Cyprus will move to an exclusively online application process for renewing certain residence permits from 1 January 2027, according to an announcement by the Migration Department of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection on 14 October 2026.

Under the new arrangement, eligible applicants will have to submit their renewal applications through the official government portal, gov.cy. In-person submissions at the Migration Department's service points will no longer be accepted for the permit categories covered by the digital service.

The change is part of the government's broader digital transformation programme, which aims to modernise public services and improve the quality and speed of services provided to citizens and businesses.

Which Residence Permits Are Covered?

The online renewal service was launched in July 2026 and covers applications for renewing residence permits with the same employer in five categories.

These include:

• Temporary residence permits for remunerated employment.

• Temporary residence permits for domestic employment.

• Temporary residence permits for employees of companies of foreign interests.

• Family reunification residence permits for family members of long-term residents and employees of companies of foreign interests.

• Long-term resident permits.

From 1 January 2027, applications for renewals in these categories must be submitted exclusively through the online government service. The announcement specifically concerns renewals covered by the existing digital service and does not state that every type of residence permit application in Cyprus will become online-only.

How to Submit a Renewal Application

Eligible applicants can use the official Cyprus government portal to access the digital residence permit renewal service.

Applicants should prepare for the transition by following these steps:

1. Create a CY Login account. The government requires users to have an account with its unified electronic identification system to access online services.

2. Verify the account. CY Login accounts must be verified before applicants can access the relevant digital services.

3. Access the renewal service. Visit the official gov.cy page for residence permit renewals for third-country nationals.

4. Follow the online application guidance. Applicants should review the instructions and requirements provided through the government portal before submitting their renewal applications.

Official application service: https://www.gov.cy/en/service/renewal-of-residence-permits-for-third-country-nationals/

CY Login registration: https://cylogin.cyprus.gov.cy/register

What Changes on 1 January 2027?

The main change is the end of in-person submission for renewal applications covered by the digital service.

Previously, the online service was available as a digital option following its launch in July 2026. From 1 January 2027, online submission will become mandatory for the specified permit categories.

Applicants who are accustomed to submitting renewal paperwork at Migration Department service points will need to use the government portal instead.

The announcement does not provide a new application fee, revised eligibility criteria, or a change to the validity period of the residence permits. It also does not specify new processing times. Applicants should therefore consult the official service for the applicable requirements and instructions.

CY Login: What Applicants Need to Know

CY Login is Cyprus's unified electronic identification system, which provides secure access to digital government services.

Creating and verifying an account is an important preparatory step for applicants who will need to submit their renewal applications online. Those who have not yet registered should review the official registration process before the January 2027 deadline.

The Migration Department has directed applicants to the government portal for further information and user guidance concerning the renewal service.

What This Means for Foreign Workers and Residents in Cyprus

The transition affects several groups of third-country nationals, including foreign employees, domestic workers, eligible family members, and long-term residents renewing permits within the covered categories.

For employers and businesses, the change also means that renewal processes involving eligible employees will need to be handled through the digital service. Applicants and employers should familiarise themselves with the online requirements ahead of the transition to avoid last-minute difficulties.

The government says the move is intended to improve service quality and speed through digitalisation. However, the announcement does not guarantee a specific reduction in processing times.

Key Dates and Official Guidance

The Migration Department announced the change on 14 October 2026, with the mandatory online submission requirement scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027.

Applicants should check the official government service for the latest requirements, instructions, and account-verification guidance before submitting a renewal application.