The EU Court obliges Cyprus to recognize same-sex marriages

The Court of Justice of the European Union has ruled that all member states, including Cyprus, are required to recognize same-sex marriages concluded in other EU countries. This applies to rights of residence, family reunification, documentation, and access to basic social services.

Currently, same-sex marriages are not recognized within the Republic of Cyprus, and marriages concluded abroad are accepted only partially and with bureaucratic complications.

Following the EU Court’s decision, such a practice is no longer possible: Cyprus will have to update its family and immigration legislation to ensure equal rules for all couples, as required by European law.

The country will have to make changes to family reunification procedures, the recognition of documents, and the issuance of residence permits to spouses.