Yellow Slip in the Republic of Cyprus: MEU1, MEU2, documents, deadlines, and fees

Yellow Slip in the Republic of Cyprus is the colloquial name for the registration of residency rights for EU/EEA citizens and their family members. In 2026, the application for MEU1 or MEU2 must be submitted no later than 4 months after entering the Republic of Cyprus. For MEU1, the official fee is 20 EUR per applicant, and a fine of up to 2,562.90 EUR may apply for non-compliance with the registration obligation. For documents issued outside the Republic of Cyprus, a translation into Greek or English and an apostille or consular legalization are usually required.

For EU citizens and their family members who are also EU citizens, the MEU1 registration certificate is used. For family members of an EU citizen who are not EU citizens, a separate MEU2 procedure applies, and a Residence Card is issued.

• What is Yellow Slip
• Who can apply
• Required documents
• Deadlines, fees, and penalties
• How to apply
• Where to apply
• Glossary
• FAQ

What is Yellow Slip

In the Republic of Cyprus, the name Yellow Slip usually refers to documents related to the residency registration of EU citizens and their families. It is more accurate to distinguish between two regimes:

• MEU1 — Registration Certificate for EU/EEA citizens and their family members who are also citizens of a Member State.
• MEU2 — Residence Card for family members of an EU/EEA citizen who are not citizens of a Member State.

Who can apply

MEU1

MEU1 is submitted by:

• EU/EEA citizens living in the Republic of Cyprus for more than 3 months;
• Family members of such a citizen, if they are also EU/EEA citizens.

The grounds can be employment, self-employment, study, or living on one's own funds.

MEU2

MEU2 is submitted by family members of an EU/EEA citizen who are not themselves EU/EEA citizens. The application is also submitted within 4 months after entering the Republic of Cyprus. Upon submission, the EU citizen is usually present with the family member and confirms their right of residence and the availability of sufficient funds.

Required documents

If an EU citizen is employed

• Valid passport or ID card and copies;
• Confirmation of employment from the employer or certificate of employment;
• 2 passport-sized photographs.

If an EU citizen is self-employed

• Valid passport or ID card and copies;
• Confirmation of registration with Social Insurance Services as self-employed;
• 2 passport-sized photographs.

If the grounds are study

• Valid passport or ID card and copies;
• Confirmation of enrollment in an accredited educational institution;
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance in the Republic of Cyprus;
• Proof of sufficient funds for living;
• 2 passport-sized photographs.

If the grounds are living on own funds

• Evidence of income from outside the Republic of Cyprus, or income from other legal sources, or sufficient deposits;
• Proof of comprehensive health insurance in the Republic of Cyprus.

If a family member (EU citizen) is applying

• Valid passport or ID card and copies;
• Document confirming the family relationship;
• If necessary, the registration certificate of the EU citizen whom the family member is joining;
• Dependency documents, if not a spouse or a child under 21;
• 2 passport-sized photographs.

If a family member (non-EU citizen) is applying (MEU2)

• Valid passport and visa, if required for entry;
• Document on family relationship;
• Proof of family relations, such as a marriage certificate or children's birth certificates;
• If necessary, proof of a stable relationship with the EU citizen;
• For dependent relatives outside the standard circle — documents on dependency or serious medical grounds;
• 2 passport-sized photographs.

Requirements for foreign documents

Official documents issued outside the Republic of Cyprus must be translated into Greek or English. An apostille is also required for countries of the 1961 Hague Convention, or consular legalization according to the rules of the issuing country and diplomatic missions.

Deadlines, fees, and penalties

Based on official public materials, it is convenient to rely on the submission deadline and fee for MEU1. For MEU2, the list of documents and the 4-month submission obligation are confirmed, but the fee amount and processing time should be additionally checked with the Migration Department at the time of application.

How to apply

Steps to follow

1. Determine the correct procedure: MEU1 for an EU/EEA citizen and an EU-citizen family member, or MEU2 for a family member who is not an EU citizen.
2. Collect the basic package: passport or ID, photos, documents supporting the grounds for residency, and documents confirming the family relationship if applying as a family.
3. Check foreign documents: if necessary, prepare an official translation into Greek or English and an apostille or consular legalization.
4. Submit the application in person to the competent migration authority in the Republic of Cyprus within 4 months after entry.
5. Keep the proof of submission and check if additional documents are needed specifically for your category: work, self-employed, study, or living on own funds.

Where to apply

To clarify the current application procedure and the list of documents, you can contact the Civil Registry and Migration Department, 1457 Nicosia.

• Phone: +357 22 308 808
• Email: [email protected]

On the topic of registration, Cyprus-FAQ materials may also be useful: Yellow Slip for EU citizens, Yellow Slip for non-EU citizens and what is an Alien Card or ARC.

Glossary

• Yellow Slip — colloquial name for the residency registration documents of EU/EEA citizens and their families in the Republic of Cyprus.
• MEU1 — Registration Certificate for an EU/EEA citizen and their family member who is also an EU/EEA citizen.
• MEU2 — Residence Card for a family member of an EU/EEA citizen who is not an EU/EEA citizen.
• MEU3 — document for permanent residence after a specified period of legal residence in the Republic of Cyprus.
• Comprehensive health insurance — a health insurance policy confirming coverage in the Republic of Cyprus for categories where it is required.
• Apostille — a form of authentication for a foreign document for states that have joined the 1961 Hague Convention.
• Social Insurance Services — the social insurance service where self-employed status and other insurance data are confirmed.

FAQ

Do I need to apply for a Yellow Slip if an EU citizen lives in the Republic of Cyprus for more than 3 months?

Yes. The MEU1 application is submitted within 4 months after entering the Republic of Cyprus.

Can I work in the Republic of Cyprus before receiving the MEU1?

An EU citizen can start working but is obliged to complete the registration within the specified period. Lack of registration may result in a fine.

Does the Yellow Slip apply to family members who are not EU citizens?

In common parlance, this name is often used for such cases as well, but formally the MEU2 procedure applies to them, and a Residence Card is issued.

What is the official MEU1 fee in 2026?

The official MEU1 fee is 20 EUR per applicant.

What fine is possible if registration is not submitted on time?

The publicly stated maximum fine is up to 2,562.90 EUR.

Is an apostille required for marriage and birth certificates?

Yes, if the document was issued outside the Republic of Cyprus and the issuing country participates in the 1961 Hague Convention. In other cases, consular legalization applies as a general rule.

Where to check if an ARC is still needed?

This depends on your procedure and the current practice of the department. For a basic understanding, you can check the Cyprus-FAQ material about Alien Card or ARC.