Cyprus spouse visa

The Cyprus spouse visa is a residence permit for the married or civil union partner of a Cypriot citizen. Officially, it is a visa for family members. It grants the right to reside in Cyprus after a successful application to the Migration Department, provided all eligibility criteria are met.

You do not automatically get residence rights if married or in a civil union with a Cyprus citizen. You need to apply for the so-called spouse visa and meet several criteria.

Who can apply for a Cyprus spouse visa?

The eligibility criteria are the following:

• You must be legally married or in a civil union with a Cypriot citizen.
• You must have a clean criminal record.
• You must not be considered an unwanted person, such as someone threatening public order or health.

What are the requirements for a Cyprus spouse visa?

You need proof of marriage or civil partnership to a Cypriot citizen, a clean criminal record, proof of adequate income, and other documents. You need to apply with the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, pay a fee, and provide biometric data.

Financial requirements

There are no minimum financial requirements for getting the Cyprus spouse visa; however, you and your spouse must show sufficient income to support yourselves and any children in Cyprus. Moreover, you need to show medical insurance.

Language proficiency

Language proficiency is not required for Cyprus spouse visas, but it is required for Cyprus citizenship applications.

Medical examination

Before arrival, you need to get a blood analysis confirming that you do not suffer from infectious diseases like HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B and C; also, a chest X-ray to show that you do not suffer from tuberculosis (TB). After arrival, you need to do a new blood analysis and chest X-ray, where a Cypriot doctor will certify that you are free from infectious diseases and TB, as previously mentioned.

The procedure for the spouse visa application

The procedure is as follows:

• You enter the Republic with a valid travel document and apply for alien registration and a residence permit. For entry, you need either a permit from the Cyprus embassy or consulate, or, if your country has an agreement with Cyprus, you can enter and stay for three months without a visa.
• You apply to the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry for Migration and International Protection, submitting all necessary documentation. The location is the Migration Office of the district police station.
• You pay the fees.
• You give biometric data (fingerprints, photograph, and signature).
• Your application is examined, and you receive a reply. If your application is rejected, you will be given reasons for rejection.

Required documents

The documents for a spouse visa application must be officially certified and, if necessary, translated into Greek or English. The checklist is divided into two main steps: documents to prepare in your home country and the final items needed to submit your application in Cyprus.

Step 1: Documents to prepare before arriving in Cyprus

You must gather the following certified documents from your country of origin before you travel to Cyprus:

• Valid passport: A copy of your passport or other valid travel document, with at least two years of validity remaining.
• Criminal record certificate: An original certificate from your country of origin or current residence confirming a clean criminal record.
• Marriage or civil union certificate: The official certificate for your current union.
• Non-marriage certificates: These certificates, which prove you and your spouse were free to marry, must be obtained from the relevant authorities in both your country of origin and Cyprus (from the Wedding Registrar for the Cypriot spouse).
• Initial medical certificates: Original results for blood tests showing you are negative for HIV, Syphilis, and Hepatitis B and C, plus a chest X-ray for tuberculosis (TB).
• Proof of adequate income: Documents demonstrating sufficient and stable income for you and your spouse to live in Cyprus.
• Children's documents (if applicable): Copies of any children's birth certificates and their Cypriot passport or ID card.

Step 2: Documents for final application in Cyprus

After arriving in Cyprus, you will submit your application at the local Migration Office. You will need all the documents from Step 1, plus the following:

• Cypriot medical certificates: You must undergo a new set of blood tests and a chest X-ray in Cyprus, with the results certified by a registered Cypriot doctor.
• Proof of residence in Cyprus: A title deed or a stamped rental agreement, accompanied by recent utility bill receipts.
• Proof of health insurance: A certificate of comprehensive medical insurance or proof of registration with the national health system (GeSY). Your insurance must cover the repatriation of remains.
• Passport and entry documentation:
  • Copies of your passport showing your most recent entry stamp into Cyprus.
  • Your original Entry Permit (Form M70).
• Cypriot spouse's identification: A copy of your spouse’s Cypriot passport or ID card. The original document must also be presented at the time of application.
• Social insurance registration certificate (if employed): If you will be working in Cyprus, you must provide your registration certificate from the Social Insurance Services.

Processing time

The processing time is four months, provided you complete the application correctly and submit all the required documents.

Government fees

Application fee: €80 (if employed) or €50 (if not employed).

Alien registration fee: €70 for all applicants.

Appeals

In case of rejection of the application, the applicant will receive a letter stating the reasons for rejection.

If your application is rejected, you can challenge it by judicial review. This is a legal procedure that you must discuss with an immigration lawyer.

Rights and privileges of the Cyprus spouse visa

The spouse visa includes several benefits, for example:

• Permanent residency by marriage.
• Equal rights and treatment to Cypriot and EU citizens.
• Work authorisation (depending on the type of application).

Responsibilities of Cyprus spouse visa holders

The Cypriot spouse visa gives you some duties. You need to:

• Live with your spouse permanently. In case of death or divorce, you may have to apply again, showing sufficient duration of marriage, a clear immigration record and shared responsibilities.
• Obtain medical insurance or register with GeSY (the national health system).
• Maintain a clean criminal record so that no public order issues arise.

Frequently asked questions