Status of a Child Born to an International Protection Holder
If you have been granted international protection (recognized refugee or subsidiary protection) and have a child born in Cyprus, it is crucial to apply for the same status for your child. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process.
Steps to Apply for Your Child’s Status :
1️⃣ Obtain the Birth Certificate
Before applying for any legal status, ensure that you have your child’s birth certificate. You can refer to our post on Birth registration for details.
2️⃣ Apply for an Alien Registration Certificate (ARC)
The ARC (commonly known as the yellow paper) is an essential identification document for foreigners in Cyprus. You must:
- Visit the Migration Department in Nicosia or your local Immigration Office to apply for your child’s ARC.
3️⃣ Apply for Family Unity at the Asylum Service
- This step ensures your child is added to your Asylum Service decision.
- The process takes approximately two months.
- If the child’s parents have different legal statuses, both parents must be present at the Asylum Service office.
4️⃣ Apply for a Residence Permit
Once you receive the revised decision from the Asylum Service, you can proceed with the application for a residence permit for your child.
5️⃣ GESY Registration (Optional but Recommended)
If you are already registered in Cyprus’ General Healthcare System (GESY), we strongly recommend that you register your child in GESY before applying for the ARC. You can find more information in our post on GESY Registration for a Dependent Child
