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📄 EU Nationals · Non-EU Nationals · All Routes

Cyprus Temporary Residency:
Yellow Slip
& Pink Slip

Not every move to Cyprus starts with a €300,000 property purchase. Temporary residency gives you the legal right to live in Cyprus while you build your life, business, or long-term residency plan here. Work rights depend on your permit category.

EU nationals register and receive a Yellow Slip (MEU1). Non-EU nationals on a temporary permit receive a Pink Slip (ARC), renewed annually. We handle the paperwork so you can focus on the move.

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Which Route Applies to You?
EU National Yellow Slip (MEU1)
Non-EU National Pink Slip
Remote Worker (non-EU) Digital Nomad Visa
€300k+ Investment Permanent Residency →
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Understanding the Documents

Pink Slip, Yellow Slip:
What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common points of confusion for people relocating to Cyprus. Here is the straight answer.

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Pink Slip

TRC: Temporary Residence Card

The Temporary Residence Card issued to non-EU nationals who hold any valid temporary residence permit in Cyprus. BFU permit holders and Digital Nomad Visa holders all receive one. It is your day-to-day proof of legal residence, renewed annually alongside your underlying permit.

  • Issued once your temporary permit is approved
  • Renewed every year alongside your permit
  • Required to open a bank account and get a tax number
  • Needed for GESY registration and utility contracts
  • Issued as a biometric plastic card with your ARC number
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Yellow Slip

MEU1: EU Nationals Only

The Registration Certificate (MEU1) issued to EU, EEA and Swiss nationals who register their right of residence in Cyprus. No investment required, no quota, no annual renewal. Apply within 4 months of arrival at your local District Office.

  • EU, EEA and Swiss nationals only
  • No investment or minimum income required
  • Apply within 4 months of arriving
  • Processing: 1 to 3 months by district office
  • After 5 years continuous residence: upgrades to MEU3 Permanent Certificate
  • UK nationals with old paper MEU1/MEU3 must convert to biometric card by 3 August 2026
Route to permanent residency →

Non-EU nationals obtain their Pink Slip through a temporary permit: the BFU route for company directors or the Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers. Both explained in detail below.

EU Nationals

Registering Your Residence
as an EU National: The Yellow Slip

If you are a citizen of an EU member state relocating to Cyprus, you must register your residence with the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 4 months of arrival. This gives you your yellow slip, officially called the Registration Certificate (MEU1).

Who Qualifies

  • ✓
    Employed EU nationalsWorking in Cyprus for a Cyprus employer or as self-employed. Most straightforward category.
  • ✓
    Self-sufficient EU nationalsWith sufficient financial resources and comprehensive health insurance to not become a burden on the state.
  • ✓
    StudentsEnrolled in a recognised Cyprus institution with health insurance and sufficient resources.
  • ✓
    Family membersSpouses, dependent children, and dependent parents of qualifying EU nationals, including non-EU family members.

Documents Typically Required

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Valid passport or EU national ID card
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Proof of residence in CyprusRental agreement or utility bill in your name.
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Proof of employment or financial resourcesEmployment contract, payslips, or bank statements.
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Health insuranceComprehensive coverage, required if not employed in Cyprus.
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Application form MEU1we provide the correct form and guide you through completion.

Document requirements vary by category and individual circumstances. We confirm the exact list for your situation at consultation.

BFU Route · Non-EU Nationals

Residency for Cyprus
Company Directors

The Business Facilitation Unit (BFU), now administered by the Business Support Center (BSC) since May 2025, issues a combined temporary residency and work permit to non-EU nationals who are shareholder-directors of Cyprus-registered companies. It is the primary route for founders and entrepreneurs who form a Cyprus company and want to relocate here to run it in person.

Requirements

  • ✓
    Shareholder-director of a Cyprus companyYou must hold more than 50% of the company shares, or the shares held by non-EU nationals must be valued at a minimum of €200,000.
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    Minimum gross salary of €2,500 per monthRequired for all new applicants. Existing permit holders approved at €2,000 may continue to renew at that level until 31 December 2026, after which €2,500 applies universally.
  • ✓
    Physical office in CyprusThe company must operate from independent commercial premises clearly separated from any private residence. A virtual office is not sufficient.
  • ✓
    Relevant qualifications or experienceA university degree in your field, or at least 2 years of documented professional experience in the role you are being employed in.
  • ✓
    Employment contract of at least 2 yearsThe contract must be stamped by the Tax Department and must reflect the declared salary.
  • ✓
    30% EU or Cypriot key personnelCompanies must commit to employing at least 30% EU or Cypriot nationals among key personnel within 5 years of BFU registration. From 2 January 2027, compliance with the 70:30 ratio is assessed on all new hires.
Set up your Cyprus company first →
BFU Fast-Track

Combined Residency
and Work Permit

One application covers both your residency and your right to work as a director of your Cyprus company. No separate work permit needed. The permit is tied to your role in the company and renewed alongside it.

  • Permit duration: up to 3 years, fully renewable
  • Enter Cyprus on visa or visa-free, then apply in-country
  • Company registration and BFU application handled together
  • Children can enrol in local or international schools
  • Non-dom tax status accessible from day one
  • Applications submitted online via businessincyprus.gov.cy
⏱ BFU registration: ~10 working days · Residence permit: ~4 weeks
Document Preparation

The Wrong Document Can Delay
Your Application by Months

Every permit category has a different file. What qualifies as proof of income for one route is insufficient for another. Apostille requirements vary by country of origin. One missing certificate means starting again. We build your exact file before anything is submitted.

Get Your Personalised Document List →
Find the Right Permit for Your Situation →

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Frequently Asked

Temporary Residency
Questions Answered

The yellow slip (MEU1 Registration Certificate) is for EU nationals only. It confirms your right to reside in Cyprus as an EU citizen and does not expire. The pink slip is the Temporary Residence Card (TRC) issued to non-EU nationals. Despite the name, it is a temporary permit renewed annually. It is not permanent residency. Non-EU nationals who want permanent residency must go through a separate route such as Regulation 6(2) PR.
EU nationals with a yellow slip can work freely in Cyprus. Non-EU nationals with a Pink Slip (TRC) obtained via the BFU route can work as directors of their Cyprus company. Non-EU nationals with a Digital Nomad Visa may only work remotely for foreign employers or clients — not for Cyprus-based businesses.
The Business Facilitation Unit (BFU) fast-track scheme allows non-EU national directors and key personnel of Cyprus-registered companies to obtain temporary residency and a combined work permit. It is for entrepreneurs who incorporate a Cyprus company and want to physically relocate to Cyprus to manage their business. Processing typically takes 6 to 10 weeks.
The Pink Slip (TRC) is issued for one year and renewed annually. The Yellow Slip for EU nationals does not expire. The Digital Nomad Visa is initially issued for one year and can be renewed for up to a further two years. For all temporary permits, we manage renewal deadlines proactively so you are never at risk of lapsing.
Yes. Dependants (typically spouse and minor children) can be included in your application or apply for family reunification permits. The specific process depends on your permit category. We coordinate all dependant applications alongside the primary application.
Most permits require at least one in-person visit to Cyprus. When, for how long, and what you need to bring depends entirely on your nationality and permit category. We plan this visit in advance so nothing is wasted and no appointment is missed.
You must apply for renewal before your current permit expires. Overstaying can result in fines and complications with future applications. We track renewal deadlines for our clients and manage the renewal process proactively. This is part of the ongoing service.
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