Residency Guide
Registering as a Resident: The Yellow Slip (MEU1) Step-by-Step (2026 Updated Guide)
For any EU/EEA/Swiss citizen planning to live in Cyprus for more than three months, obtaining a "Registration Certificate" (commonly known as the Yellow Slip or MEU1) is a mandatory step. This document serves as official proof of your temporary residence in Cyprus. While the certificate itself doesn't expire, it represents the first stage of residency. This guide has been updated for 2026 based on the latest practices from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, including the abolition of stamp duty.
What is the Yellow Slip? The Yellow Slip (MEU1) is a Registration Certificate required for EU/EEA/Swiss citizens residing in Cyprus for over three months. It formalizes your right to live and work in the country. Crucially, access to the public healthcare system (GESY) with an MEU1 is conditional; you must be employed and paying social insurance contributions or have an S1 form from your home country. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for a permanent residence certificate (MEU3).
The Yellow Slip Application Process (Current for 2026)
The process must be completed within four months (120 days) of your arrival in Cyprus. It involves preparing your documents and submitting your application in person at your local Immigration Unit.
Gather Your Documents
This is the most critical stage. The documents required depend on your reason for residing in Cyprus. Ensure you have originals and at least two high-quality photocopies of all documents. Note: Scrutiny on "real substance" has increased in 2026; ensure your local expenditure patterns and utility proof are clear.
Complete the MEU1 Form
Download the latest MEU1 Application Form from the Civil Registry and Migration Department. Fill it out completely using black ink, but do not sign it until your appointment.
Book an Appointment
Important Update: Online booking is mandatory in most districts. You must contact the Immigration Unit in your specific district directly or visit the local office to schedule a slot. Check the official CRMD Contact page for the latest district-specific instructions.
Submit Application in Person
Attend the appointment in your district. You must be physically present for biometric data collection. Pay the €20 application fee per person. Your photograph will be taken at the office.
Receive Your Yellow Slip
If all documents are in order, the Yellow Slip is typically issued within 1 to 5 days, depending on the district.
Document Checklist by Applicant Type (2026)
The core documents are required for all applicants. Strict adherence to signature certification is enforced in 2026.
| Required Document | For Employees | For Self-Employed | Not Working / Student / Pensioner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Documents (Everyone) | |||
| Completed MEU1 Application Form | |||
| Valid Passport or National ID Card (Original + 2 photocopies) | |||
|
Rental or Sale Agreement • Must be certified by an authorized Certifying Officer. • New for 2026: No longer subject to Stamp Duty for contracts signed on/after Jan 1, 2026. |
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|
Original Utility Bill Accepted: Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) or Water Supply. |
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| Passport Photographs | |||
| Application Fee of €20 per person | |||
| Proof of Status (Choose Your Category) | |||
| Confirmation of Engagement by Employer | |||
| Social Insurance Registration and annual income certificate | |||
| Certificate of Registration with Social Insurance as self-employed | |||
| Proof of Enrollment at a recognized Educational Institution | |||
| Proof of Sufficient Funds (e.g., bank account activity showing spending in Cyprus) | |||
| Proof of Comprehensive Health Insurance (if not employed in Cyprus) | |||
From Temporary (MEU1) to Permanent Residency (MEU3)
The MEU1 Yellow Slip grants you the right of temporary residence. After five years of continuous and legal residence in Cyprus, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Certificate (Form MEU3).
- Unconditional Residency: The MEU3 grants you the right to reside in Cyprus permanently.
- Unconditional GESY Access: The MEU3 grants you automatic access to the General Healthcare System (GESY), regardless of your current employment status.
- Application: You apply for the MEU3 at the local Immigration Unit. You must prove continuous residence for the preceding five years.
Important Notes for 2026
- Certifying Officers: Signatures on your residency documents (like rental agreements) must be verified by a licensed **Certifying Officer**, not just a Muhtar. Verify that the officer has a valid license from the Ministry of Interior for 2026.
- Stamp Duty Abolition: Following the 2026 tax reforms, any tenancy agreement or employment contract drafted and signed on or after **January 1, 2026**, does not require tax stamps. If your contract was signed in 2025, old stamp duty rules still apply.
- UK Nationals: UK citizens living in Cyprus under the Withdrawal Agreement who hold paper residency certificates are strongly encouraged to exchange them for the biometric **MUKW card**, as authorities are transitioning to biometric documents.
- Utility Bills: An original bill from the **Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)** or your local **Water Board** is the gold standard for proof of address. Internet or mobile phone bills are generally not accepted.
- Bank Activity: Migration officers now look for evidence of local living expenses (supermarkets, fuel, etc.) in your Cyprus bank statements to prove "real substance" of residency.
- Family Members: Marriage and birth certificates must be **Apostilled** and officially translated into English or Greek.
Official Resources
- Ministry Overview & Legal Basis: Civil Registry and Migration Department
- MEU Forms (MEU1, MEU2, MEU3): Download Forms
- Appointment Booking & Offices: Appointment Platform and Office List
Additional Tips
- Apply Early: Submit within four months of entry to avoid issues with your legal standing.
- Physical Presence: All applicants, including minor children, must be physically present at the appointment for biometrics.
- Verify Requirements: Immigration rules can change without notice. Always consult official government sources for the most current information.