The ARC (Alien Registration Certificate) is your number in the aliens register. It is assigned once at your first registration, printed on the receipt and on the residence card, and required in literally every transaction: bank, GESY, tax office, school, electricity contract.
Registration after entry
- The general rule: you must register in the aliens register and apply for a permit before your visa expires.
- Digital Nomad Visa — within 3 months of entry.
- MEU1 and MEU2 — within 4 months.
- The first registration fee is €70, paid once.
Biometrics
A photo, fingerprints and a signature are taken at every issue and renewal of a permit. Children under 6 give only a photo. You can do it in Nicosia or at your local district police unit, presenting the receipt and your passport. Fingerprints are deleted from the database 48 hours after the card is produced and are then stored only on the chip.
- Two fingerprints are taken — the index finger of each hand. After an amputation the next finger is used in order: middle, ring, little, thumb.
- EU citizens give no fingerprints, only a photo and a signature.
- You may bring your own photo if it meets the biometric specification — there is no photo booth in the offices.
- Refusing to give biometrics means the application is rejected: without it the document simply cannot be issued.
- A request that biometrics be taken by an officer of the same sex is accommodated where possible.
The re-entry stamp — don't lose it
The application receipt with a re-entry stamp lets you leave and return while the application is being considered. Without the stamp you have to request a separate re-entry permit (€10.25 in stamps), and it is only granted for serious reasons.
Renewing a permit online
Since July 2026 online renewal has been available for several categories: employment (single permit), domestic staff, employees of foreign-interest companies, long-term residents and family reunification. Renewals only — first applications are still made in person. You need a verified CY Login; biometrics are still given in person.
CY Login and KEP centres
- CY Login is the single sign-on for Cypriot government services. Identification is done at a Citizen Service Centre (KEP) if you hold a plastic residence card, or through your bank's login.
- CY Login gives access to social insurance statements, child benefit, appointment booking and permit renewal.
- A social insurance statement can also be requested by email to veveosislim@sid.mlsi.gov.cy, quoting your SI number and attaching ID — it usually arrives the same day.
- The status of a migration application is checked by SMS: send "STATUS<space>ApplicationNumber" to 1199.