Immigration Update · Cyprus
Changes to Migration Procedures in Cyprus
The Civil Registry and Migration Department’s new Online Residence Permit Renewal Service is expected to be launched around July 2026, marking another important step in the digital transformation of Cyprus’ public administration services.
As announced during an insightful presentation at the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), the new online platform will be used exclusively for the renewal of specific temporary residence permit categories in Cyprus.
The new digital platform will be used exclusively for the renewal of the following temporary residence permit categories:
- Employees in General Employment
- Employees of Foreign Interest Companies (BCS)
- Family members of BCS employees and long-term residents (spouses and minor children under Family Reunification)
- Long-Term Residents
- Domestic Workers
Renewal applications may be submitted either by the applicant personally, by the employer, or through an authorized representative acting on their behalf, such as a lawyer or an employment agency.
As a specialized migration services provider, George Y. Yiangou LLC will be able to submit such applications as an Authorized Representative through its corporate Cy-Login account.
Key Features of the New Procedure
✔ Verification within 7 days
Where an application is submitted through an authorized representative, the authorization must first be registered in the system. A verification link will then be sent to the employer and/or the applicant, depending on the circumstances, in order to confirm the representative’s authority to act on their behalf and proceed with the renewal application.
The application process can only proceed once the authorization has been confirmed.
Accordingly, both employers and applicants must ensure that they maintain an active Cy-Login account in order to complete the authorization process.
✔ Strict deadlines for BFU/BCS Companies
For employees of Foreign Interest Companies, online renewal applications may only be submitted within the period commencing 90 days and ending 30 days before the expiry of the current residence permit.
During the final 29 days prior to expiry, online submission will not be available. However, during the initial implementation period of the new system, applicants will still be able to submit renewal applications in person at the District Offices of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
According to the information presented, this option is expected to be phased out at a later stage, after which renewals will be processed exclusively through the online platform.
An additional practical advantage of the new system is that, since renewal applications will be submitted electronically, applicants will be able to file their applications even while abroad, without the need to be physically present in Cyprus at the time of submission.
✔ Travel Rights and Biometric Enrolment
Upon online payment, an unstamped payment receipt will be generated. It is particularly important that this receipt is stamped when the applicant attends the Migration Department for biometric enrolment.
The stamped receipt will serve as the supporting document allowing the applicant to travel outside Cyprus and lawfully re-enter the country while the renewal application remains under examination.
We welcome this important step towards the digital transformation of Cyprus’ public administration services, which is expected to significantly simplify procedures for businesses, employers and foreign nationals residing and working in Cyprus.
Stay tuned for further updates as we approach the anticipated launch of the platform in July 2026.
The team at George Y. Yiangou LLC remains at your disposal for any guidance or assistance regarding immigration matters, residence permits and the employment of foreign nationals in Cyprus.
Contact Us
For further information or legal assistance regarding immigration matters and residence permits in Cyprus, please contact our team.
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +357 22 653333