Cyprus will start accepting applications for digital identity cards (eIDs) on Monday 27 January.
This was announced by the Head of the Sub-Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou.
He said that a total of 100,000 eIDs will be issued. In addition, the first 30 thousand documents will be made available to the population free of charge in the order of the live queue. The remaining 70 thousand will cost just 15 euros. Most of the costs will be covered by the state. For those who do not have time to take advantage of the state subsidy, the e-ID will cost no more than 50 euros. It is worth noting that e-IDs will be available to all Cypriot citizens over the age of 18. They will be valid for three years.
The introduction of the e-ID is an important milestone for Cyprus. The e-ID is the only secure way to quickly identify a citizen in an electronic environment. In addition, the e-ID enables the signing of electronic documents, as it has the same legal force as a handwritten signature. It has already been approved by the European Commission at the highest level of security and recognition," stressed Damianou.
Moreover, e-ID will make it possible to carry out transactions between EU countries. The e-ID will also enable its holder to sign electronic documents. The digital signature will be legally binding.
Damianou mentioned that the approved provider in Cyprus with a government licence is the JCC portal, where any citizen can create an account. Then, within 30 days, you have to visit one of the Citizen Service Centres (KEP) by appointment, submit and sign your application for a digital ID card (physical presence is mandatory).
Then, within 5 days, you have to go back to the JCC online portal and activate your e-ID by entering the code used to apply for the e-ID. If you lose the code, you will have to go back to the KEP to get a new one.
For more information about the e-ID, the mechanisms it supports, how to use it and the procedures for issuing it, a special website has been created: www.idme.gov.cy.