Preparation Guide
Essential Documents for Moving to Cyprus (2025 Checklist)
Navigating Cypriot bureaucracy starts long before you arrive on the island. Being prepared with the correct documents—properly translated and legalized—is the single most important step you can take to ensure a smooth residency application and settling-in process. This CyExpats.com checklist covers the critical paperwork you need to gather.
Start Early! The Golden Rule
Obtaining official copies, getting them legalized with an Apostille stamp, and arranging certified translations can take several weeks or even months. Do not leave this until the last minute. Start gathering these documents as soon as you decide to move.
👉 Plan Your Budget Alongside Your Paperwork
While you gather your documents, it's the perfect time to budget for your move. Understanding the costs involved will help you prepare the 'Proof of Financial Means' documents.
Understanding Legalization: The Apostille Stamp
For Cyprus to accept an official document issued by another country, it must be legalized. Since Cyprus is a signatory to the Hague Convention of 1961, this process is simplified via an **Apostille stamp**. This is a special certificate attached to your original document by a designated authority in your home country (e.g., the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK, or the Department of State in the US). It verifies the authenticity of the signature and/or seal on the document.
Many of the documents below will require an Apostille. Check with the relevant authority in your country on how to obtain one.
The Ultimate Document Checklist
Keep both original documents and multiple photocopies. It's also wise to have high-quality digital scans saved securely in the cloud.
| Document | Action Required | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
Valid Passports / National ID Cards |
Original + Photocopies Ensure at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay. |
The primary form of identification for all immigration applications, opening bank accounts, signing leases, and virtually every official process. |
|
Full Birth Certificate (For all family members) |
Original + Apostille Stamp Certified Translation into Greek or English |
Required for dependent visa/residency applications (for children), proving family relationships, and for some long-term residency and citizenship applications. |
|
Marriage Certificate (If applicable) |
Original + Apostille Stamp Certified Translation into Greek or English |
Essential for spousal visa/residency applications and to prove family status for official purposes. |
|
Police Clearance Certificate (For all adults, from country of origin and residence) |
Original + Apostille Stamp Certified Translation into Greek or English Note: Usually must be issued within the last 6 months. |
A mandatory requirement for almost all non-EU residency permit applications to prove clear criminal record. |
|
Proof of Financial Means |
Recent Original Bank Statements (e.g., last 6 months) Employment Contract / Pension Statements |
Required for most residency permits to prove you can support yourself (and any dependents) without recourse to public funds. |
|
Proof of Health Insurance |
Policy Document For non-EU applicants, must provide inpatient & outpatient cover. |
Mandatory for many non-EU visa applications. For EU citizens not working, comprehensive private insurance is often needed for the initial residency application. |
|
Academic & Professional Qualifications (Degrees, Diplomas, Certificates) |
Originals + Apostille (if required by employer) Certified Translation (if required) |
Often required for work permit applications, professional registration (e.g., as an engineer or doctor), and for some job applications to verify your qualifications. |
Certified Translations
Any document that is not in Greek or English must be officially translated. These translations must be done by a certified translator. In Cyprus, the official body for this is the Press and Information Office (PIO), which maintains a register of sworn translators. It is often easier and more reliable to have translations done in Cyprus by a PIO-certified translator once you arrive, rather than in your home country.
Official Resources: