GESY registration for EU citizens in Cyprus

GESY (ΓεΣΥ) is Cyprus's universal national health system. Registering is straightforward once you have the right documents — but the steps have a strict order, and the final one is the one people skip.

Last verified 18 August 2026 against the Health Insurance Organisation (gesy.org.cy). Settle Cyprus is an independent self-service tool. It is not a law firm, does not provide legal advice, and is not affiliated with any Cyprus government authority. Fees and requirements can change — always confirm with the official source before you travel.

Who is eligible

  • EU citizens holding a Yellow Slip (MEU1 Certificate of Registration)
  • Non-EU citizens holding a Pink Slip (Temporary Residence Permit)
  • Employees, self-employed people, pensioners and their dependants
  • Cyprus citizens and permanent residents

The process, in order

  1. Get your Yellow Slip first

    EU citizens register with the MEU1 Certificate of Registration. Non-EU citizens need the Pink Slip (Temporary Residence Permit). GESY eligibility starts here — there is no way around this order.

  2. Obtain your Tax Identification Code (TIC)

    Applied for with form TD2001 at your District Tax Office. It is free and usually issued the same day.

  3. Register online at gesy.org.cy

    Registration itself is done on the GESY portal, not in person.

  4. Choose a Personal Doctor

    You pick a General Practitioner (Προσωπικός Ιατρός) from the GESY list. Your GP is the gateway to specialists — most specialist visits and diagnostic tests need their referral.

  5. Visit your Personal Doctor to activate

    Registration is not complete until you have actually visited the GP you selected. This is the step people assume is optional.

The last step is the one that catches people out. Signing up on the portal does not finish the job — your registration is activated by actually visiting the Personal Doctor you chose.

What it costs

GESY is funded by contributions rather than a flat fee. Employees contribute 2.65% of gross salary and employers 2.90%. Self-employed people contribute 4.00% of declared income, pensioners 2.65% of their pension, and the government contributes 4.70%.

What GESY covers

  • Primary care — GP visits
  • Specialist consultations, with a GP referral
  • Hospital stays in public and participating private hospitals
  • Prescription medication, with a €1 copay per prescription item
  • Diagnostic tests, with a GP referral
  • Limited dental care — extractions and emergencies

Common questions

Can I register for GESY without a Yellow Slip?
No. For EU citizens the Yellow Slip (MEU1 Certificate of Registration) is the basis of eligibility. Non-EU citizens use the Pink Slip instead.
What do GESY contributions cost?
Employees contribute 2.65% of gross salary and employers 2.90%. Self-employed people contribute 4.00% of declared income, pensioners 2.65% of their pension, and the government contributes 4.70%.
Do I still need private health insurance?
GESY covers primary care, referred specialists, hospital stays, prescriptions and diagnostics. Dental cover is limited to extractions and emergencies, so people who want broader dental or faster private access often keep a private policy alongside it.
Is registration complete once I have signed up online?
Not quite. You must also choose a Personal Doctor and visit them — the visit is what activates your registration.
Can I change my Personal Doctor later?
Yes, GESY allows you to change your registered GP. Confirm the current procedure on gesy.org.cy before you do.

Before you can register

GESY expects you to already hold your Yellow Slip. If you have not applied for it yet, start with the MEU1 / Yellow Slip guide — and note that it requires proof of health cover, which for many people means GESY. The two processes reference each other, and untangling that order is exactly the kind of thing the full pass maps out for your situation.