Planning Permits in Cyprus

Obtaining a planning permit in Cyprus is an essential step for any construction project, whether it’s an apartment building or a single residence. Despite the progress made in recent years through updated legislation and the introduction of electronic applications, the process is still marked by significant delays.

Many people believe that developers are responsible for project slowdowns. In reality, however, most delays stem from the government authorities themselves. Urban planning offices and municipal councils often operate with limited staff, scarce resources, and complex internal procedures that slow down the review and approval of applications.

In many cases, even applications that fully comply with planning criteria take months to move from one stage to the next. This creates uncertainty in the market, delays in project commencement, and increased costs for both developers and final buyers.

A faster and more efficient issuance of planning permits is not just a demand from investors, it is a prerequisite for healthy development and effective urban planning. The solution lies in modernizing the state, strengthening the relevant departments, and adopting clear, transparent procedures free from unnecessary bureaucracy.