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Cyprus Sees Strong Demand for eID Cards as 10,000 Applications Submitted

Nearly 10,000 applications have been submitted for Cyprus’ new electronic identity cards (eID), with 5,600 already issued.

Appointments at Citizen Service Centres are available without delays, with the Nicosia centre experiencing the highest demand. Citizens must apply online before booking an in-person verification appointment.

Interest is highest among those aged 25-55, particularly in the 35-44 age group. The application process began on 27 January.

The digital identity card, valid for three years and renewable, is available to Cyprus citizens over 18 who possess a biometric ID and a smartphone with biometric authentication. The first 100,000 eIDs are state-subsidised—30,000 are free, while the remaining 70,000 cost €15.

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy Nikodemos Damianou described the eID as a secure digital identity enabling authentication for online services and legally binding electronic signatures.

Cyprus Property Deals Reach €286 Million Despite Second-Quarter Uncertainty

Cyprus’ high-end property market remained active in the first half of 2026, although geopolitical uncertainty may have weighed on investment activity during the second quarter.

€286.4 Million Across The 50 Largest Deals

Property transactions worth a combined €286.4 million ranked among Cyprus’ 50 highest-value deals completed between January and June, according to real estate analytics firm Ask Wire.

Examining the country’s biggest sales across all districts, the report found that the 10 largest transactions alone accounted for €161.7 million, highlighting the concentration of activity at the upper end of the market.

Limassol Extends Its Lead

A €55 million sale involving a building and adjoining fields in Moni was the largest property transaction recorded during the period.

Six of the country’s 10 biggest deals took place in Limassol, with a combined value of €117.2 million. Paphos followed with three transactions worth €35.5 million, while Larnaca recorded one €9 million sale.

Across the broader ranking, Limassol’s 10 largest transactions reached €148.2 million, representing 51.7% of the total value of the top 50 deals. Paphos followed with €68.8 million (24%), while Nicosia recorded €26.7 million. Famagusta narrowly surpassed Larnaca, reaching €21.4 million compared with €21.2 million.

Land Continues To Drive High-Value Deals

According to Ask Wire CEO Pavlos Loizou, land acquisitions continue to dominate Cyprus’ largest property transactions.

“The land market dominates the list of the 10 highest-value property transactions, with seven sales involving fields and plots.”

Many of those sites are expected to be developed into luxury residential and hospitality projects, he added.

Office Demand Remains Strong

Growing demand for office space also reflects the expansion of international companies establishing operations in Cyprus, Loizou said.

“We continue to observe growing demand for office properties, reflecting the expansion of the new ecosystem of international companies that has been establishing itself in Cyprus in recent years.”

Eight of the 10 largest transactions were completed during the first quarter of 2026, with activity slowing in the following three months.

Loizou said the slowdown may reflect investor caution linked to the conflict in the Middle East, which appears to have influenced investment decisions during the second quarter.

Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

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