Last Updated on February 23, 2023
UK nationals who have been legally living in the country before December 31, 2020 when the UK withdraws from the EU, may continue to live, study, and work in Cyprus through rights established through the Withdrawal Agreement. UK nationals who are residents of Cyprus by the end of the Brexit transition will be covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, and their rights will be protected if they remain a resident of Cyprus. UK nationals should make sure they are registered as residents.
Entry and Residency Requirements
New residency rules are in effect for 2021. The updated guidance applies to UK nationals who were legal residents of Belgium before the Brexit transition on December 31, 2020. UK nationals can show proof of their residency status through their current EU residence document until they receive a new permit. UK nationals can apply for permanent residency if they have been living in Cyprus for more than five years. UK nationals who were residents of Cyprus before December 31, 2020 are eligible for an Article 50 permit. Their current EU residence documents continue to remain valid. The government has not yet provided an application deadline for UK nationals to apply for a new residence permit. Non-EU family members of UK nationals who hold a residence permit can apply for a national residence permit before their current permit expires.
UK nationals who were residents of Cyprus for five years or more as of December 31, 2020 may apply for a 10-year permanent residence permit. UK nationals who were residents of the country for under five years by the Brexit transition date can apply for a five-year residence permit.
Applicants can demonstrate valid residency before December 31, 2020 by submitting proof of the following:
- Certificate of Registration (MEU1)
- Residence Card (MEU2)
- Certificate/Card of Permanent Residence (MEU3)
A rental agreement, utility bills, property ownership document, social insurance certificate, and local bank statements will also be accepted as proof of residency. Other documents may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
The application fee for a new residence permit is EUR 30.
UK nationals must register as a resident in Cyprus if they plan to stay in the country beyond three months. Upon registering, UK nationals will receive a registration certificate from the Ministry of the Interior, Civil Registry and Migration Department.
UK nationals can apply for permanent residency if they have been living in Cyprus for more than five years.
Travel is permitted in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without a visa to visit family or friends; attend business meetings, sports events, or cultural events; for tourism, and for short-term study or training.
Travelers should note that visits to other Schengen countries within the previous 180 days also count towards the 90-day maximum stay. Any days spent in Cyprus before January 1, 2021 will not count towards the 90-day limit.
Working in Cyprus
UK nationals who are registered as residents in Cyprus before or on December 31, 2020 can maintain their right to work and study if they remain residents.
UK nationals should note that some jobs may require a UK police certificate.
UK nationals who live in Cyprus and commute to work in an EU/EFTA country may require a permit to prove that they are a frontier worker starting in January 2021. The Home Office will provide further details when guidance is available.
Passports
A valid passport is required to enter the country starting in 2021. Passports must have at least a six-month validity, except for individuals transiting Cyprus or who fall within the scope of the Withdrawal Agreement. Individuals must renew their passport prior to traveling if they have less than six months remaining on their passport. Additional months cannot be added to the passport’s six-month validity using passports that are more than 10 years old.
