Required for registering children and adults in schools and universities.
- Banking & Formal Procedures — Essential for opening bank accounts and completing financial or administrative tasks.
- Rights for Non-EU Family Members — Facilitates residence and family unity under the EU freedom of movement rules.
Yellow Slip Categories & Required MEU Forms
1. MEU1 – For EU Citizens & EU Family Members
- Who applies: Citizens of EU Member States and family members who are also EU nationals.
- Processing time: Issued immediately or within 5 days by the local Immigration Unit.
- Validity: Unlimited.
- After 5 years: Eligible to apply for permanent residence (MEU3).
2. MEU2 – For Non-EU Family Members of EU Citizens
- Who applies: Spouses, children, and dependent relatives who are not EU nationals.
- Where it is processed: Applications are examined by the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia.
- Processing time: Approximately 6–7 months.
- Validity: 5 years, renewable.
- Employment rights: Work is permitted after approval.
- Travel: Applicants may exit and re-enter Cyprus with their Submission Receipt.
3. MEU3 – Permanent Residence Certificate
- Eligibility: 5 years of continuous residence in Cyprus.
- Applicants: EU citizens and their family members.
- Processing time: 6–7 months.
- Validity: Indefinite.
- Absence rules:
- Up to 6 months per year permitted.
- Up to 12 months allowed for important reasons (pregnancy, illness, studies, training).
- Absence exceeding 2 consecutive years may result in loss of permanent residence rights.
Required Documentation for Yellow Slip Applications
1. Application Forms
- MEU1 or MEU2, depending on the applicant’s category.
2. Identification
- Valid passport or national ID card.
3. Family Status Certificates
(if applicable)
- Marriage Certificate — translated into English and Apostilled or certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Cyprus Embassy.
- Birth Certificates of Children — same translation and certification requirements.
4. Proof of Residence
- Rental agreement (minimum one-year duration, certified and stamped at the Tax Office)
or - Property purchase agreement.
5. Financial Evidence
- Bank statements for the past six months (Cyprus or foreign bank), showing income and expenses.
6. Proof of Employment
- If employed abroad: Employer’s confirmation + recent payslip.
- If employed in Cyprus:
- Employer’s confirmation letter
- Social insurance registration
- Employer-signed application
- Income certificate
7. Health Insurance
(if not employed in Cyprus)
- Private health insurance (approx. €200 per person), issued within one day.
8. Photographs
- Passport photos are not required in advance; they are taken at the office during the appointment.
Important:
Documents requiring translation must be officially translated and certified (Apostille / MFA / Embassy).
Application Procedure
1. Scheduling the Appointment
Applicants or their legal representatives must arrange the appointment 3–4 weeks in advance.
2. Physical Presence Required
Applicants must appear in person for biometric data and signature collection.
Submission via power of attorney is not allowed, although a lawyer may accompany the applicant.
Government Fees
- €20 per applicant, applicable for both first-time issuance and renewal.
Processing Times
- MEU1: 1–5 days
- MEU2: 6–7 months
- MEU3: 6–7 months
Delays may occur if documentation is incomplete or requires additional verification.
ARC Number – What Happens After Approval
The Yellow Slip includes your Alien Registration Number (ARC), necessary for:
- Medical appointments
- Public services
- Banking
- Insurance
- Any official transaction in Cyprus
Renewal & Status Updates
- EU Citizens: The Yellow Slip does not expire and does not require renewal.
- Non-EU Family Members: Must renew every 5 years, submitting full documentation again to prove ongoing eligibility.
Why Choose L.A. Law Firm for Your Yellow Slip Application
Our immigration team provides comprehensive support throughout the process:
- Expert preparation of applications with no missing documents
- Certified translations & document authentication
- Appointment scheduling & assistance at the Immigration Office
- Continuous monitoring and updates until approval
- Clear communication in English and Greek
- High approval rate for MEU1, MEU2, and MEU3 applications
Whether you are an EU citizen relocating to Cyprus or a non-EU family member joining your spouse or relative, L.A. Law Firm ensures a smooth, compliant, and stress-free application process.
