Documents and legalisation in Cyprus: apostille, translation, notary
Cyprus accepts foreign documents after legalisation: an apostille if both the issuing country and Cyprus are parties to the 1961 Hague Convention; otherwise consular legalisation. Translations are made by a sworn translator and copies are certified by a notary. For resident registration (MEU1, the 'Yellow Slip') documents are filed with the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Order of legalisation
- Apostille on the original document — in the issuing country (competent authority depending on the document).
- Sworn translation into Greek or English.
- Certification of the copy and translation — a notary or an authorised person (in villages, the Mukhtar).
- Filing with the authority or registry.
What is done where
| What | Where or who | What for | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apostille | issuing country (Hague Convention) | recognition in Cyprus | 11.10.2026 |
| Sworn translation | sworn translator | Greek or English translation | 11.10.2026 |
| Certification of copies | notary or Mukhtar | acceptance by an authority | 11.10.2026 |
| Resident registration (MEU1) | Civil Registry and Migration | Yellow Slip for EU citizens | 11.10.2026 |
| Property transaction | Department of Lands and Surveys | contract and title deed | 11.10.2026 |
For residence and property
- For the Yellow Slip (MEU1): passport or ID, proof of address, health insurance, proof of income.
- To buy property: the contract is filed at the Land Registry (stamp duty), the title deed is registered in the buyer's name.
- Arrange a power of attorney in advance — without it the deal cannot proceed.
Frequent questions
- Do documents for Cyprus need an apostille?
- Yes, if the issuing country is a party to the Hague Convention: the apostille is placed there, then the document is translated and certified in Cyprus.
- Who provides a certified translation?
- A sworn translator; copies and the signature are certified by a notary or an authorised person.
- What documents does the Yellow Slip need?
- Passport or ID, proof of address, health insurance and proof of income — filed with the migration service.
The figures and data of this section were checked against 15 official sources (list below); verification date — 11.10.2026. Disputed amounts are marked 'requires verification'.