Volunteer in Cyprus

Conditions

You can apply to be a volunteer in the Republic of Cyprus if you take part in a voluntary service on the basis of an agreement with the entity/organisation responsible for the voluntary service.

If you fulfil the conditions, you will be issued a residence permit

Procedures

Where and how to apply	An application by the host entity/organisation in Cyprus must be submitted to the Director of the Civil Registry and Migration Department. The applicable fee amounts to €70. Applications are examined within 90 days of submission, provided that they are fully completed and all the necessary accompanying documents have been submitted. Upon approval, the host entity/organisation is notified by post to collect the permit at the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Documents required	A valid passport for at least a period of 2 years or equal to the training period; a medical insurance certificate; proof of sufficient financial sources for the living expenses in Cyprus; proof of home address; an agreement with the host entity for the voluntary service scheme in which the third-country national is participating. The agreement shall contain a description of the voluntary service scheme; the duration of the voluntary service, the placement and supervision conditions of the voluntary service, the volunteering hours, the resources available to cover the third-country national's subsistence and accommodation costs and a minimum sum of money as pocket money throughout the stay and where applicable, the training the third-country national will receive to help perform the voluntary service; proof that the third-country national is accommodated throughout the stay by the host entity and the accommodation meets the conditions set by the Cypriot Law; proof that the host entity or another body responsible for the voluntary service scheme has subscribed to a third-party insurance policy (Volunteers participating in the European Voluntary Service shall not be required to present this evidence); Proof that the third-country national is at least 18 years old, unless the voluntary service scheme sets out a different age limit.
Duration of validity of permits	Residence permits are granted for 1 year or less, if the scheme’s duration is shorter, and are renewable, only once, for the period equal of the agreement, provided that an application for renewal is submitted.
Further requirements	When you arrive in Cyprus, you must register at the District Aliens and Immigration Unit of the Police and undergo a medical check. You must also submit relevant medical certificates.
Appeals	You can challenge decisions related to your residence permit before the Administrative Court.

Rights

Change of status	The volunteer can submit the relevant application for the new status, if he/she meets the necessary criteria.
Family members	It is not possible for the volunteer to be accompanied by his/her family members.
Long-term residence	The stay as a volunteer is not counted in the period of residence to be eligible for long-term/permanent residence in the Member State.

Links

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