Dialogos

Cyprus Parliament Approves Special License Regime for Hotels

Published January 22, 2026, 18:04
Cyprus Parliament Approves Special License Regime for Hotels

The Cyprus Parliament approved a bill with 25 votes in favor and 15 abstentions, allowing for the issuance of special operating licenses for hotels and tourist accommodations. This license will be granted to businesses unable to comply with current legal requirements for a standard license. The aim of the regulation is to prevent the closure of a large number of accommodations, which would have negative consequences for the economy. The bill includes a one-year extension of the deadline for securing operating licenses, setting the expiration date to November 30, 2026. Simultaneously, the deadline for other related procedures is also extended by one year. Furthermore, the requirement to submit a property valuation and a certified auditor's report for the special license is abolished. Additionally, the bill increases the timeframe for the Fire Service to review fire safety studies from 30 days to six months, while also providing for a uniform and standardized review process. The validity period of special fire safety certificates is also modified to three years with the possibility of renewal for two additional years. Finally, it is stipulated that the special fire safety certificate will become invalid in the event of illegal or irregular building modifications that are not reflected in the architectural plans. The approval of the bill and the AKEL amendments is considered important for supporting the tourism sector and avoiding economic repercussions.