In 2026, Cyprus plans to convert residence permits into a fully digital format as part of a broader initiative to introduce over 100 new e-government services. The professionals working in global mobility are expected to be among the first to notice the changes.
In February, 2026, Deputy Minister for Research and Digital Policy announced a detailed plan to move more than 100 public services entirely online within the next 10 months. A key development will be the complete digital processing of residence permits for foreign nationals, both issuance and renewal, which are currently managed mostly through paperwork and in-person visits.
Before summer, the government’s Digital Citizen mobile application will introduce an English-language version, online booking for biometric appointments, and real-time push notifications to track immigration cases.
These improvements coincide with Cyprus’s preparations to implement the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) at its two international airports and to fully join the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) starting in late 2026. The integration of advanced border-control systems with digital residence-permit management is expected to significantly reduce waiting times and minimize the need for repeated visits to the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
Improvements are planned for businesses too, including remote document verification, a personal account for uploading/downloading permits, and automatic deadline reminders.
