The Civil Registry and Migration Department announces that the new version of a uniform format residence permit is circulated from 05.09.2020. The new version is based on the latest amendment of Regulation EC 1030/2002 [Regulation (EU) 2017/1954, Official Journal of the EU, 1.11.2017, L 286/9]. The main purpose of the Regulation is the protection of the residence documents/ permits against counterfeiting, forgery and impersonation, by including common security features and the holder’s biometric features.

It is noted that all residence permits after the above date, are issued with the new uniform format regardless of the application date. Issuing of the new residence permits will be based strictly on priority.

The new residence permit does not affect the procedures, applications and fees.

All permits issued in previous versions will remain in force until their expiration date and no replacement is necessary.