Cypriot residents have submitted almost 10,000 applications for electronic identity cards (eIDs), of which more than 5.6 have been approved.
This was reported recently by the Sub-Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy.
According to the ministry, the Citizens' Enrolment Centres (KEP) are filling up very quickly, especially in Nicosia, where demand is highest. To obtain an eID, one must first apply online, followed by an in-person verification at the KEP. In terms of the age of the beneficiaries, the greatest interest in obtaining an eID is shown by those aged between 25 and 55, with the highest proportion in the 35-to 44 age group.
It is recalled that a total of 100,000 eIDs will be issued in Cyprus. The programme will be launched on 27 January 2025.
As an incentive, the first 30,000 will be made available to the population free of charge in the order of the live queue. For the rest, 15 euros will be charged. All citizens of the island state over the age of 18 who have a biometric passport or ID card can get an eID. This policy is designed to encourage citizens to use the eID and to facilitate its implementation. EIDs can be used to electronically sign documents and access government services online. The validity of an eID is 3 years (renewable).
To obtain an eID, you must
- Register on the JCC Trust Portal.
- Install the JCC Authenticator application from Google Play or the App Store.
- Enable two-factor authentication for secure login.
- Apply for an eID on the JCC Trust portal.
- Accept the terms and conditions, upload a photo of your ID (both sides) and enter the required details.
- Authorise on the JCC mobile app using the username from the JCC Trust portal.
- Confirm the application by entering two one-time codes (OTPs) received via SMS and email, followed by uploading the biometric data.
- Print the application form and bring it to the Citizen Service Centre (CSC) within 30 days by making an appointment in advance.
- Once the identification process is complete, you will receive a notification that the eID is ready.
- Complete the process by logging into JCC Trust within 5 days of receiving the SMS or email.
The entire process, from online application to final approval notification, is estimated by JCC to take between three and five days. However, there may be delays depending on the availability of appointment slots at citizen service centres.
Thus, eID is gradually becoming a key tool for digitalisation in Cyprus, offering convenience, security and speed of interaction with government and commercial services.