The Cyprus Parliament has enacted new rules requiring mandatory identification of owners of prepaid mobile numbers (pay-as-you-go). By November 10, 2025, all subscribers must register their personal information with mobile operators or authorized dealers. Otherwise, starting November 11, their numbers will be automatically disconnected.
Why Mandatory SIM Registration is Introduced
The main goal of the new regulation is to combat anonymity in mobile communications, which is sometimes used to organize and conceal criminal activity. With this law, Cypriot authorities aim to reduce cybercrime, phone scams, and other types of abuse.
How Registration Works
All mobile operators and their authorized partners are required to verify the identity of number owners. They are not allowed to make or store copies of documents such as passports or identity cards. For minors, registration must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
According to Parliament data, by the end of September 2025, only about 75,000 SIM card owners had registered — just 18% of all users. DIPA party MP Marinos Musiouttas emphasized that time is running out, but the procedure is simplified and takes only a few minutes.
What Happens After November 10
All unregistered numbers will be disconnected starting November 11 and cannot be reactivated until registration is completed. This marks the final stage of a transition period that began in May 2024, when the law was first passed in Parliament.
Context and Importance of the Law
Similar measures already exist in many European Union countries. In Greece and Italy, for example, prepaid SIM cards cannot be purchased without providing identification. In Cyprus, this law will not only enhance security but also bring telecommunications regulations in line with European standards.