The Cypriot Parliament is considering a proposal for a new extension for hotels and tourist facilities operating without the required license. The legislative initiative provides for the possibility of continuing operations, subject to certain requirements, until December 31, 2030.
The proposal has been submitted to the Parliamentary Committee on Trade for consideration. It calls for the introduction of a special document—a “certificate of right to operate”—to be issued by the Deputy Minister of Tourism. This certificate must be obtained by December 31, 2028.
The authors of the initiative explain the need for an extension by noting that many hotel businesses face objective difficulties in obtaining permits and certificates. The procedures for obtaining approval from government agencies are time-consuming, which prevents businesses from meeting all requirements within the established deadlines. The bill was introduced by MPs Nikos Georgiou of DISY, Linos Papagiannis of ELAM, and Chrysis Pantelidis.
Who Will Be Able to Continue Operating Without a License
The proposal calls for amending Article 18 of the law regulating the establishment and operation of hotels and tourist facilities. The new provisions will not apply to all unlicensed businesses, but only to those that meet the specified conditions.
The main requirement is that the facility must already have a building permit in which its intended use is specified as a hotel or tourist accommodation.
Businesses that did not have a license at the time Amendment 110(I)/2026 took effect will be able to continue operating provided they obtain special confirmation from the Deputy Minister of Tourism by December 31, 2028.
The document will be issued in the prescribed form and will remain valid until February 28, 2029, or until December 31, 2030—depending on the specific situation and fulfillment of the required obligations.
Thus, this is a temporary measure that will allow hotels to continue operating while they complete the necessary paperwork and bring their operations into compliance with the law.
Special Fire Safety Requirements
One of the main conditions is confirmation of compliance with fire safety requirements. To initially obtain the document, the business must provide a statement from the Fire Department confirming that the necessary materials for obtaining a fire safety certificate have already been submitted. In certain cases, a declaration of compliance or a temporary certificate may be accepted.
To obtain a temporary certificate, an expert opinion from a private specialist is required. This opinion must specify the emergency exits and the fire protection measures in place.
Architectural plans reflecting the actual condition of the building must be attached to the expert opinion. These plans must separately indicate all additions and alterations made after the initial building permit was issued.
The expert must also confirm that the submitted plans correspond to the actual condition of the hotel or tourist facility. Before issuing the certificate or temporary confirmation, the Fire Department will conduct an on-site inspection at the facility.
The fire safety document must be submitted to the Deputy Minister of Tourism no later than February 28, 2029. It must remain valid until December 31, 2030.
If a hotel fails to provide the required certificate or temporary confirmation by the specified deadline, its operations must be suspended immediately. Any previously issued operating authorization will be automatically revoked.
What Other Documents Will Be Required, and What Will Happen After 2030
In addition to fire safety requirements, hotels and tourist facilities will need to submit a complete set of documents. This includes:
a health certificate or health confirmation for the hotel or tourist facility;
a separate health document for swimming pools, if applicable;
a certificate of suitability from the Department of Electromechanical Services;
an elevator inspection report;
documents regarding the technical suitability or periodic inspections of liquid fuel and liquefied gas systems—if applicable;
a letter or certificate from the Department of Labor Inspection confirming the existence of a written occupational risk assessment;
a copy of the first page of the valid building permit confirming the approved use of the building as a hotel or tourist facility.
Maintenance of Hotel Category
The bill also regulates the classification of hotels. Facilities that received a category or class under the legislation in effect from 1969 to 2014 but do not have a license to operate under the newer system will be able to retain their previous classification until December 31, 2030. To do so, they will need to obtain special confirmation from the Deputy Minister of Tourism.
Businesses that previously did not have an official classification will be able to advertise themselves using a specific category under two conditions: they must obtain confirmation of their right to operate and submit a declaration of compliance with the established criteria for that category.
Inspections and Possible Revocation of Permits
The Deputy Minister of Tourism may revoke the confirmation of the right to operate if an inspection reveals that the required certificate has not been renewed, requirements have been violated, or the conditions under which the document was issued are no longer being met.
To ensure compliance with the requirements, regular inspections will be conducted by an authorized agency of the Deputy Minister of Tourism.
December 31, 2030, will mark the final date for the end of the transition period. After that date, hotels and tourist facilities will not be able to operate without a full license as required by current legislation.
The authors of the initiative believe that the additional time will allow businesses to complete protracted administrative procedures without interrupting their operations. However, continued operation will depend directly on compliance with safety and health requirements and the submission of the necessary documents.