Cyprus (CY)

Register your child's birth at the Civil Registry within 3 days

Births in Cyprus must be registered at the Civil Registry and Migration Department within 3 days. Birth certificate (πιστοποιητικό γέννησης) required for child's future documents. Free. Hospital will provide declaration form.

Get Cyprus motor insurance

Motor third-party insurance is mandatory in Cyprus before driving any vehicle. Arrange this before you drive your car.

Enrol at a Cyprus university

Complete formal enrolment at your Cyprus university. Obtain student card, GESY student registration, and set up any required fees.

Obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Your Social Insurance Number (Αριθμός Κοινωνικών Ασφαλίσεων) is needed for employment, pension rights, and accessing all SI benefits. For employed workers, the employer typically arranges this. Self-employed must apply directly.

Set up EAC electricity account

Register your electricity account with EAC in your name. You take on the previous tenant's connection or request a new connection for a new build.

Register for Tax Identification Code (TIC)

The TIC (Αριθμός Φορολογικής Ταυτότητας — ΑΦΤ) is your Cyprus tax registration number. It is required for employment, banking, GESY registration, and almost all official interactions. Apply online via TaxisNet or in person at the Tax Department.

Open a Cyprus bank account

You need a Cyprus bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, utilities, and set up direct debits. All major banks require in-person account opening with KYC documentation.

Register with GESY (General Healthcare System)

Register with GESY to access Cyprus's public healthcare system. Once registered, choose a personal doctor (personal doctor) — your GP who manages all your healthcare, referrals, and prescriptions. GESY is funded by salary contributions (2.65% employee) and provides comprehensive coverage.

Choose and register with a GESY personal doctor

After GESY registration, choose a personal doctor (GP) from the GESY registry. Your personal doctor is the gateway to all other GESY services — specialist referrals, prescriptions, lab tests, and hospital admissions. Essential step for accessing Cyprus's public healthcare.

Register your dog and obtain a dog licence

All dogs in Cyprus must be licensed with the local municipality. Obtain a dog licence within 3 months of arriving with your dog or acquiring a dog in Cyprus.

Register as EU resident (Yellow Slip / MEU1)

EU/EEA citizens must register with the CRMD within 3 months of arrival to obtain the MEU1 Certificate of Registration (the "Yellow Slip"). This is the key residence document in Cyprus — required for opening a bank account, registering with GESY, and most official interactions.

Renew your registration certificate (Yellow Slip) before expiry

EU citizens' Yellow Slip (MEU1) has no expiry but must be updated with address changes. Non-EU temporary residence renewed annually at CRMD. Non-renewal: loss of legal resident status, impact on permanent residency timeline.

Register your pet with the Veterinary Services and get Cyprus pet registration

All dogs in Cyprus must be licensed and registered with the local municipality. Microchipping is mandatory. Cats and dogs entering Cyprus need an EU pet passport with rabies vaccination, microchip, and tapeworm treatment. Cyprus has strict rabies-free status — unauthorized importation risks confiscation and fines up to €3,400.

Register child for kindergarten (3–6 years)

Register your 3–6 year old for public kindergarten (Νηπιαγωγείο). Public kindergartens are free. Private kindergartens offer more flexibility but cost €250–500/month.

Notify your home country pension provider of your Cyprus address

If you receive a pension from your home country, notify the provider of your new Cyprus address. UK State Pension: notify DWP. Other countries: notify their equivalent.

Register your pet with a local vet

Find and register with a local vet after arrival. Update vaccinations, register microchip in Cyprus if required.

Apply for Child Benefit (Παιδικό Επίδομα)

Apply for the means-tested Cyprus child benefit for each dependent child. Available to all legal residents. Amount depends on household income.

Get official documents translated by a sworn translator

Documents for official use in Cyprus (birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, criminal record certificates, medical reports, company and legal documents) must be translated by a translator listed in the Register of Sworn Translators of the Council of Sworn Translators, under Law 45(I)/2019. The old translation service of the Press and Information Office was terminated on 1 July 2019, so you must contact a registered sworn translator directly. The register lists each translator with contact details and work address; sworn translators operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos and the government-controlled Famagusta area.

Certify signatures and copies at a KEP or your local mukhtar

Many Cypriot procedures (vehicle ownership transfer, powers of attorney, sworn declarations) require your signature to be certified in person. Citizen Service Centres (KEP — Κέντρο Εξυπηρέτησης του Πολίτη, 8 centres across Cyprus) certify the authenticity of a signature when you appear with an identification document. Alternatively, every village and town district has a mukhtar (community leader) who acts as certifying officer and can witness and stamp signatures — a mukhtar stamp is accepted, for example, on the TOM 9B vehicle transfer form when one party cannot attend.

Apostille documents for official use (Hague Convention)

Cyprus is party to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention (ratified by Law 50/72), and the Ministry of Justice and Public Order is the Central Authority. Cypriot public documents going abroad — and many foreign documents you bring to Cyprus — need an apostille to be recognised. In Cyprus, apostilles are issued at the Ministry of Justice in Nicosia (Athalassas Avenue), at district offices such as Limassol (21 Spyros Araouzos Street), and at some KEP centres. Typical documents: birth, marriage and death certificates, diplomas, powers of attorney, court judgments, company certificates.

Get a Cyprus SIM card

A Cyprus mobile number is needed for bank account verification, WhatsApp groups, GESY registration, and everyday life. Get a SIM card as soon as you arrive.

Set up home internet

Sign up for broadband internet. Cyta (Cytanet) is the dominant provider; Cablenet, PrimeTel and Epic are alternatives.

Get a local SIM card and set up a Cyprus supermarket loyalty card

Purchase a SIM from Cyta, MTN, or Epic with passport. Monthly plans from €15. Main supermarkets are Alphamega, Lidl, and Carrefour. Cyprus uses the euro (€). Tap water in Limassol/Nicosia is drinkable but most residents use bottled water. Weather is extreme in summer (40°C+) — invest in fans/AC early.

Register on the Ariadni government portal for e-government services

Ariadni (ariadni.gov.cy) is Cyprus's national e-government portal providing access to 200+ government services including tax filings, permit renewals, civil registry applications, and social insurance services. Registration requires your ARC or passport. Saves time and avoids queues for routine administrative tasks.

Register your rental contract with the Land Registry for legal protection

Cyprus: rental contracts should be registered with the Department of Lands and Surveys (DLS) to protect tenant rights against property sales by landlord. Stamp duty: 0.15% of annual rent. Without registration, tenant loses priority rights if property sold.

Get home contents insurance

Household contents insurance protects your belongings in the rented property against theft, fire, and water damage. Not legally required but widely recommended.

Start a Greek language course

Enrol in a Greek language course. While English suffices for daily life in Cyprus, Greek knowledge dramatically enriches the experience and is required for citizenship.

Register with your home country's embassy

Register your residency with your home country embassy or consulate in Nicosia. This ensures access to consular assistance, voting information, and emergency notifications.