BREXIT - IMMEDIATE STEPS EXPAT RESIDENTS NEED TO TAKE

BREXIT – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR EXPATS RESIDENT IN CYPRUS.  THIS INFORMATION ASSUMES THAT THE UK LEAVES THE EU WITH A DEAL.   IF THERE IS A ‘NO DEAL’ THE POSITION MAY CHANGE!

1       1  Driving Licences – if you are still driving around on your UK driving licence, this should be changed for a Cypriot one as soon as possible.  If you do not do this by the 29 March 2019 there is a possibility that the Cypriot authorities may request you sit a new driving test!

If you return to the UK, you re-exchange the Cypriot licence for a UK one.

The Cypriot licence will be valid if you drive in the UK on your visits there.

2       2  Immigration

IT IS IMPORTANT TO REALISE THAT THE CYPRIOT AUTHORITIES CANNOT GUARANTEE   YOUR STATUS IF YOU DO NOT REGISTER WITH IMMIGRATION.  IN ADDITION, IF YOU DO  NOT REGISTER, YOU WILL NOT HAVE ACQUIRED CITIZENS RIGHTS WHICH WILL APPLY  WHEN THE UK LEAVES THE EU.  IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU REGISTER TO PROTECT YOUR  RIGHTS.

Within 4 months of moving to Cyprus you should have applied for your yellow slip [MEU1].  If you did not do this and you do not have a yellow slip [MEU1] please go to Immigration  with your passports and make an appointment.  Please make it clear that you are applying  for the MEU1.  Immigration will tell you the documentation required at your appointment – and expect to have to wait around 4 months for this appointment.  Those who are married  are likely to be asked to get the marriage certificate apostiled and you may be required to  provide an official translation into Greek of specific documents depending on the country of issue.

If you have your MEU1, and you have held this for 5 years or more, you should upgrade this to an MEU3 [permanent residency].  By doing this you will qualify under the Citizens Rights                 Agreement.  You have up until the date the UK leaves the EU to apply for your MEU3 –       thereafter if you have not applied for your MEU1/3 you would have to apply as a Third World National and your application would be considered accordingly.   As a European citizen the current application rate for the MEU3 is €20 per person – the fee is likely to be higher and the documentation required more onerous for a Third World Citizen.

To apply for the MEU3, you need to go to Immigration with your passports and make an               appointment [expect to have to wait around 4 months for this appointment].  Immigration will tell you the documentation required.  Please note that immigration will need 5 years  continuous [with no omissions!] statements of bank, OR water, OR electricity, OR phone bills.  As you have your MEU1 you will not need to get your marriage certificate apostiled.  Photographs are not required as a photo will be taken of you at the time of your appointment.

If you do not formalise your residency in Cyprus before the UK leaves the EU, it is likely            that your access to the General Hospital will be removed.