IMMIGRATION
Third Country Nationals
Temporary Residence
Family Reunification
We assist our Third Country National clients with securing their Family Reunification Permit, so that they will care freely, safely and legally stay and reside in Cyprus.
Our Services
- Provision of a detailed and comprehensive legal advice on eligibility.
- Liaising with Cyprus Authorities and Institutions for the collection of required documentation (e.g., Banks).
- Reviewing, Preparation and Drafting of all required documentation.
- Scheduling an Appointment with the District Immigration Department.
- Accompany the Applicant, with physical presence, during the scheduled appointment with the District Immigration Department.
- Follow up of the procedure until finalization.
Benefits
• Right to Live Together as a Family
Applicable to spouses, minor children, and dependent parents.
• No Visa Requirements
Allows a Third Country National to legally staying Cyprus for over 90 days and for a time period of 1 year.
• Gesy
In most cases eligible for public healthcare (GESY), education, and other social services.
• Legal Residency Status
Assists Third Country Nationals for the purposes of a future Permanent Residence Permit or even a Citizenship application.
• Employment (in Most Cases)
Spouses of residents may be allowed to work without a separate work permit. On the contrary children are not allowed to work until they reach working age and meet employment permit requirements.
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Criteria
- The Third-Country Nationals (Sponsor) who reside legally in Cyprus have the right to request family reunification with their family members who are third-country nationals, under certain conditions, e.g., when he/she reside legally in the Republic for a period of at least two (2) years, and/or is holder of residence permits valid for at least one (1) year and/or have a reasonable prospect of acquiring the right of permanent residence in Cyprus*.
* Exemptions are applied to the mentioned general conditions.
Documentation & Information
Before Arrival in Cyprus: Need to secure an entry permit.
- Application Form.
- Identification Documents:Copy of Valid Passport/s.
- Family Status:
- Residential Status:Title Deed or Rental Agreement and Utilities.
- Original Medical examination certificate by Doctor abroad:Blood tests and chest X-ray.
- Original Clear Criminal Record Certificate for Sponsor’s family members.
- Financial Status: Sponsor’s V.A.T. returns,Sponsor’s Income Declaration, for sources of income other than employment (if applicable), accompanied by Affidavit,Sponsor’s bank accounts’ statements and Authorisation for payment by bank transfer (FIMAS).
- Employment Verification: Sponsor Employment Contract for the minimum duration of 18 months, the tax return of the employee for the previous year and Statement of the insurable earnings of the employee from the Social Insurance Services.
- Bank Guarantee.
After the Arrival in Cyprus:
- Original Entry Permit.
- Identification Documents: Valid Passport/s.
- Education Status: Certificate of School Enrolment/Attendance (if applicable).
- Original Medical examination certificate by Doctor in Cyprus:Blood tests and chest X-ray.
- Health Insurance.
- Biometrics Data (Photographs and Fingerprints) and Signature will be collected by the District Immigration Department.
* Supporting Documentation issued by competent authorities in countries, other than Cyprus, will need to be officially translated (if needed) and also usually duly certified, depending on which is the issuing country.
** The above consist a brief, not exhaustive, list of the main documentation requested by the Immigration Department for the obtaining of a Family Reunification permit. The Immigration Department might request further supplementary supporting documentation, which will correspondent to each Applicant’s specific personal circumstances.
FAQ
1. What is GESY?
GeSY stands for the General Healthcare System of Cyprus and, is the Cyprus universal health insurance system, which aims at meeting the expectations of Cypriot citizens and eligible residents for equal access to treatment and provision of high-quality healthcare, by using, in the best possible way, all available resources.
2. Which requirements shall the original Letter of Guarantee satisfy?
The Letter of Guarantee should have duration of ten (10) years, to cover possible repatriation expenses in the name of the applicant from his/her own bank account. The amount of the Letter of Guarantee depends on the country of origin.
3. What should a health insurance cover?
The health insurance should be covering inpatient, outpatient and body transport costs.
4. How much does a health insurance cost?
It usually costs €180.
5. Which Documentation needs to be Officially Translated?
Documentation which is in any other language other than Greek or English, needs to be officially translated.
6. Which translations are concerned as Official Translations by the Immigration Department?
Translations made from Sworn Translators in Cyprus or by a Consular or Government Authority of the issuing country. Translations made from Sworn Translators in Cyprus, are usually more preferable.
7. Which Documentation need to be Duly Certified?
Public Documents issued in other countries, other than Cyprus, such as marriage certificate or children’s birth certificate, need to be duly certified.
8. Which certifications are concerned as Duly Certifications by the Immigration Department?
Certification by a Cyprus Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country will suffice.
Otherwise, Apostille certification, where the issuing country has signed the Apostille Convention, will also suffice.
9. How long does the examination of the application take?
The examination of the application usually takes place 9 months.
10. How long is a Family Reunification permit valid?
It is usually valid for one (1) year. After the expiration, the present Temporary Residence Permit can be renewed upon the submission of a relevant application and provided any further requirements are met.
11. Is a resident of Cyprus, able to invite a Third Country National for a visit in Cyprus?
Yes. A relevant hosting form shall be completed and submitted to the Immigration Department, together with an original letter of guarantee for a specific amount of money, depending on which country is the Third Country National from, and a copy of the third country national passport.
*The above constitute general information and does not substitute professional legal advice or consultation, which shall be sought prior of taking any action.