brexit-and-cyprus

Brexit and Residency of UK Nationals in Cyprus

Current Conditions and Requirements

Brexit and current residency criteria for UK nationals

Britain has left the European Union and the transition period valid until the end of December 2020 for the implementation of the Brexit withdrawal agreement has expired.

Under the Withdrawal Agreement, UK nationals who were eligible for residence rights as well as their family members, including family members that are third country nationals, can continue to live, work or study in Cyprus.

This means that British nationals who applied before 31st December 2020 for EU residency status and will continue to be eligible for residency of Cyprus.

Residence documents issued to British nationals under the directive 2004/38/EC will continue to be valid.

In reference to Article 18(4) of the Withdrawal Agreement, Cyprus has decided that UK nationals and their family members and other persons residing in its territory will not be obligated to apply to replace their pre-existing residency documents in order to obtain any new residence documents that will be issued in future.

Documents and fees currently required for the Residency application (MEU1 application)

Documents required for the application for residency of EU national (other than employment or study) in the Republic of Cyprus.

  1. Personal documents
    a. Valid passport
    b. 2 passport sized photographs
    c. Proof of fixed or adequate income from employment outside the Republic; or
    d. Proof of fixed or adequate income from other legal sources; or
    e. Adequate deposits in financial institutions in the Republic or abroad; and
    f. Proof of comprehensive health insurance in the Republic.
  2. For the issue of a Registration Certificate to family members the following documents must be submitted:
    a. Valid Passport or identity card and copies of the same.
    b. A document attesting to the existence of a family relationship.
    c. Where appropriate, the registration certificate of the Union citizen whom they are accompanying or joining.
    d. In the case of a spouse of a Union citizen and direct dependants under 21 or who are dependants of the citizen and those of the spouse, proof of existence of a family relation and that said family members are dependants.
    e. In the case of any other family member of the Union citizen not falling under the definition in paragraph 2(d), a document issued by the relevant authority in the country of origin or country from which they are arriving certifying that they are dependants or members of the household of the Union citizen, or proof on the existence of serious health grounds which render the personal care of the family member by the Union citizen absolutely necessary.
    f. Proof of the existence of a consistent relationship with the Union citizen.
    g. Two Passport-sized photographs. – It is noted that photographs are now captured during the application submission process.

Government Fees

The application fees payable are €20 for the Union citizen and €20 for each family member citizen of a Member.

All public documents issued abroad which are to be submitted as part of the application process must be legalised by ‘apostille’ if the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 1961. This means that you would need to take secure a true copy of the public document by the issuing authorities and arrange with a notary or solicitor to have the document sent to the Foreign and Commonwealth office in the UK to be apostilled.

Residency after the transition period

UK nationals who wish to reside in Cyprus and did not satisfy the Withdrawal criteria after the transition period will not be able to apply for an MEU1 residency. After the transition period UK nationals for residency purposes will be classed as ‘non-EU third country nationals’ and so will have to secure a valid residency permit issued by the Republic of Cyprus based on their immigration needs. This would mean that any UK national would have to consider the grounds for their residency application.

  • Employment for those applying for residency after the transition period.

After the transition period if a UK national wishes to take up employment in Cyprus from 1st January 2021 then that individual would have to apply for a work permit. Work permits are issued ordinarily on an annual basis and must be renewed before the expiry date. Ordinarily temporary residency permits are revoked if the applicant or any such permit holder remains outside Cyprus for any length of time longer than 3 months.

  • Permanent residency programmes of the Republic of Cyprus.

Cyprus additionally has numerous permanent residency programmes designed for retirees and investors. One example is the Cyprus Fast Track Residency Programme. https://stylianou.law/cyprus-permanent-residency

Holders of permanent residency permits need not reapply or renew their permits and are not ordinarily subject to revocation.

Dependent family members of the applicant for residency are also entitled to apply and be afforded the same residency rights as the applicant so long as the applicant’s residency permit is valid and in force.

  • Temporary visitor or work permits

For those who work or those who wish to remain in Cyprus for longer than 90 days this an ideal type of residency permit where main applicant and dependent family members would be eligible. This permit is issued on an annual basis and requires renewal. The residency is terminated if the holder remains out of Cyprus for any period longer than 3 months.

UK Nationals and Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Cyprus to ensure that UK nationals not pay tax on the same income in both countries and Cyprus employs double tax relief.

Existing double taxation arrangements for UK nationals living in Cyprus have not changed.

The below is guidance for UK nationals on:

UK Pensions

The UK government provides as much advice on those considering moving or retiring in Cyprus. It is advisable if you are intending to move or retire to Cyprus to inform the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad.

If you retire in Cyprus, you can claim:

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must fill it in promptly, otherwise your payments may be suspended.

Pensions after 31 December 2020

There will be no changes before 31 December 2020 to the rules on claiming the UK State Pension in the EU, EEA or Switzerland as a result of the UK leaving the EU.

If have been  living in the EU, EEA or Switzerland by 31 December 2020 you will get your UK State Pension uprated every year for as long as you continue to live there. This will happen even if you start claiming your pension on or after 1 January 2021, as long as you meet the qualifying conditions explained in the new State Pension guidance.

If you are living in Cyprus by 31 December 2020, you will be able to count future social security contributions towards meeting the qualifying conditions for your UK State Pension.

If you work and pay social security contributions in Cyprus, you will still be able to add your UK social security contributions towards your Cypriot pension. This will happen even if you claim your pension after 31 December 2020.

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