From July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025, the Licensing Department of the Regional Self-Government Organization of the Famagusta free areas processed a total of 3,967 applications related to urban planning and building permits. These data reflect growing activity in the construction and real estate development sector in the region.
Out of the total number, 3,076 applications or 77.54% were fully processed. Another 815 applications (20.54%) are under review, 65 applications (1.64%) are undergoing completeness checks, 9 applications (0.23%) are at the initial stage of review. Finally, 2 applications (0.05%) are still at the preparation stage before review.
High rate of completed cases
The department emphasized that such a high percentage of processed applications demonstrates the systematic and intensive work of the Licensing Department staff. Despite a noticeable increase in the number of submissions, the service strives to accelerate procedures as much as possible and reduce waiting times for citizens and businesses, while maintaining legal requirements and quality control.
This trend is particularly important against the background of increased activity in the construction sector in the Famagusta free areas, where in 2024 and 2025 there was sustained interest in residential and tourism projects, as well as in the modernization of existing infrastructure.
Focus on transparency and efficiency
The Chairman of the Regional Self-Government Organization of the Famagusta free areas, Yiannis Karousos, noted that the key objective of the authority is fast, transparent, and responsible service for citizens. According to him, the achieved results reflect the collective efforts of employees and the continuous improvement of internal procedures.
He also emphasized that his authority will continue to invest in improving organizational processes, increasing transparency, and enhancing the efficiency of licensing procedures. In the near future, this should help further reduce application processing times and increase public trust in the permitting system.
Outlook for 2026
It is expected that in 2026 the volume of applications for urban planning and building permits in the region will remain high. This is linked both to the recovery of investment activity and to the implementation of digital tools that simplify document submission and monitoring of their review. Authorities in the Famagusta free areas expect that further optimization of processes will help maintain high activity levels and ensure sustainable development of the area.