The Urban Planning Amnesty Scheme in Cyprus officially concluded on June 23, 2025, according to a statement from the Ministry of the Interior. Over the course of the initiative, a total of 2,841 applications were submitted across the country.
Focus on Residential Properties
The overwhelming majority of submissions—2,495 applications or 88%—involved the regularisation of planning violations in residential developments. These included a variety of common infractions such as:
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Unauthorised extensions and structural alterations
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Covered verandas and pergolas
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Exceeding permitted building height, coverage, or number of floors
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Reduced boundary setbacks in both main and auxiliary buildings
Despite being commonly referred to as an “amnesty,” applicants were required to pay a fee, which went into the Special Affordable Housing Fund operated by the Cyprus Land Development Corporation (KOAG).
District-Level Breakdown
Applications were received from all districts, with Nicosia leading at 1,049 submissions (37%), followed by:
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Limassol: 770 applications (27%)
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Paphos: 519 applications (18.3%)
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Larnaca: 328 applications (11.5%)
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Famagusta: 175 applications (6.2%)
Variety of Development Types
While residential units made up the bulk of applications, the scheme also covered a broad spectrum of property types:
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Commercial buildings: 155 applications (5.5%)
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Office developments: 57 applications (2%)
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Entertainment venues: 55 applications (1.9%)
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Industrial spaces: 44 applications (1.5%)
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Tourism-related properties: 10 applications (0.4%)
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Agricultural/livestock buildings: 10 applications (0.4%)
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Educational facilities: 8 applications (0.3%)
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Healthcare developments: 7 applications (0.2%)
What’s Next?
The District Local Government Organisations are now reviewing the applications. Applicants whose submissions are approved will be contacted and informed of the procedures required to secure final planning approval and, ultimately, title deeds.
This initiative was aimed at helping property owners resolve outstanding planning irregularities and move toward full legalisation of their assets.
Source: Cyprus Property News