Cyprus permanent residence by marriage to Cypriot

Updated: October 24, 2024

Third-country nationals (non-European Union Citizens) married to Cypriot citizens can apply for a Cyprus residency permit. This also applies to the following family members of a Cypriot citizen and his spouse:

their children under 18 years old from a previous marriage,
their parents-in-law.

A benefit of a residence permit by marriage is the right to stay in Cyprus with no limitations.

Required documents for PR by marriage

Passport or identity card of the Cypriot citizen and the applicant
Marriage Certificate
Non-Marriage Certificate of the spouse (if was single before the marriage)
Copy of divorce and Affidavit of the spouse and the Cypriot who was not married since the issuance of the divorce
Health Insurance (if the Cypriot Citizen is not working) or registration at the General Health System (GeSY)
A clean criminal record for the foreign spouse
Proof of stable and sufficient income
Certificate of Social insurance contributions of the Cypriot citizen(if applicable)
The title deed of a property in Cyprus, a sales contract if title deeds are not available, or a Rental Agreement duly certified by a certifying officer and stamped at the tax office (original and copy bearing two stamps worth) must be submitted. In the case of a rental agreement, utility bills in the name of the Cypriot spouse or the couple must also be submitted.
Birth Certificate (for children from a previous marriage)

Application Procedure

For Nicosia, the applications are submitted to the Civil Registry and Migration Department. For all other districts, to the aliens and migration unit of the district police station.

The applicant might get temporary residency the first two times he/she applies. This permit is valid for a year each time. On the third renewal, a permanent residence might be granted.

However, if the couple has been married for many years or has children, the department might give them permanent residency from the first time they apply.

Citizenship application of Cypriot spouse

The Cypriot spouse, after receiving the permanent residency, can apply for the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship if he/she complies with the following:

completing three years of marriage before the date of application
two years of residence in the Republic

Read more about Cyprus citizenship by marriage.

Government fees

The government fees for applying for residency by marriage in Cyprus are as follows.

If the applicant is working:

A permanent residence fee of 80 euros
Registration as an alien is 70 euros
Form MCYE

If the applicant is not working:

A permanent residence fee of 50 euros
Registration as an alien is 70 euros
Form MCYV

Frequently asked questions

Can I get permanent residence in Cyprus by marriage to a Cypriot?

Yes, getting permanent residence in Cyprus by marriage to a Cypriot is possible. If you are employed, you need to apply using the MCYE form. If you are not employed, you can apply using the form MCYV. However, you need to have completed three years of marriage and to have been a resident in the Republic for the last two years preceding the date of the application.

How much does the marriage conclusion cost in Cyprus?

Municipalities charge from about EUR 150 to 200 for the ceremony and about EUR 15,00 for the marriage certificate, with additional costs for an accelerated date or getting married on Saturday or Sunday. The church wedding costs vary around EUR 150, depending on the church district. The certificates of freedom and the marriage license cost about EUR 60,00. The cost of divorce varies with the case's complexity, and rates are agreed upon beforehand with your family lawyer.

Is marriage to a Cypriot a 100% guarantee of citizenship?

There is never a guarantee that an application will be successful. However, fulfilling the criteria (three years of marriage, two years of residence preceding the application) and having no previous immigration issues, it is highly likely to result in citizenship. Rejection reasons will be detailed in a letter from the Civil Registry and Migration Department, with the option for judicial review.

What are the advantages of permanent residence by marriage in Cyprus?

You gain a permanent right of residence, which remains even in case of divorce. You can also seek employment. For those married to third-country nationals with a permanent residence permit, the permit typically remains valid post-divorce, with work eligibility depending on the permit type.

What is the spousal visa in Cyprus?

A “spousal visa” in Cyprus refers to the right to apply for residence and later citizenship if married to a Cypriot.