The Cyprus Migration Department has launched a pilot electronic service for submitting applications to renew several types of residence permits. The new service is available exclusively through a verified CY Login account, which serves as the single gateway to all government online services on the island. It is important to note that, at this initial stage, paper applications will not be phased out — the new system operates alongside the traditional process as part of a pilot program.
Which Residence Permit Categories Are Included
The pilot program covers five categories of temporary and permanent residence permits. It applies only to the renewal of existing permits and not to first-time applications. Specifically, the following categories are included:
- Temporary residence permits for paid employment, provided the applicant remains with the same employer;
- Temporary residence permits for domestic workers, provided they remain with the same employer;
- Temporary residence permits for employees of companies with foreign interests (with the same employer or within the same company);
- Residence permits for family members of employees of companies with foreign interests and long-term residents (specifically spouses and minor children residing in Cyprus under family reunification arrangements);
Long-term residence permits.
As a result, online renewals will be available to a broad range of foreign nationals who are already legally residing on the island.
Who Can Apply Online
The electronic service is available to three categories of users. First, third-country nationals seeking to renew their residence status. Second, Cypriot and EU employers who hire foreign workers. Third, authorized representatives acting on behalf of applicants. A verified CY Login account is mandatory for all users. To participate in the pilot program, the Migration Department asks interested parties to submit their contact details in advance to the dedicated email address: marestis@md.mip.gov.cy. At this stage, in-person applications remain fully available, as the online system is operating only on a trial basis and does not replace the standard procedure.
Why This Matters: Digitalization as a Strategic Priority
The launch of the pilot service is only one part of Cyprus's broader digital transformation of public services. Authorities have announced the introduction of dozens of new electronic services throughout 2026. More than 135,000 people are already actively using the Digital Citizen mobile application. Moving residence permit renewals online is expected to significantly reduce queues and minimize repeat visits to the Migration Department, as the process has traditionally relied heavily on paper documentation and in-person attendance. At the same time, Cyprus is preparing for the implementation of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) at its airports and for participation in the ETIAS system, both of which are expected to streamline document processing for foreign nationals in the future.
How the Standard Renewal Procedure Works Today
Under the current procedure, renewal applications must be submitted in person at the immigration office corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence — in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, or Paralimni. The Migration Department then reviews the documents. A fee of €70 is charged for the issuance of a temporary residence permit, with an additional €70 registration fee in the Aliens Register upon the first application. Applicants can check the status of their application via SMS by sending a message to 1199. Processing generally takes around four months. The temporary residence permit card itself is valid for one year and may be renewed before its expiry date. Applicants are legally entitled to remain in Cyprus while their renewal application is under review. The new electronic service is specifically designed to simplify repeat applications, which represent the most common scenario for the majority of foreign residents.
What Participants in the Pilot Program Should Know
Since the service is currently operating in a trial phase, the authorities have not yet announced final timelines for its full rollout or extension to additional permit categories. Until the pilot phase is completed, applicants are advised to continue relying on the standard procedure and established processing timelines. The status of individual applications can still be monitored through traditional channels, including SMS notifications. Further information can be obtained via the email address provided above. It is important to remember that this is only the first step: Cyprus ultimately intends to fully digitize the issuance and renewal of residence permits, making the process as convenient as possible for all categories of applicants.