Cyprus introduced a new online service for renewing certain residence permits of third-country nationals. The initiative forms part of the Government’s broader digitalisation of immigration and public administration services.

The platform allows eligible applicants, employers and authorised representatives to handle significant parts of the renewal process electronically, including submitting applications and documents, following application progress and paying applicable fees.

Which permits are covered?

The online procedure currently applies to renewals involving:

• Remunerated Employment;
• Domestic Employment;
• employees of Companies of Foreign Interests;
• Family Reunification in the relevant qualifying cases; and
• Long-Term Residents.

The service is currently intended for renewals of existing permits, rather than first-time residence applications.

For certain employment categories, eligibility for online renewal may also depend on the employee continuing to work for the same employer or company.

Who can apply?

A renewal application may be submitted by the permit holder, the relevant employer, or an authorised representative, such as a law or accounting firm.

This provides employers and professional advisers with a practical option for managing renewal applications on behalf of clients or employees.

What can be done online?

Depending on the permit category, the platform can be used to:

• submit a renewal application;
• upload supporting documents;
• manage representative authorisations;
• receive application updates;
• pay the relevant government fees; and
• arrange the service point for subsequent steps and permit collection.

Biometrics and personal attendance

Online submission does not remove all requirements for attending in person.

Where applicable, applicants must still attend the relevant service point for procedures such as the collection of biometric data and signature. The exact requirements may vary according to the residence permit category.

Applicants should therefore treat electronic filing and the subsequent in-person stages as separate parts of the renewal process.

CY Login requirement

A verified CY Login account is required to access the online service. Applicants and representatives should complete the necessary registration and verification process before submitting a renewal application.

Key considerations

The digital platform changes the method of submitting an application but does not remove the substantive immigration requirements applicable to the relevant residence category.

Applicants and employers should ensure that:

• the permit is eligible for online renewal;
• all supporting documents are complete and current;
• any required authorisation has been properly arranged; and
• biometric and other in-person requirements are addressed.

Renewal preparations should also begin sufficiently early to avoid issues associated with the expiry of the existing permit.

Conclusion

The new online renewal service is an important development in the digitalisation of Cyprus immigration procedures. While it allows much of the renewal process to be handled electronically, applicants must continue to comply with the applicable eligibility, documentary and in-person requirements.

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