The recent decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union raised concerns about future relations with the other Member States. Its withdrawal requires years of preparation and negotiations with the EU officials. Cyprus is the second-largest trading partner of the United Kingdom and a popular residence choice for its nationals. The two countries intend to maintain warm relations for the many expats living, working and studying in each country.
Cypriot Citizenship and Brexit Opinion Poll
According to this survey, around 80% of UK Cypriots intended to apply for Cypriot citizenship in the future. Additionally, the majority of them reported that they wish the UK to remain in the European Union.
This is evident from reports about citizenship applications. In 2015, there were 30 applications for Cypriot citizenship at the Cyprus High Commission in the UK. 2015 was the year before the UK voted for its withdrawal from the EU. The number of applications increased by 670% in 2018, after the EU referendum, with 200 applications to the UK Consulate.
Furthermore, UK Cypriots expressed concerns about the lack of information regarding the process of obtaining Cypriot citizenship. Most of them were unsure about the eligibility criteria, the process, and the documentation required.
Withdrawal Agreement
The United Kingdom representatives have been discussing with the EU the terms of its withdrawal and their relationship conditions thereafter. The officials agreed on a transition period starting on February 1st 2020 until December 31st 2020. During this time, the European Union law on free movement will apply as normal. Thus, UK nationals may continue to live and work in Cyprus as they did before. Likewise, Cypriots residing in the UK will enjoy such rights with no restrictions until the end of the transition period.
The UK government provides guidance in regard to the steps people must take during the transition period: https://www.gov.uk/transition
Change of Rules – After January 1, 2021
After the transition period ends, the rules of movement, residence or other related matters will change. For UK Cypriots, the government recommends registering as residents in Cyprus or exchanging their UK driving licences for Cypriot ones. The regular entry requirements to Cyprus will still apply for British passport holders. Nevertheless, the EU and the UK are still discussing the future conditions of their interactions.
Travel from the UK after Brexit
Travelling from the UK for up to 90 days will be feasible without a visa, within a 180-days period. British citizens wishing to travel to Europe after January 1st 2020, may be required to check and renew their passport; it must be less than 10 years old or have at least 6 months left. Additionally, they must have travel insurance to cover their healthcare and a valid driving licence; some countries may require an international driving permit (IDP). In case they wish to bring their pet along, they must contact their vet at least 4 months before travelling.
Residency in Cyprus after Brexit
If Britons plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, they must register as Cypriot residents. A registration certificate can be obtained from the Ministry of the Interior, Civil Registry and Migration Department. People who were living in the country for more than 3 months can obtain a MEU1. For permanent residency in Cyprus, people can apply after living in the country for more than 5 years through MEU3.
Work & Study after Brexit
UK citizens have the right to work in any EEA country and Switzerland without a work permit. This includes Cyprus as well. Thus, the rights of those who were legally working or studying on the island before the transition period ends are protected. The only prerequisite is to be registered as Cypriot residents after the end of the transition period. Additionally, after January 2021, they may need to provide a UK police certificate – their criminal records – for job applications.
If Britons plan to stay in Cyprus for more than 3 months, they must register as Cypriot residents.
Acquisition of Cypriot Citizenship (due to Cypriot origins)
UK nationals of Cypriot descent have the right to apply for Cypriot citizenship at the Civil Registry and Migration Department. This is the standard procedure of obtaining Cypriot citizenship before the Brexit situation.
Minors (under 18 years old)
i) Application for Consular Birth Certificate (type M121)
This application can be submitted for a minor whose either parent was a Cypriot citizen at the time of birth. The applicant must have been born abroad after August 16, 1960, or after June 11, 1999.
Documents required:
- The applicant’s birth certificate,
- The marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents,
- A photocopy of the passports of the applicant and their parents,
- A certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (where applicable),
- Proof of €20 fees paid,
- A stamp worth €8.54 attached to the application.
ii) Application for the Registration of Minors (type M126)
This application concerns persons whose either parent acquired Cypriot citizenship by Naturalization or Registration due to marriage with a Cypriot. They must have been born in Cyprus or abroad before June 11 1999.
Documents required:
- The applicant’s birth certificate,
- The marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents,
- A photocopy of the applicant’s and their parents’ passports,
- The certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (where applicable),
- A declaration of consent of the foreign parent (signed before an officer of the District Administration Office or the diplomatic authority) to grant the Cypriot citizenship to the minor. This is not required if the Cypriot parent had obtained a court decision for sole parental care of the minor.
- Proof of €80 fees paid,
- A stamp worth €8.54 attached to the application,
- Two passport-size photographs.
In the case of children whose parent had obtained the Cypriot citizenship by Naturalization, the additional documents must be attached:
- Certificate of Registration or Naturalization of Cypriot parent,
- A copy of a certificate of school attendance,
- A photocopy of valid temporary residence permit for the child.
The Cyprus lawyers of Michael Chambers & Co. LLC are able to guide you properly on all the matters related to the acquisition of Cypriot citizenship. Contact us for details.
Adults (above 18 years old)
i) Application type M71
This type of application concerns UK citizens born prior to the 16th of August 1960, originating from Cyprus from the male side. This also applies to citizens of the UK’s former colonies. They must have been residing permanently abroad prior to the application.
ii) Application type M72
This application concerns non-UK citizens born prior to the 16th of August 1960, originating from Cyprus from the male side. This also applies to citizens of the UK’s former colonies. They must have been residing permanently abroad prior to the application.
Documents required:
- The applicant’s birth certificate,
- The applicant’s father’s birth certificate,
- A photocopy of applicant’s passport,
- Proof of €20 fees paid,
- A stamp of €1.71 placed on the application.
iii) Application type M123
This concerns adults who were born on August 16, 1960, or afterwards, and none of their parents were Cypriot. This also includes those whose parent became a British citizen based on the Annexation of Cyprus Orders in Council 1914 to 1943.
Documents required:
- The applicant’s birth certificate,
- A marriage certificate of the applicant’s parents,
- Photocopies of the applicant’s and their parents’ passports,
- A certificate of registration of the Cypriot parent (where applicable),
- Proof of €50 fees paid,
- Duplicated application, one of which should bear two stamps worth €8.54.
iv) Application type M124
This can be submitted by adults of Cypriot origin born before August 16, 1960 and are British citizens. This also includes citizens of any State of the Commonwealth. Prior to the application, they must have completed one year of legal residence in the Republic.
Documents required:
- The applicant’s birth certificate,
- A certificate of clean criminal record,
- A photocopy of the applicant’s passport,
- Proof of €80 fees paid,
- Duplicated application, one of which should bear two stamps worth €8.54.
Acquiring the Cyprus citizenship will allow all British people of Cypriot origin to continue enjoying the freedom of movement within the EU after Brexit and for future business dealings in Cyprus
All the public documents issued abroad must bear an official Greek or English translation from the Press and Information Office. If the origin country has signed the Hague Convention of 1961, the documents must also be certified with APOSTILLE. Otherwise, they must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the Embassy of Cyprus in their country.
These forms are available on the Civil Registry & Migration Department’s site.
UK Nationals Support Fund
The UK government is offering funding for organizations to provide support to UK nationals in completing their respective applications. Specifically, the UK government has allocated £3 million for charities and organizations to provide support for Britons living in Europe. This includes Spain, France, Germany, Cyprus, Italy and other EU countries.
Support is offered to those in need, including pensioners, disabled persons, residents of remote areas or who have mobility difficulties. Services include assistance with residency applications, guidance throughout the process, support with language barriers or difficulty accessing technology. Similarly, Cypriot organisations providing such support include SSAFA (specifically for armed forces veterans) and Cyprus Residency Planning Group (CRPG).
Cypriots in the UK
Cypriots wishing to continue living in the UK after January 2021, are encouraged to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. They can receive a ‘settled’ or ‘pre-settled’ status, depending on the time they have lived in the UK. The deadline for the application is June 2021. Those who have indefinite leave to remain or have acquired permanent residence document are not affected. They will have to undergo a simple procedure to exchange the documents for a settled status document.
If you wish to receive more information about the procedures you need to follow in order to acquire the Cypriot citizenship submit your interest here or contact us at info@chambers.law
