Who fills it in
Non-EU citizens who have lived in the government-controlled areas legally and continuously for the five years before applying and hold a valid residence permit. The department lists exclusions, such as students, people here only temporarily (for example domestic or seasonal workers) and asylum seekers.
What goes with it
- Copy of a passport valid for at least two years, with certified copies of all pages showing arrivals and departures
- Copy of your valid Cyprus residence permit
- Employment contract stamped by the Stamps Commissioner, of open duration or at least 18 months, or a self-employment statement
- Original Cyprus criminal record certificate
- Health insurance covering inpatient and outpatient treatment in Cyprus
- Short CV, and certified copies of qualifications, work experience and professional licences
- Certificate of Greek language at level A2 and of knowledge of Cyprus's political and social reality
- Bank statements for 12 months, and proof of any other income with an affidavit where needed
- Title deed, or rental contract with 12 months of rent receipts, plus utility bills
- Tax returns, VAT returns where applicable, a tax clearance certificate and Social Insurance contributions for the last five years
- Marriage or divorce certificate, certified and translated
- Two recent colour photographs (the form asks for them)
Field by field
Type of application
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Type of application Είδος αίτησης | Mark X or √ in one box: acquisition of long-term resident status; renewal of the long-term resident permit (5 years); re-acquisition of the status (the English line reads 'renewal of the card usage'); or an immigration permit for a long-term resident of another EU member state. | Acquisition of the status of the long-term resident |
Part I – Applicant's particulars
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name of applicant – Surname Επώνυμο | Your surname as in your passport. The form asks you to print in blue or black ink. | EXAMPLE |
| Name(s) Όνομα(τα) | All first names as in your passport. | RAVI |
| Middle or other surname Πατρικό ή άλλο Επώνυμο | A father's name, maiden name or other surname, if you have one. | — |
| 2. Date of birth Ημ. Γέννησης | Write the date as dd/mm/yyyy, as the form shows. | 03/03/1986 |
| 3. Sex Φύλο | Tick Male or Female. | Male |
| 4. Place of birth (city and country) Τόπος Γέννησης (Πόλη και Χώρα) | City and country of birth, as in your passport. | PUNE, INDIA |
| 5. Nationality Υπηκοότητα | Your nationality. | INDIAN |
| 6. Passport – No. / Date of expiration Διαβατήριο – Αριθμός / Ημ. Λήξης | Passport number and expiry date. The document lists ask for a passport valid for at least two years. | X0000001, 01/03/2032 |
| 7. Social Insurance no. Α.Κ.Α. | Your Cyprus Social Insurance number. | 0000000 |
| 8. Family status Οικογενειακή Κατάσταση | Tick Single, Married, Divorced, Widow/er or Separated. | Married |
| 9. Residence address in Cyprus – Street and number Οδός και Αριθμός | Your home address in Cyprus. | 1 EXAMPLE STREET |
| Apt. no. Αρ. Διαμ. | Flat number, if any. | 2 |
| Town or village Πόλη ή Κοινότητα | Town or village. | LIMASSOL |
| Postal code Ταχ. Κώδικας | Postcode of the address. | 0000 |
| District Επαρχία | The district: Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos or Famagusta. | LIMASSOL |
| Postal address Ταχ. Διεύθυνση | Where post should go. If it is the same as the residence address, write "Same as above". | Same as above |
| 10. E-mail address (optional) Ηλεκτρονική Διεύθυνση (Προαιρετική) | Optional on the form, but useful for contact. | ravi.example@example.com |
| 11. Home telephone Τηλ. Οικίας | Home phone or mobile. | +357 99 000002 |
| 12. Work tel. Τηλ. Εργασίας | Work phone, if any. | +357 25 000000 |
| 13. Fax number (optional) Τηλεομοιότυπο (Προαιρετικό) | Optional. Most people leave it blank. | — |
| 14. Signature Υπογραφή | Sign inside the box. | (signature) |
| Submit two recent, coloured photographs Υποβάλετε δύο πρόσφατες έγχρωμες φωτογραφίες | The photo box on the first page. The instructions ask for two recent photographs in all cases. | (2 photos) |
| Date / Applicant's signature Ημερομηνία / Υπογραφή Αιτητή | Date and sign again at the foot of Part I. | 15/09/2026 (signature) |
| For official use only Για Υπηρεσιακή Χρήση Μόνο | A box for the office. Leave it blank. | — |
Part II – Particulars of the spouse (if applicable)
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name of spouse – Surname / Name(s) / Middle or other surname Επώνυμο / Όνομα(τα) / Πατρικό ή άλλο Επώνυμο | Your spouse's names as in their passport. Leave Part II blank if you are not married. | EXAMPLE / PRIYA / — |
| In case of a polygamous marriage, number of marriages in force Σε περίπτωση πολυγαμικού γάμου, αριθμός γάμων που είναι σε ισχύ | Only for polygamous marriages. Otherwise leave blank. | — |
| 2. Date of birth Ημ. Γέννησης | Spouse's date of birth, day/month/year. | 21/07/1988 |
| 3. Place of birth (city and country) Τόπος Γέννησης (Πόλη και Χώρα) | Spouse's city and country of birth. | MUMBAI, INDIA |
| 4. Nationality Υπηκοότητα | Spouse's nationality. | INDIAN |
| 5. Passport (no. and date of expiration) Διαβατήριο (Αρ. και Ημερ. Λήξης) | Spouse's passport number and expiry date. | X0000005, 20/07/2033 |
| 6. Country of residence Χώρα Διαμονής | Where your spouse lives now. | CYPRUS |
| 7. File no. Αρ. Φακέλου | Fill 7, 8 and 9 only if your spouse lives with you in Cyprus: their Migration Department file number. | — |
| 8. Alien cert. no. Αρ. Δελτίου | Your spouse's ARC number. | 0000005 |
| 9. Exp. date of residence permit Ημερ. Λήξης άδειας παραμονής | Expiry date of your spouse's Cyprus residence permit. | 30/06/2027 |
| 10. Signature and date Υπογραφή και Ημερομηνία | Your spouse signs and dates here. | (signature) 15/09/2026 |
Part II – Applicant's children, including those outside Cyprus
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name and surname Όνομα και Επώνυμο | One row per child, wherever they live. | ANIKA EXAMPLE |
| 2. Nationality Υπηκοότητα | The child's nationality. | INDIAN |
| 3. Date of birth Ημερ. Γέννησης | Day/month/year. | 11/11/2012 |
| 4. Passport no. Αρ. Διαβατηρίου | The child's passport number. | X0000003 |
| 5. Sex Φύλο | Male or female. | FEMALE |
| 6. Country of residence Χώρα Διαμονής | Where the child lives. | CYPRUS |
| 7. Marital status Οικογενειακή Κατάσταση | The child's marital status. | SINGLE |
Part II – Children living in Cyprus
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Name and surname Όνομα και Επώνυμο | One row for each child who lives in Cyprus. The form asks for certified birth certificates (or the court decision for adoption or custody) and a copy of each child's residence permit. | ANIKA EXAMPLE |
| 2. File no. – A.R.C. Αρ. Φακέλου – ΔΕΑ | The child's file number and ARC number. | 0000003 |
| 3. Status of residence Καθεστώς Παραμονής | The type of permit the child holds. | DEPENDANT |
| 4. Expiry date of residence permit Ημερ. Λήξης Άδειας Παραμονής | When the child's permit expires. | 30/06/2027 |
| 5. Date of last arrival in Cyprus Ημερ. Τελευταίας άφιξης στην Κύπρο | The child's last entry date. This column has only a Greek label. | 02/09/2026 |
Part III – Applicant's residence status in the Republic according to the passport
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arrivals in Cyprus – Date / Page Αφίξεις στην Κύπρο – Ημερομηνία / Σελίδα | Each arrival stamp: the date and the passport page it is on. The form asks for copies of these pages. | 02/09/2026, page 14 |
| Departures from Cyprus – Date / Page Αναχωρήσεις από Κύπρο – Ημερομηνία / Σελίδα | Each departure stamp: date and page. | 15/08/2026, page 14 |
| Duration of stay in Cyprus – Years / Months / Days Διάρκεια παραμονής στην Κύπρο – Έτη / Μήνες / Μέρες | How long each stay lasted. The department counts absences shorter than six months in a row and no more than 10 months in total over the five years. | 0 / 11 / 12 |
Part IV – Applicant's accommodation
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Kind of accommodation Είδος καταλύματος | Tick one: private house/apartment (submit the title); rented house/apartment (submit the contract); accommodation provided by the employer (submit a description certified by the community president); or living in the employer's home (a Greek-only option). Attach your most recent paid phone, electricity or water bills. | Rented house/apartment |
Part V – Applicant's residence permit in the Republic or in another member state
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| File number Αρ. Φακέλου | Your Migration Department file number. The form asks for a copy of your latest permit. | — |
| Alien's Registration Certificate number (ARC no.) Αρ. Δελτίου Εγγραφής Αλλοδαπού | Your ARC number. | 0000001 |
| Date of last entry into Cyprus Ημερομηνία τελευταίας άφιξης στην Κύπρο | Day/month/year. | 02/09/2026 |
| Date of expiry of residence permit in Cyprus Ημερομηνία λήξης άδειας παραμονής στην Κύπρο | Expiry date of your current permit. | 30/06/2027 |
| Residence status in Cyprus Καθεστώς παραμονής στην Κύπρο | The type of permit you hold now. | EMPLOYMENT |
| Residence permit issued on (other member state) Ημερομηνία έκδοσης άδειας παραμονής | Only if you hold a permit in another EU country (submit a copy): its issue date. | — |
| Residence permit expires on (other member state) Ημερομηνία λήξης άδειας παραμονής | Its expiry date. | — |
| Residence status (other member state) Καθεστώς Παραμονής | The type of that permit, for example long-term resident. | — |
| Country of issue Χώρα έκδοσης | The country that issued it. | — |
Part VI – Academic/vocational qualifications and vocational permits
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Schools where you have studied, beginning with the most recent one Σχολές στις οποίες φοιτήσατε | Most recent first. The form asks for certificates. For re-acquisition, give only details not in your earlier application. | UNIVERSITY OF EXAMPLE |
| Years of studies – From / To Έτη φοίτησης – Από / Μέχρι | Start and end year. | 2004 / 2008 |
| Diploma/title/certificate of studies you have acquired Απολυτήριο/δίπλωμα/τίτλος/πιστοποιητικό | The qualification you obtained. | BSC COMPUTER SCIENCE |
| Vocational qualifications – Qualification / Institute / Year Προσόν / Ινστιτούτο / Έτος | Professional qualifications, including computer certificates. | CERTIFIED EXAMPLE ANALYST / EXAMPLE INSTITUTE / 2015 |
| Vocational permits – Permit / Institute-association / Year Άδεια / Ινστιτούτο-Σύνδεσμος / Έτος | Professional licences, if any. | — |
| Languages – Reading / Writing / Speaking Γλώσσα – Ανάγνωση / Γραφή / Ομιλία | Rate each language as Excellent, Very Good, Good or Fair, as the form asks. | GREEK – GOOD / FAIR / GOOD |
Part VII – Working experience inside or outside the Republic
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Employer Εργοδότης | Each employer. The form asks for certificates for work in Cyprus and, where possible, abroad. | EXAMPLE TRADING LTD |
| Position Θέση | Your job title. | SOFTWARE DEVELOPER |
| Country Χώρα | Where you worked. | CYPRUS |
| Duration (from-to) Διάρκεια (από-μέχρι) | Start and end dates. | 03/2021 – PRESENT |
| Salary Μισθός | Your salary in that job. | €2,800 PER MONTH |
Part VIII – Income of the applicant in the Republic
| On the form | What to write | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Employed work – Company's name / address / tel.-fax Όνομα Εταιρείας / Διεύθυνση Εταιρείας / Τηλ. – Φαξ | Only if you are employed. The form says to submit a stamped contract of open duration or at least 18 months. | EXAMPLE TRADING LTD, 5 SAMPLE AVENUE, LIMASSOL, +357 25 000000 |
| Employer's register number Αριθμός Μητρώου Εργοδότη | The employer's Social Insurance number. | 000000000 |
| Sector of economic activity Τομέας Οικονομικής Δραστηριότητας | What the business does. | SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT |
| Job offered to the applicant Θέση που έχει προσφερθεί στον αιτητή | Your job title. | SOFTWARE DEVELOPER |
| Period of employment Διάρκεια εργοδότησης | Contract term, or 'indefinite'. | INDEFINITE |
| Salary (monthly) Μισθός (μηνιαίος) | Monthly salary in euro. | 2,800 |
| 2. Self-employed work – Name / address / tel.-fax of the company Όνομα Εταιρείας / Διεύθυνση / Τηλ. – Φαξ | Only if you work for your own company or yourself. The form asks for company registration documents, a viability study and VAT payment receipts for the last five years, or a self-employment declaration. | — |
| Employer's register number / Sector / VAT registration number / Salary (monthly) Αριθμός Μητρώου Εργοδότη / Τομέας / Αριθμός Εγγραφής στο Φ.Π.Α. / Μισθός | The business's Social Insurance and VAT numbers, sector and your monthly income. | — |
| 3. Income from other sources – Bank/company/investment/building – Country – Amount Τράπεζα/Εταιρεία/Επένδυση/Κατάλυμα – Χώρα – Ποσό | Income other than work, such as deposits, dividends, interest or rents, one row each, with certificates. | EXAMPLE BANK – CYPRUS – €1,000 PER YEAR |
Common mistakes
- Applying with gaps in residence. Absences break the five years if one lasts six months in a row or they exceed 10 months in total.
- Forgetting the Greek A2 certificate and the certificate on Cyprus's political and social reality from the document list.
- A contract that is not stamped or is shorter than 18 months. The form asks for open duration or at least 18 months.
- Filing renewal on paper after 1 January 2027. From that date long-term resident renewals are online only.
- Missing photographs. The instructions ask for two recent colour photographs in all cases.
- Going to a district office. Long-term resident applications are filed only at the Migration Department in Nicosia.
Questions
Where can I download the MLT3 form?
From the Migration Department's long-term residents forms page on gov.cy. The file is a Word document (FORM-MLT3-v2), listed with separate document lists for acquisition, renewal, re-acquisition and an immigration permit for long-term residents of another member state.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
The department publishes a fee of €30 and an examination time of 6 to 12 months. The first permit is valid for five years.
Can I renew long-term residence online?
Yes. Long-term resident permits can be renewed through gov.cy with a verified CY Login account, from 90 to 30 days before expiry, and from 1 January 2027 only online.
Is long-term resident status the same as Category F?
No. Long-term resident status (MLT3) is the EU status after five years of legal residence. Category F is an Immigration Permit applied for on form MIP2.
Sources
- Migration Department: long-term residents forms page, checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: form MLT3, v2 (Word), checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: list of documents for acquisition of long-term resident status (Word), checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: renewal of long-term residency, documents (Word), checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: acquisition of the status of long-term resident (fees, examination time), checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: full transition to online renewal of certain residence permits from 1 January 2027, checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: public service instructions – appointments, checked 23 October 2026
- Migration Department: application submission points and biometrics, checked 23 October 2026
Figures checked 23 October 2026. Rules change: we confirm them for your case before you act.