Cyprus is set to become the latest EU country to give British expats living there an extension on the time needed to sort out their residency status.
Last week, the Cypriot government, in conjunction with the British High Commission, revealed that legislation is being prepared that will allow Brits already living in the country a grace period of one year to get their residency status sorted.
Around 70,000 British expats currently live in the country, a figure which includes many who live on the island for only part of the year.
“We welcome the news that in case of a ‘no deal Brexit’ there will be a grace period of a year and we thank the Cypriot authorities for continuing to safeguard the rights of British citizens on the island,” the British High Commission said on social media.
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner, Stephen Lillie, told the Sunday Mail: “British nationals in Cyprus should continue to follow our Living in Cyprus Guide and our social media channels, Facebook and Twitter, to receive the latest updates on Brexit.”
There are three main residency statuses that British expats are entitled to with regards to living on the island. They are:
– An MEU1 (registration for residents living in Cyprus for more than three months in a year);
– The MEU3 (for residents who have lived in Cyprus for more than five years); while
– Residents who have lived in Cyprus for more than seven years can apply for citizenship.
It has been advised that all Brits living in Cyprus should apply for either an MEU1 or MEU3 to ensure that they are lawfully resident and that their rights continue to be protected post-Brexit.
Article published 25th March 2019