AFTER BREXIT – RESIDENCE RIGHTS AND RESIDENCE DOCUMENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS

Jun 26, 2019

The final decision to leave the EU has not yet been reached but if the Brexit does go ahead you should know your rights in Cyprus as UK citizens or family members of UK citizens. The practical implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement concerning residence rights of United Kingdom (UK) nationals and their family members, including family members who are third country nationals, in Cyprus, are set out briefly below. *dates are subject to change based on ongoing developments

If you would like advice concerning your personal situation please do not hesitate to contact our expert team.

THE BACKGROUND:

Withdrawal Agreement: Concerns the framework which will govern the departure of the UK from the EU and will have binding force once implemented.

Does it concern you?: The Withdrawal Agreement affects the rights of UK nationals and their family members who have already exercised or will exercise their free movement rights in Cyprus before 1 January 2021. THE BASICS:

  1. UK nationals and their family members who have already exercised or will exercise free movement in Cyprus before 1 January 2021 but, until 31 December 2020 will not have completed continuous residence of 5 years, will be eligible for residence.
  2. Those who will have completed 5 years of continuous residence in Cyprus before 31 December 2020 will be eligible to acquire permanent residence.
  3. Those who will not have completed 5 years of continuous residence in Cyprus, will be able to remain in Cyprus to build-up 5 years continuous residence.

Commencement of this 5year period for both cases starts at the moment of exercising free movement rights, which may be at any time before and during the transition period.

  1. UK citizens who arrive in Cyprus after the 31/12/2020 (end of the transition period), will need to meet standard Cyprus immigration rules applicable to third country nationals.

Family members of UK citizens

Existing family members of UK nationals covered by the Withdrawal Agreement, who are living in a country other than Cyprus on 31/12/2020, will be able to reunite in Cyprus with the UK national as a family member at any time in the future. They