Immigration Guide

Bringing Family to Cyprus: The Family Reunification Process (2025)

For many expats, moving to Cyprus is just the first step; the ultimate goal is to have their family join them. Cyprus law provides a clear pathway for this through the family reunification process. This guide from CyExpats.com focuses specifically on the rules for a **non-EU resident** (the "sponsor") wishing to bring their **non-EU family members** to live with them in Cyprus.

Important Distinction: This guide is for third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) sponsoring their third-country national family. The process for EU citizens bringing family members is different and generally more straightforward.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Before you can bring your family over, you (the sponsor) must meet certain criteria.

Eligibility for the Sponsor:

You must hold a valid Cypriot residence permit for at least **two years**.
You must have a reasonable prospect of obtaining permanent residency in Cyprus.
You must be able to prove you have stable and regular income sufficient to support your family members without recourse to the social assistance system.
You must have adequate accommodation (a rented or owned property) for your family.
You must have health insurance covering yourself and your family members.

Eligible Family Members:

Your **spouse**, who must be at least 21 years old. The marriage must have taken place at least one year before the application is submitted.
Your (and your spouse's) unmarried **minor children** under the age of 18, including adopted children.

Note: Dependent parents or adult children are generally not eligible under this specific reunification directive, though other visa categories may be available for them.

The Family Reunification Application Process

The application is submitted by you, the sponsor, while your family members are still residing outside of Cyprus.

Prepare All Documents

This is the most time-consuming part. You will need a comprehensive set of documents for yourself and each family member. All foreign public documents must have an Apostille stamp and be officially translated into Greek or English. See the checklist below.

Submit the Application in Cyprus

The sponsor submits the completed application form (MFR1) and all supporting documents to the Civil Registry and Migration Department (CRMD) in Nicosia. You must book an appointment in advance.

Application Examination

The CRMD will examine the application. This process can take a minimum of **9 months**. They will verify your income, accommodation, and the validity of your family relationship.

Approval & Entry Permit

If the application is successful, an entry permit is issued. Your family members can then use this to apply for an entry visa at the Cyprus Embassy/Consulate in their country of residence.

Arrival & Residence Permit Application

Once your family arrives in Cyprus, they must apply for their own temporary residence permits within one month. This involves visiting the local Immigration Unit, providing biometric data, and paying the required fees.

Document Checklist

You will need to provide documents for both yourself (the sponsor) and your family members.

Document Category	Specific Documents Required
For the Sponsor (in Cyprus)
Proof of Status	Copy of your valid passport and residence permit.
Proof of Income	Your employment contract, payslips for the last 12 months, and a copy of your personal tax return (T.D.1).
Proof of Accommodation	A stamped rental agreement or property title deeds.
Proof of Insurance	A copy of your health insurance policy.
For the Family Members (Abroad)
Application Form	Completed MFR1 form for each member.
Identity	Valid passports (and copies) with at least 2 years' validity.
Relationship Proof	Original Marriage Certificate and/or Birth Certificates, officially translated and bearing an Apostille stamp.
Criminal Record	Original clean criminal record certificate from their country of origin/residence for all adults, officially translated and apostilled.
Health	Original medical examination certificates showing they are free from certain diseases.

Rights of Family Members

Once issued a residence permit, your family members have the right to reside, study in public schools, and access the healthcare system (GESY), provided they make the necessary contributions. Access to employment can be restricted for the first 12 months. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, they can apply for a long-term residence permit themselves.

Official Resources: