Paphos Life

I was surprised that a figure of around 36,000 hadn't bothered to register with immigration.

Jim

I think a lot of Brits have their heads in the sand when it comes to immigration and think things will revert back to before Cyprus was in the EU.

It's for the first time I have seen this line in the million of Brexit news items :

"with apologies to our non British members"

When we moved here (pre EU) we registered with immigration. It was very simple. We are in possession of our MEU3A, again it was made very simple and easy. Cyprus does make it as easy as possible for Brits here as regards to immigration, so I see no need to ignore it. Each to their own though.

I assume from this that if the UK crashes out without a deal, when I move over next year I will be applying as a 3rd Country National? Best start looking at what I need to do as only really looked at what I need for an MEU1.

It is a very interesting article especially if you look at the variance of the rules in different countries....

Jimgym wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 9:43 am When we moved here (pre EU) we registered with immigration. It was very simple. We are in possession of our MEU3A, again it was made very simple and easy. Cyprus does make it as easy as possible for Brits here as regards to immigration, so I see no need to ignore it. Each to their own though.

Alan
Like you I registered prior to Cyprus joining the EU and it was very straight forward. It was only later when I remarried to a Third Country National that the fun began, As I've said many times, trying to get an MU2a is a totally different ball game and would strongly advise anyone who is contemplating applying to apply before the 31st October whether Brexit takes place or not rather than taking the chance of becoming classed as a TCN.
It cost us a lot of time and a lot of money, nothing like the 20 minute visit to Paphos Immigration when applying for an MU1a.

Jim

Still confused by MEUI versus MEU 3 for regular visitor but not fully permenant resident..

Advice from HC seems to indicate both acceptable and no question of"must" convert to MEU 3.

Have sought advice from Cyprus HC. We will see what they say!!

The first we knew of it was this post on here today! We have been checking regularly and last time it was optional, now it is saying must acquire a MEU3. Not to sit on our laurels, we checked on the migration site, collated the paperwork required, called in to immigration office about 1p.m.. The place was empty. We have an appointment for October 11th. Happy e ought with that. Does anyone know the best time to visit, since it just states a day and not a time? TIA

We used to get there for 8am. You have to be pushy because queuing isn't a concept for most nationalities especially the agents who always try and jump the queue.

Jim

Bit difficult as we cant prove 5 year continuous residency we only stay in Cyprus for just under 6 months per year:any views?

Has anyone ever given a reasoned argument on here why you should not get either an MEU1 (if you're here a lot, but less than 6 months, like me) or an MEU3 (if you're here more than 6 months)?

I just can't for the life of me, see the problem in getting either of these, whichever is appropriate. What is there to lose (unless you're working here and not paying tax....but that's another matter)

As I understand under EU Law you can reside anywhere in the EU, the MU1a is just registration to say where your place of abode is and the six months is a tax requirement. I know many people who work overseas, some for up to ten months a year but still have an MU1a or MU3a. If you have a place here and you can prove you are self sufficient you can register.
I know many people who work in the Middle East and beyond and none meet six months in country criteria but all have MU1a or MU3a.

Jim

Currently there is no guarantee of reciprocal state health care after 31st October and as we are fortunate to have MEU3 status, should we be no longer covered by the UK for state health care in Cyprus, at least we will still be eligible to GESY healthcare due to our MEU3 status, albeit we would then have to contribute a percentage of our income. No way could we afford private medical cover and even if we could there would be so many exclusions that it would not be a practical solution anyway.

GESY ELIGIBILITY If you are a resident of the government controlled areas you are a GHS beneficiary if a) you are employed, or b) you have acquired permanent residence status, or c) you are a member of the family of a beneficiary or d) you are insured in another EU Member State.

Lots of information here:

Cyprus
I am a UK national living in Cyprus. In case of a no-deal scenario, what should I do to keep my residence rights after Brexit date? When should I do it?
Cyprus will protect your residence rights through transitional measures that will be applicable indefinitely. You will need to have a residence document to prove these rights.
a) If you already have a residence document issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31/12/2020. After 31/12/2020, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new specific rules that will be in place by that time.
b) If you do not have a residence document, you will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible for the UK nationals legally residing in Cyprus until 31/10/2019 with the CIVIL REGISTRY AND MIGRATION DEPARTMENT or at the Local Immigration Offices. For information on the application process, please visit this website www.moi.gov.cy/crmd
c) You will receive a residence permit under EU law. This will be considered as your temporary residence permit until 31/12/2020. After 31/12/2020, you will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the new specific rules that will be in place by that time.

What will my rights be?
With your temporary residence permit, you will keep most of the rights you had as an EU citizen. This means you will be able to continue to reside in the territory of Cyprus, to work, to look for a job, or to study.

How can I travel to other Member States or cross the EU external borders?
You will have to carry your passport and your temporary residence permit.

I have resided in Cyprus for more than five years. How can I obtain EU long-term residence status?
After Brexit date, your will keep your rights indefinitely, but you can already apply in parallel for an EU long-term residence permit. This permit will grant you a permanent status, and allow you to enjoy the same treatment as nationals regarding access to employment, education, and core social benefits. This will also allow you, under certain conditions, to acquire the right to reside in another EU Member State. For more information on how to apply for an EU long-term residence permit, please visit this website www.moi.gov.cy/crmd
For information on national permanent residence see this webpage: www.moi.gov.cy/crmd

My family members (spouse, children) are citizens of a third country (neither EU nor UK). What should they do to keep their residence rights?
a) If they already have a residence card issued under EU free movement law, this will be considered as their temporary residence permit until 31/12/2020. After 31/12/2020, they will have to apply for a new residence permit, according to the law that will be applicable at that time.
b) If they do not have a residence card, they will have to apply for a residence permit. Applications are possible until 31/10/2019 with the Civil Registry and Migration Department or at the Local Immigration Offices. For information on the application process, please visit this website www.moi.gov.cy/crmd

For more detailed information
Please visit the Cyprus government website: www.moi.gov.cy/crmd

The law is to be registered for tax, you need to be here 183+ per annum. Only then can you register, so I assume the MEUI or MEU3 is not applicable to you. Contact the Civil registry and immigration Ministry for conformation. I believe they have an email address, on their web site.

darrow wrote: ↑Fri Aug 23, 2019 4:11 pm The first we knew of it was this post on here today! We have been checking regularly and last time it was optional, now it is saying must acquire a MEU3. Not to sit on our laurels, we checked on the migration site, collated the paperwork required, called in to immigration office about 1p.m.. The place was empty. We have an appointment for October 11th. Happy e ought with that. Does anyone know the best time to visit, since it just states a day and not a time? TIA

From what you say it looks like 1pm would be a good time.
Does anyone know what time they are open until ..

Following the link from “photo lady” -

Holders of current resident documents (MEU1, MEU2, MEU3) will be able to continue to use them as means of proof for residence rights in Cyprus. Applications received up until the end of the transition period will be examined on the basis of the current free movement rules, and, if approved, will result to the issuance of the current residence documents. After the end of the transition period, holders of residence documents and eligible persons arriving in Cyprus will have the right, upon application, to receive a new type of residence document, which will include a statement that it has been issued in accordance with the Withdrawal Agreement.

This looks like Meu 1/2/3 will be superseded.

You can still have Gesy with Meu 1

But can you still have Gesy with Meu1 if there is a no deal brexit... It is very confusing....
At one time you just needed Meu1.... Then you could get Meu3.... Now some are saying you have to get Meu3... Then of course there is the point that they will all be replaced by yet another document..
Grrrrrr..