Cyprus rolls out new pilot residence permit for third-country students at aviation and maritime schools
Beirut finally ratifies 2007 EEZ deal, clearing way for Cyprus–Lebanon maritime border
Moderate Erhurman sworn in as Turkish-Cypriot leader, raising hopes for easier Green-Line crossings
Latest News
Foreign developer jailed over illegal property sales in occupied north, signalling tougher stance on cross-border real estate mobility
A Cypriot court has jailed Israeli-Turkish developer Simon Aykut for five years for illegally building and selling properties on Greek-Cypriot land in the occupied north. The unprecedented sentence signals a much tougher line on cross-border property mobility and raises legal risks for expatriates living or investing in northern Cyprus.
Cyprus creates inter-ministerial Schengen Task Force to keep 2026 accession on schedule
On 22 October Cyprus set up a high-level Schengen Task Force to coordinate the technical work needed for the island to join the passport-free Schengen Area in 2026. The body will track progress on border control, visas, SIS connectivity and data protection, backed by €42 million in EU funds. For businesses, Schengen entry promises faster intra-EU travel and a harmonised short-stay visa regime.
Cyprus presses EU partners on migration at Luxembourg General Affairs Council
At the 22 October EU General Affairs Council, Cyprus pushed fellow ministers to prioritise migration funding and to fast-track elements of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum that would streamline border screening and digitalise visa processing. The debate signals potential reforms—important for employers moving staff into Cyprus and across the EU—could start pilot roll-outs in 2026.
Coreper I backs EU–Tunisia strategic priorities with migration clause, Cyprus votes ‘yes’
EU ambassadors approved a new EU–Tunisia cooperation package on 22 October that links funding to stronger border controls and creates a pilot circular-migration visa for 5,000 Tunisian workers. Cyprus voted in favour, eyeing faster recruitment pipelines for its tourism industry and relief from labour shortages.
Cyprus and Germany explore digital residence permits in Nicosia meeting
Cyprus’s interior minister and Germany’s ambassador agreed on 22 October to cooperate on biometric residence cards and talent-visa best practices. Digital permits would speed up right-to-work checks for employers and support Cyprus’s push to join Schengen.
EU Political & Security Committee reviews Operation IRINI; Cyprus stresses need for balanced maritime checks
During the 22 October PSC meeting, Cyprus called for streamlined inspection procedures under Operation IRINI to prevent shipping delays that ripple through business-travel and supply-chain schedules. The EU will examine a Cypriot proposal for a ‘trusted-trader’ fast lane and additional logistics support on the island.
EU approves digital driving-licence rules—implications for expatriates in Cyprus
On 22 October the European Parliament adopted legislation for an EU-wide mobile driving-licence. Cyprus plans to pilot the e-licence in 2026, streamlining car-rental and company-car compliance for foreign residents and visiting business travellers.