Recognition of Foreign Divorce in Cyprus

Recognition of a foreign divorce in Cyprus means having a divorce granted abroad accepted by Cypriot courts and authorities, so that Cypriot records show the marriage as ended and a new marriage, a property sale or an inheritance can go ahead. It is also called registering a foreign divorce, recognition of a foreign divorce decree or, in Greek, αναγνώριση αλλοδαπής απόφασης διαζυγίου. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Register Foreign Divorce”.

Who this is for

Cypriot citizens who divorced abroad, foreigners who married in Cyprus and divorced in their home country, and anyone whose foreign divorce is questioned when remarrying in Cyprus, applying for residence or dealing with property on the island.

How recognition works

The route depends on where the divorce was granted. A divorce from a court of another EU country is generally recognised in Cyprus under EU rules without a separate court case; the decree is presented together with a certificate issued by the court of origin. A divorce from outside the EU, for example from the United Kingdom, the United States or Russia, has no dedicated Cypriot statute behind it: recognition usually rests on an application to the Family Court and, where one exists, on a treaty between Cyprus and that country on the recognition of judgments. Reported cases are few, so each file is looked at on its own facts.

Once recognised, the divorce can be noted in the records of the Civil Registry and Migration Department, which keeps the civil status of Cypriot citizens and of marriages registered in Cyprus.

Points to watch

• A final decree. Only a divorce that is final in the country of origin can be recognised; a provisional decree is not enough.
• Divorces outside a court. A divorce made before a notary, a registry or a religious authority abroad raises extra questions.
• Documents. The decree and proof that it is final generally need an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.

What a lawyer does

A lawyer confirms which route applies, collects and checks the documents, files the application where one is needed and follows the record through to the registry. Other foreign family decisions, such as a maintenance order, raise similar questions; see enforcement of foreign judgments.

Questions and answers

Is my EU divorce automatically valid in Cyprus?

Generally yes, without a court case; the paperwork for the Cypriot record is still needed.

Can I remarry in Cyprus after a divorce abroad?

The Marriage Officer asks for proof that the earlier marriage has ended, and a divorce from outside the EU may first need recognition; see marriage registration.

Could we divorce in Cyprus instead?

When one spouse lives in Cyprus, a divorce in Cyprus through the Family Court may be the simpler route.

Where do I get a copy of a Cypriot divorce decree?

See divorce certificate or decree copy.