Demand for digital identity documents (eIDs) under the national electronic identification programme in Cyprus has been very low.
Since the programme was launched in January 2025, only 8.200 people have applied for eIDs. This number is much lower than expected by the government of the island state.
It should be noted that a total of 100,000 eIDs are to be issued in Cyprus. As an incentive, the first 30 thousand will be made available to the population free of charge in the order of the live queue. The rest will be charged 15 euros. All citizens of the island state over the age of 18 who have a biometric passport or ID card can obtain an eID.
The policy was designed to encourage citizens to use the eID and to facilitate its implementation. However, preliminary data suggests that the implementation of this innovation has been very slow.
It is worth mentioning that out of 8.20- applications, 4.500 were submitted within the first two days after the launch of the eID. So far, only 2.100 eIDs have been issued to the population. The situation was commented on by a representative of the private company JCC Payment Systems, through which the process of applying for eIDs takes place.
We can see from the EU example that the effectiveness of the eID implementation is directly related to the number of opportunities offered for its use. Currently, the use of eIDs in Cyprus is mainly focused on specific public services. Therefore, the majority of applicants are civil servants," said Maria Kalli, Digital Trust Services Manager at JCC Payment Systems.
Kalli also noted that eID has gained significant popularity among users of the Ippodamos e-portal, such as architects, who can upload and digitally sign building permits and other documents using their eID.
Interestingly, the majority of eID applications so far have been made at the Citizen Service Centres (KEP) in Nicosia, with younger age groups leading the way. % are between 35 and 54 years old, while 35% are between 18 and 34 years old. However, the number of older age groups is much lower: only % of citizens aged 55 to 74 and only 2% of those aged 75 and over have opted for an eID so far.
This data highlights a clear digital divide: younger people are more likely to use online services. It also raises the question of whether rural areas are fully embracing the transition or whether limited access to digital services is still a barrier in villages. The trend also highlights the need to target and support older people, especially in rural areas, as they may find it difficult to adopt new technologies.
As a reminder, eIDs can be used to electronically sign documents and access government services online.
'The Cyprus eID consists of two certificates: one that can be used for online authentication and one that can be used to digitally sign documents,' Kalli explained.
The service's 'dual certificate' refers to two key functions. Once registered, citizens can securely access online services such as Cylogin or Ippodamos using their eID - this serves as part of the service's authentication. They can also digitally sign documents using the built-in signature function, which is an aspect of authorisation. This dual function aims to provide both secure access and verification in one integrated service.
It is important to distinguish between e-IDs and the digital citizen application that was launched in December 2024. They are completely different tools. While the app allowed documents to be issued and stored digitally for interaction in the physical world, the eID serves as a proof of identity for the respective citizen in the digital world.
It essentially acts as a digital repository for physical identity documents such as passports, driving licences and the like, allowing users to access them digitally. It also provides a digital version of Department of Transport certificates, simplifying the process for citizens. The app's digital documents are fully equivalent to physical documents and can be used for legal purposes in Cyprus.
On the other hand, eID is a service that provides a range of functions beyond simple identification, allowing citizens to securely access online services and digitally sign documents with the same legal validity as a handwritten signature. It supports a range of digital interactions and reduces the need for face-to-face verification.
How to get an eID:
- Register on the JCC Trust Portal.
- Install the JCC Authenticator app 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 your 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 the JCC Trust within 5 days of receiving the SMS or email.
The entire process, from online application to final approval notification, is estimated by the JCC to take between three and five days. However, there may be delays depending on the availability of enrolment slots at citizen service centres.