Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus parliament on Thursday approved a law granting hotels and tourist premises operating without a full license another extension to obtain a special operating permit. The deadline has been moved from November 2025 to November 2026.
Extension and permit changes
The businesses had been granted until November 2025 to complete compliance requirements, including fire protection and sanitary standards, but most did not meet the deadline. MPs approved a one-year extension to November 2026.
Under the bill tabled by Disy MP Kyriacos Hadjiyianni, the permit previously referred to as a “temporary permit” is now termed a “special permit.” The measure was introduced to prevent most affected hotels from having to cease operating due to being in violation of the law.
Revised application requirements
Under the new law, businesses seeking the special permit are not required to submit an immovable property valuation or a report by a certified auditor listing turnover generated from irregular modifications or expansions to the premises.
Hotels must still file a fire-protection study, but the fire department will have six months to review and approve it, compared with 30 days previously.
Renewal conditions and verification
The special permit may be renewed for two years, provided that during that period the hotels do not make additional irregular modifications or expansions beyond the original architectural plans. Compliance will be verified by a surveyor with the Technical Chamber.
How will the extended deadline affect hotels in your area?