What is the MEU2 form?

What is the MEU2 form?

The MEU2 is the application a third-country national files with the Migration Department to obtain a residence card as the family member of a Union citizen. It is not a registration certificate, which is what the MEU1 produces for the EU citizen. Any non-EU spouse, child or dependent parent of an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen who plans to stay longer than three months needs one, and Article 11 of Law 7(I)/2007 sets the deadline at four months from arrival. The government fee is €20, and failing to apply is an offence carrying a fine of up to €2,500.

How is the MEU2 different from the MEU1 and MEU3?

All three forms come from Law 7(I)/2007. The MEU1 is filed by EU, EEA and Swiss citizens themselves and produces the yellow slip, the registration certificate confirming their own right to live in Cyprus. The MEU2 is filed by their non-EU family members and produces a residence card valid for five years. The MEU3 is the permanent stage after five continuous years of lawful residence, and it splits in two: EU citizens receive a Certificate of Permanent Residence, while their third-country family members receive a Permanent Residence Card valid for ten years.

Who counts as a family member and what documents are required?

The Migration Department counts the spouse or civil partner of the Union citizen, direct descendants under 21 or dependent, and dependent direct relatives in the ascending line. Other relatives fall outside the MEU2 route and must apply for an ordinary residence permit instead. The Union citizen has to attend the submission and evidence sufficient resources for the family. The official supporting-documents list asks for a valid passport, the sponsor's MEU1, a certified and translated marriage or birth certificate, a declaration of cohabitation, employment and Social Insurance records, a stamped rental agreement or title deed with utility bills, and health insurance or GHS registration. Biometrics are taken at submission.

What happens after five years on an MEU2?

After five continuous years of lawful residence with the Union citizen, a third-country family member acquires the right of permanent residence under Article 14 of Law 7(I)/2007. They apply on the MEU3 form for third-country family members, which gov.cy publishes as FORM MEU3B, for the same €20 government fee. The Permanent Residence Card that follows is valid for ten years and is renewed on application. The right itself lapses only after an absence from Cyprus of more than two consecutive years.