Why Cyprus is Attractive for EU Nationals
Cyprus is a popular destination for many EU nationals, thanks to their right to freely move and reside within the European Union they can also easily move to Cyprus. The country offers numerous benefits and advantages, including favorable tax rules. For instance, Cyprus has a low corporate tax rate and Non-Domiciled rules that exempt Dividends and Interest income, Capital Gains, and salaries earned abroad from taxation.
Aside from tax advantages, Cyprus is also one of the safest countries in Europe, with a low crime rate. With around 10 months of sunshine per year, crystal clear beaches, and a high-quality education system, it’s easy to see why EU nationals find Cyprus attractive. Furthermore, the country offers many investment opportunities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to grow their wealth.
If you’re an EU national looking for a new place to live or invest, Cyprus is worth considering. With its favorable tax rules, safety, great weather, and investment opportunities, it’s easy to see why so many people are choosing to move to this Mediterranean island.
EU Nationals choosing to move to Cyprus: What you need to do
A European Union citizen and family members who are also nationals of a Member State must apply for a Registration Certificate within four months of their arrival into the Republic of Cyprus.
The residency card is an official document that verifies a family member of a Union citizen’s legal right to remain in Cyprus. It is a vital document since it permits the family member to live and work in the nation, as well as receive healthcare and education and other rights and advantages.
It’s crucial to note that the application procedure for a residence card may be complicated, so working with an expert immigration lawyer who can assist guide you through the process and ensuring that all necessary papers and conditions are satisfied is key.
The Union citizen must provide the following papers in order for a Registration Certificate to be issued:
A) If the objective of your stay in the Republic of Cyprus is to work:
- A valid passport or identity card, as well as copies of both.
- The employer’s confirmation of engagement or a certificate of employment.
- Two passport-sized photos. Photographs are now taken throughout the application submission process.
B) If the objective of your stay in the Republic of Cyprus is to engage in self-employment:
- A valid passport or identity card, as well as copies of both.
- Certificate of Self-Employment Registration with the Social Security Administration.
- Two passport-sized photos. Photographs are now taken throughout the application submission process.
C) If the objective of the visit is to study in a Private or Public Educational Establishment authorized or supported by the Republic of Cyprus:
- A valid passport or identity card, as well as copies of both.
- Evidence of enrollment in a Republic-accredited or sponsored Private or Public Educational Institution, including vocational training courses.
- Evidence of Republic-wide comprehensive health insurance coverage.
- Declaration or other comparable methods, as the applicants may choose, to ensure that they have adequate resources for themselves and their families so that they do not constitute a burden on Cyprus’s social assistance system during their stay.
- Two passport-sized photos. Photographs are now taken throughout the application submission process.
D) If your reason for residing in the Republic of Cyprus is not listed above:
- A steady or enough income from work outside the Republic, OR
- Consistent or sufficient income from other legal sources, OR
- Sufficient deposits in Republic or foreign financial institutions AND
- Evidence of Republic-wide comprehensive health insurance
Family Members of EU Nationals in Cyprus
The following papers must be supplied in order for a Registration Certificate to be issued to family members of a Union citizen who are also citizens of a Member State:
- A valid passport or identity card, as well as copies of both.
- A document proving the existence of a familial link.
- The registration certificate of the Union citizen (the main applicant)
- In the event of a Union citizen’s spouse and direct dependents under the age of 21 or who are dependents of the citizen and those of the spouse, proof of a family relationship and that said family members are dependents.
- Proven relationship with the Union citizen.
- Two passport-sized photos. Photographs are now taken throughout the application submission process.
Family Members that are Non-EU Nation
Family Members of a Union citizen who are not nationals of a Member-State must ALSO apply for a residence permit within four months of their admission into the Republic of Cyprus.
Example: A Bulgarian man is married to a woman from Philippines. So we have an EU National married to a non-EU national. If the Bulgarian man, moves to Cyprus and issues the Residence Card, his wife shall also apply as a Family Member.
In this case, in order to issue the Residence Card for the non-EU national, the following documents are required:
- Passport (not expired)
- A document proving the existence of a familial link
- Registration certificate of the main applicant
- In case of children under the age of 21, proof of a family relationship
Get the Permanent Residence Card
After five years of uninterrupted lawful residence in the Republic of Cyprus, a Union citizen and family members apply for the issuance of a Permanent Residence Permit.
Temporary absences of no more than six months in a year shall not affect the validity of the residence card. Once earned, the right to permanent residency may be revoked only by leaving the Republic of Cyprus for more than two years in a row.
If you have lived lawfully in Cyprus for at least seven years, you may be able to apply for Cyprus citizenship through naturalization. This is a significant step toward becoming a full-fledged Cyprus citizen and enjoying all of the benefits and rights that entails.
Feel free to contact us to discuss any details and to start working on your case.