Cyprus resumes subsidies for residents of mountainous and remote areas

On Tuesday 3 June, the Cypriot Ministry of the Interior announced the relaunch of two financial assistance programmes designed to support residents of the island's mountainous and remote areas.

These government initiatives are intended to improve quality of life and encourage people to live in these regions. The annual programmes reflect the government's commitment to revitalising mountainous and remote settlements.

In 2024, a total of €8.5 million was paid out to more than 31,000 people. Additionally, a one-off emergency aid payment totalling €3.3 million was made to support residents of mountainous areas.

For 2025, the total budget for the programmes is expected to be around €9 million. Particular attention will be paid to the Tillyria region.

Following the President's appeal and proposals from local communities, the Council of Ministers approved a 50% increase in payments for residents of settlements such as Kato Pyrgos, Pano Pyrgos, Pachiammos and Pomos. This is due to their geographical isolation and the special circumstances that arose after the Turkish invasion.

Financial assistance plan for mountain residents for 2025

Applications for state subsidies can be submitted until 30 June 2025 at the offices of the Community Councils. To do so, you must fill out a special form and attach the necessary documents. Only one application per household may be submitted. All documents must be correctly completed and certified by the head or an authorised employee of the Community Council. Residents of settlements without a Community Council must submit their documents to the district administration.

Under the mountain area support programme, citizens of Cyprus and EU countries who have been permanently resident in a settlement located at an altitude of more than 600 m for at least two years are eligible for assistance. It is important that the accommodation is privately owned or rented, and that residence is year-round.

The amount of the payment depends on the altitude of the settlement:

1. From 600 to 800 metres — €175 per year;
2. From 801 to 1,000 metres, it is €225;
3. Above 1,000 metres, the payment is €260.

An additional €165 is paid for each pensioner (aged 65 or over) living in the household.

Financial assistance plan for residents of remote areas for 2025

Working residents who have lived permanently for at least two years in settlements located at least 40 km from a city, or between 30 and 39 km away at an altitude of 700 m or more, are eligible for this scheme.

The amount of the annual payment depends on how remote the village is:

1. €300 for distances of 40–59 km (or 30–39 km and an altitude of 700 m or more);
2. €500 for a distance of 60–79 km;
3. €600 for a distance of 80 km or more.

For residents of the Tillyria region, this amount is increased by 50%. Applications will be accepted until 30 June 2025. After verification by the Community Council, applications will be forwarded to the district administrations.

Please note that providing false information is considered a violation of the law. In such cases, state aid will be cancelled and the applicant will lose the right to receive any state support in future. On-site checks are also possible.

For all enquiries, please contact the Ministry of Internal Affairs on 22 867600. Alternatively, contact the district administrations:

1. Nicosia: 22 804 182 / 22 804 120
2. Limassol: 25 806 400, 25 806 423, 25 806 487.
3. Larnaca: 24 801 862 / 24 801 867
4. Paphos: 26 801 115.