A new process to fast-track building permits in Cyprus is set to start on 1st October 2020, targeting to reduce the application processing time from several months to only 10 or 20 days.
According to the Minister of Interior, Nicos Nouris, with the fast-track process, permits will be issued within 20 days for applications submitted in writing, and within 10 days for applications submitted online.
The Minister acknowledged how difficult and time consuming the current process is and mentioned that almost 62% of current applications submitted relate to construction of buildings up to a duplex, with average waiting time of 18 months.
From 1st October 2020, under the new Urban Planning Policy, planning permit applications can be submitted to all district offices of the Planning Department, as well as the four main municipalities – Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. Applications for building permits and land division permits can be submitted to the district offices and the offices of all 30 municipalities of the Republic.
The applications, if submitted in printed form, will be examined and provided that they are complete, permits will be issued within 20 days.
If the applications are submitted electronically, which at this time can only be done at the District Planning Offices, the planning permits will be issued within just 10 days.
Mr Nouris also said that his Ministry will prepare a Bill for the change in the methodology for the calculation of the building permit fees. Switching from the current complex system, the new methodology will be based on the construction project’s square meters.
The Minister underlined that the goal of the state is the fast transition to the new era of eGovernment on all levels.
The above measures by the government are aiming towards assisting and speeding up investments and economic development and are welcomed.