Monday legal briefing — 9 November 2026
A revised registration framework applies to eligible business-support companies, while Migration fees for in-person applications can now be paid online.
1. Business Support Center Register — official administrative framework. The Council of Ministers approved the revision on 27 October 2026; the Business Support Center published its announcement on 5 November and will assess applications submitted from 1 December 2026 under the revised framework. The former Register of Companies with Foreign Interests is renamed, eligibility is tied to designated high-value-added activities, and applicants must document genuine operations, independent business premises and the required €200,000 investment.
Registered companies must continue meeting the criteria. The 70% third-country-national / 30% Cyprus-or-EU ratio for highly skilled employees is checked seven years after registration, while a separate annual employment report becomes mandatory from 1 January 2027; filing details are due in January. Companies applying or already registered should review their sector, premises and investment evidence, maintain accurate employment data and address gaps before filing or review.
2. Migration fees — official administrative service, launched and announced on 2 November 2026. Individuals and legal entities can pay online the fees for applications filed in person with the Migration Department or district Aliens and Immigration units, using a verified CY Login account plus the ARC and six-character code on the application-reception document. The payer’s account need not belong to the applicant.
Online payment provides payment history, receipts and collection notifications, but applicants must still attend promptly for photograph, biometrics and signature. Counter payment remains available for now, limited to one application per transaction; the Department plans a gradual online-only transition, with an exception for persons unable to create CY Login, but has announced no final universal date. Applicants and representatives should retain the reception document and receipt and complete the remaining attendance steps.
Official sources
- Business Support Center — revised registration-framework announcement, 5 November 2026
- Business Support Center — Guide to Registration in the Business Support Center Register, 4 November 2026
- Migration Department — new online payment service announcement, 2 November 2026
- Gov.cy — electronic payment for applications submitted in person, official service instructions
General information only; not legal advice. Please contact us about your circumstances.