Cyprus will dramatically reduce the time needed for planning and building permits for small developments to just 40 days, down from the previous waiting period of up to 10 months or more, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced at a press conference.
Under the new system, permits will be automatically issued if not reviewed by District Administration Organisations (DAOs) within 20 days. This includes 20 days for planning permission and another 20 days for building permits.
While permits will be issued more quickly, project designers submitting applications will bear responsibility for any irregularities or violations discovered during subsequent inspections. Members of the Technical Chamber (ETEK) will conduct on-site inspections and report any violations, with DAOs also carrying out their own checks.
Currently, there are 5,000 pending applications for residential building permits. These can be issued within two days if designers complete the necessary documentation, though they remain liable for compliance.
The new streamlined planning certification process has already received 147 applications, of which 76 have been processed. Of these completed applications, 63 were approved and 13 were rejected for various reasons, whilst the remaining 71 applications are still within the 20-working-day review period.
The minister said the fast-track process will initially apply to Category A developments, which include low-risk projects of up to two residential units. The system will be extended to Category B developments by March 2025, covering projects of up to 12 housing units or apartment buildings with up to 20 flats, four storeys and one basement.
The new procedure includes a checklist system where private designers certify application details are complete and accurate. For Category B developments, reviews will take 40 working days for planning permission and another 40 for building permits.
“What we are essentially doing through our actions is limiting the time required to secure the necessary permits to start construction work on a home to just 40 working days,” Ioannou said.
The minister emphasised that the new licensing system is more comprehensive and will help reduce previous violations through self-regulation, with designers taking responsibility for ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
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