Cyprus Long-Term Resident Status After Five Years
Updated: April 21, 2026
Long-term resident status in Cyprus (and across the EU) is designed to support stability, integration, and equal rights for non-EU nationals. It grants access to employment, education, and social services under the principle of equal treatment and non-discrimination.
This guide explains how long-term residence in Cyprus works, who qualifies, and how to apply.
________________________________________
Key Takeaways
-
Long-term residence status in Cyprus is granted for five years and can be renewed. In certain cases, it may be withdrawn.
-
It applies only to third-country nationals (TCNs), meaning non-EU citizens.
-
The legal framework is based on the Aliens and Immigration Law (Cap. 40) and EU Directive 2003/109/EC. A revised EU directive is currently under discussion.
-
Applicants must pass a Greek language exam at A2 level, administered by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth.
________________________________________
What Is a Long-Term Resident in Cyprus?
A long-term resident is a third-country national who has legally and continuously lived in Cyprus for at least five years before applying.
“Legally” means holding a valid residence permit throughout this period.
Under EU law, a third-country national is any person who is not a citizen of an EU Member State. EU citizenship is defined in Article 20 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and is additional to national citizenship.
_______________________________________
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for long-term residence in Cyprus, applicants must:
-
have legally and continuously resided in Cyprus for five years;
-
not have absences exceeding six consecutive months or more than ten months in total before applying;
-
have stable and regular income;
-
hold valid health insurance;
-
have a clean criminal record.
Application Process
Applications are submitted using form MLT3 and must include supporting documents proving eligibility.
Documents must be in Greek or English, or officially translated by certified translators in Cyprus or relevant authorities abroad.
All foreign public documents must be apostilled under the 1961 Hague Convention. If the country is not a signatory, documents must be certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Cyprus consular authorities.
Certain countries, such as Russia and Serbia, are exempt from additional certification requirements if documents are properly issued and sealed.
Applicants must also provide biometric data (photographs, fingerprints, and signatures) at the Migration Department or a designated police station.
The application fee is €30.
Processing time is typically 6–12 months. Once approved, the permit is valid for five years.
Which Periods Do NOT Count Toward Eligibility?
Certain types of residence do not qualify toward the five-year requirement:
-
students and vocational trainees;
-
asylum seekers;
-
individuals under temporary protection regimes;
-
persons residing solely on temporary grounds;
-
diplomatic personnel and individuals covered by diplomatic conventions.
_______________________________________
Greek Language Requirement
Applicants must pass a Greek language exam at A2 level (basic proficiency).
The exam, known as the Greek Language Certification Examination (Εξετάσεις Πιστοποίησης Ελληνομάθειας), is organised by the Centre for the Greek Language in Greece and administered in Cyprus by the Ministry of Education.
Exam structure
The test includes four parts:
-
Reading (30 minutes) – multiple-choice, matching, and gap-filling tasks
-
Listening (25 minutes) – comprehension of dialogues and monologues
-
Writing (45 minutes) – informal and formal short texts (80–100 words each)
-
Speaking (12 minutes) – interview, picture description, and role-play
Each section carries equal weight.
Speaking is conducted by two examiners and usually involves paired candidates in the final task.
_______________________________________
Exam Organisation and Details
The examination centre in Cyprus is Centre No. 35703, located at:
23 Megaron Street, Strovolos 2032, Nicosia
Contact:
+357 22582900 / 05 / 26 / 29
Contact person: Mr. Stavros Aroditis
Exams are held once a year, typically in May. Registration and schedules are announced each September by the Centre for the Greek Language.
Applications and fees are handled locally through the Ministry of Education in Cyprus.
Sample materials are available at: greek-language.gr
_______________________________________
Validity and Renewal
Long-term residence status is valid for five years and can be renewed. In some cases, it may be revoked if conditions are no longer met. Once renewed, the status can remain valid indefinitely, subject to continued compliance.
Final Note
Long-term residence in Cyprus is a structured process aimed at integrating third-country nationals into society. It ensures equal access to work, education, and social rights while requiring compliance with residency, income, and language requirements.