(Pink Card, Yellow ARC Paper, Meaning, Problems & Real Experience)
When international students arrive in Cyprus, one of the most confusing things they face is the ARC card, Pink Card, and sometimes a yellow paper given by immigration.
This article explains the Cyprus ARC system from real student experience, not from brochures or agents.
What Is ARC (Alien Registration Certificate) in Cyprus?
ARC stands for Alien Registration Certificate.
ARC is not a job permit, not a visa, and not a plastic card.
It is a registration record that Cyprus immigration creates after a student completes:
- Fingerprints
- Biometrics
- Immigration registration
👉 ARC proves that you are officially registered as a foreigner in Cyprus.
Real Student Experience: ARC After Arrival in Cyprus
This is what actually happens for most students:
- Student arrives in Cyprus
- Fingerprints and biometrics are taken
- After 2–3 months, immigration issues:
- A Pink Card (Residence Permit)
- And a yellow-colored paper
Important truth:
👉 That yellow paper is the ARC (Alien Registration Certificate)
Many students think ARC is a plastic card — it is not.
What Is the Yellow ARC Paper?
The yellow ARC paper is an official immigration document that contains:
- ARC registration number
- Student personal details
- Immigration reference information
This yellow paper is usually given:
- Only in the first year
- Together with the first Pink Card
Very important update:
👉 For the last 2 years, Cyprus has mostly stopped issuing this yellow ARC paper
ARC in First Year vs Second Year (Very Important)
This is something most websites do NOT explain.
First Year Students
- Receive Pink Card
- May receive Yellow ARC paper
- ARC number is recorded in the system
Second Year Onwards
- No yellow ARC paper
- Only Pink Card renewal
- ARC number remains the same
👉 Immigration does not issue ARC again after the first year.
This is completely normal.
What Is the Cyprus Pink Card?
Read This Article for more explanation: Cyprus Pink Card Explained for Students
The Pink Card is the Residence Permit Card.
It is a plastic ID card that proves:
- You are legally staying in Cyprus
- You are a registered student
- Your residence status is valid until a certain date
This card is used daily for:
- Bank account
- SIM card
- Police checks
- University verification
ARC Card vs Pink Card – Simple Comparison for Students
| ARC | Pink Card |
|---|---|
| Registration record | Legal residence ID |
| Yellow paper (earlier) | Plastic card |
| Issued once | Renewed every year |
| Not used daily | Used daily |
| ARC number stored | ARC number printed |
Simple explanation:
- ARC = registration
- Pink Card = proof of legal stay
Where Is the ARC Number Now?
Even if you do not receive the yellow paper:
- Your ARC number still exists
- It is printed on the back of the Pink Card
- Immigration keeps it permanently
So if someone asks:
“Where is your ARC?”
You can show your Pink Card.
Common Problems Students Face With ARC & Pink Card
ARC / Pink Card Delay
- Bank account problems
- Job delays
- SIM activation issues
Confusion Problem
- Students think ARC paper is mandatory every year
- Panic when yellow paper is not given
- Agents create fear unnecessarily
Expiry Problems
- Late renewal causes stress
- Temporary illegal status
- Job interruption
Can Students Work With ARC or Pink Card?
This is where many students misunderstand.
Important reality:
- ARC alone does not allow work
- Pink Card does not give unlimited work rights
Students:
- Have limited working hours
- Can work only in allowed sectors
- Must follow immigration rules
Delivery jobs like Wolt fall into a grey area and require careful understanding.
ARC, Pink Card & Delivery Jobs (Wolt Reality)
Many students search:
“Can I do Wolt with ARC card?”
Read also: How to open wolt delivery Id as a student in Cyprus
Truth:
- ARC is registration only
- Pink Card shows residence, not work permission
- Many students work at their own risk
Always understand the legal consequences before working.
ARC Renewal – What Students Should Know
ARC itself is not renewed.
Only the Pink Card is renewed every year.
Golden rule:
👉 Start Pink Card renewal 30–45 days before expiry
Mistakes Students Should Avoid
- Expecting yellow ARC paper every year
- Sharing unblurred documents online
- Believing agents blindly
- Ignoring expiry dates
- Working illegally assuming ARC is enough
Final Reality for Cyprus Students
The biggest problem is not immigration —
the problem is lack of correct information.
Remember:
- Yellow ARC paper is usually first year only
- Second year onwards → only Pink Card
- ARC number remains forever
- Pink Card is your daily legal ID
If you understand this system clearly,
you will avoid most student problems in Cyprus.
Important Note
This article is written from real student experience for educational purposes.
Rules may change, so always confirm with official Cyprus immigration sources.
