A New Milestone in Cyprus’ Digital Transformation
On 6 July 2026, the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, together with the Migration Department and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, launched a new digital service for the online submission of residence permit renewal applications by third-country nationals.
The platform is part of the Government’s wider digital transformation agenda and aims to reduce bureaucracy, shorten processing times, and provide a more efficient experience for applicants, employers, and their advisers. Once fully operational, the service is expected to cover approximately 73% of all renewal applications in the eligible categories and around 25% of all residence permit applications across every category.
Who Can Submit an Application?
Renewal applications may be submitted electronically by:
- The permit holder personally;
- The employer, where applicable; or
- An authorised representative — such as a law firm or accounting firm — acting under a relevant authorisation.
Which Permit Categories Are Covered?
At this stage, the online service is available for the renewal of the following residence permit categories:
- Temporary residence permits for Remunerated Employment;
- Temporary residence permits for Domestic Employment;
- Temporary residence permits for employees of Companies of Foreign Interests;
- Temporary residence permits for Family Reunification — for family members of Long-Term Residents and of employees of Companies of Foreign Interests; and
- Residence permits for Long-Term Residents.
Important Limitations
The service currently applies to renewal applications only — first-time residence permit applications must still be submitted through the existing channels. For the employment-based categories, the online renewal is available where the employee continues to work for the same employer or within the same company, depending on the permit category.
Additional categories are expected to be added to the platform over time as Cyprus continues to expand its digital government services.
What Can Be Done Online?
The platform enables applicants and their representatives to complete almost the entire procedure electronically:
- Complete and submit the renewal application online;
- Upload all required supporting documentation;
- Submit or manage the authorisation where a representative acts on the applicant’s behalf;
- Receive updates on the status of the application;
- Pay the applicable government fees electronically once the application has been reviewed; and
- Select the service point for the biometric appointment and the collection of the renewed permit.
Biometrics Still Require Physical Presence
Although the application process itself has been digitalised, applicants must still attend in person for the capture of biometric data — fingerprints, photograph, and signature — in accordance with the applicable immigration legislation, and for the collection of the renewed residence permit.
CY Login Account Required
Access to the service requires a verified CY Login account (the Government’s central digital identity). Applicants, employers, and authorised representatives should complete the CY Login registration and identity verification process before attempting to submit an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the new service for my first Cyprus residence permit? — No. The digital service covers renewals of existing permits only. First-time applications continue to follow the standard procedure. If you are planning a relocation to Cyprus, we can manage the initial application process for you.
Can my employer or lawyer file the renewal on my behalf? — Yes. Renewals may be submitted by the permit holder, the employer (for employment categories), or an authorised representative such as a law firm, provided the relevant authorisation is in place through the platform.
Do I still need to appear in person? — Only for the biometric stage — fingerprints, photograph, and signature — and for collecting the renewed permit. Everything else, from submission to fee payment, is handled online.
What do I need before applying? — A verified CY Login account, your supporting documents in electronic form, and — for employment categories — continued employment with the same employer or company.
Will more permit categories be added? — The Government has indicated that additional categories are expected to be incorporated as the digitalisation of migration services continues.
How ASC Can Assist
ASC Law Firm acts as authorised representative for third-country nationals and their employers across the full range of Cyprus immigration matters — from initial residence and employment permits for Companies of Foreign Interests to renewals, family reunification, and long-term residence. If you or your employees hold Cyprus residence permits approaching expiry, we can manage the entire electronic renewal process on your behalf.