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How to Adopt from Cyprus Part 2

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Source: Wikipedia.org.

This page is for steps 5-6 of how to adopt from Cyprus. For steps 1-4 please visit How to Adopt from Cyprus.


5. Adopt the Child (or Gain Legal Custody) in Cyprus:

Remember: Before you adopt (or gain legal custody of) a child in Cyprus, you must have completed the above four steps. Only after completing these steps, can you proceed to finalize the adoption or grant of custody for the purposes of adoption in Cyprus.

The process for finalizing the adoption (or gaining legal custody) in Cyprus generally includes the following:

  • ROLE OF THE ADOPTION AUTHORITY: The Social Welfare Services΄ main responsibilities during the adoption process are:
1. To investigate whether an individual or a family are eligible to become adoptive parents.
2. To safeguard the best interests of children as soon as the application for adoption is submitted to the Court.
3. To submit to the Court a report indicating whether the adoption is in the best interests of a child.
4. To act as a temporary guardian to a child and to submit to the Court the report in order to issue the adoption order.
5. Post adoption counseling.
  • ROLE OF THE COURT: The court with jurisdiction over the case reviews the application for adoption and issues the adoption order provided that the adoption is in the best interests of the child.
  • ROLE OF ADOPTION AGENCIES: There are no adoption agencies in Cyprus. The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia maintains a list of English-speaking lawyers who are licensed to practice in Cyprus. The U.S. Embassy cannot recommend the services of any specific attorney.
  • ADOPTION APPLICATION: Prospective adopting parents need only to submit a written application signed by both spouses to the District Welfare officer of the district of their habitual residence. During the eligibility study they will be requested to undergo full medical tests.
  • DOCUMENTS REQUIRED: Contact Social Welfare Services directly for list. NOTE: Additional documents may be requested. If you are asked to provide proof that a document from the United States is authentic, we can help. Learn how.
  • ADOPTION FEES: In the adoption services contract that you sign at the beginning of the adoption process, your agency will itemize the fees and estimated expenses related to your adoption process. Attorneys in Cyprus provide legal services only when Cypriot families adopt children from abroad. Fees vary from case to case.


6. Bringing Your Child Home:

Now that your adoption is complete (or you have obtained legal custody of the child), there are a few more steps to take before you can head home. Specifically, you need to apply for three documents for your child before he or she can travel to the United States:

1. Birth Certificate

You will first need to apply for a new birth certificate for your child, so that you can later apply for a passport. Your name will be added to the new birth certificate. Applications for the issue of a new birth certificate are accepted at all District Administration Offices irrespective of the place of residence. Documents required:

1. A letter addressed to the District Administration requesting a new birth certificate;
2. Original birth certificate issued by the Republic of Cyprus;
3. Adoption degree;
4. Fees: 3.42 euro.
2. Cypriot Passport

Your child is not yet a U.S. citizen, so he/she will need a travel document or Passport from Cyprus. Applications for the issue of a new passport are accepted at all District Administration Offices irrespective of the place of residence. Documents required:

1. Application (Form M.9E);
2. Birth certificate (original);
3. Two recent photographs;
4. Adoption degree;
5. Fees: 42.72 euro.

For additional information contact the Cypriot Ministry of Interior.

3. U.S. Immigrant Visa

After you obtain the new birth certificate and passport for your child, you also need to apply for an U.S. visa from the United States Embassy for your child. After the adoption (or custody for purpose of adoption) is granted, visit the U.S Embassy for final review and approval of the child's I-800 petition and to obtain a visa for the child. This immigrant visa allows your child to travel home with you. As part of this process, the Consular Officer must be provided the "Panel Physician's" medical report on the child if it was not provided during the provisional approval stage. Learn more.


Child Citizenship Act


For adoptions finalized abroad: The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to acquire American citizenship when he or she enters the United States as lawful permanent residents.

For adoptions to be finalized in the United States: The Child Citizenship Act of 2000 allows your child to typically acquire American citizenship when the U.S. state court issues the final adoption decree. We urge your family to finalize the adoption in a U.S. State court as quickly as possible.


Please be aware that if your child did not qualify to become a citizen upon entry to the United States, it is very important that you take the steps necessary so that your child does qualify as soon as possible. Failure to obtain citizenship for your child can impact many areas of his/her life including family travel, eligibility for education and education grants, and voting.


Learn more about the Child Citizenship Act.


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