Cyprus to Launch EU-Compliant Digital ID System with Early Adoption Incentives

Cyprus is about to launch its new electronic identification system, IDMe.cy, with applications opening on January 27, 2025. The system will provide Cypriot citizens with digital identification capabilities that comply with European Union eIDAS standards for cross-border electronic transactions, marking a significant advancement in the country’s digital infrastructure development.

The initiative includes substantial subsidies for early adopters. The first 30,000 applicants will receive their eIDs free of charge, while the subsequent 70,000 applicants will pay a reduced fee of €15, compared to the standard cost of €50 for a three-year validity period.

The eID system has received European Commission approval at the highest security level under the eIDAS regulation, enabling its use for secure electronic transactions across EU member states. This certification aligns with the EU’s recent technical standards for cross-border Digital Identity Wallets, positioning Cyprus among the early adopters of standardized digital identity solutions in Europe. The system integrates with Cyprus’s existing CY Login platform and the Hippodamos system, with planned expansions to include the Companies Registrar, Intellectual Property Office, and Department of Road Transport.

To be eligible, applicants must be Cypriot citizens aged 18 or older, possess a biometric ID card, and own a smartphone capable of biometric authentication. JCC, the licensed provider, will process applications through its trust portal. Applicants must complete in-person verification at Citizen Service Centres within 30 days of their application, ensuring compliance with strict identity verification protocols.

The eID system represents one component of Cyprus’s broader digital transformation initiatives, which include the gov.cy government portal and Digital Citizen mobile application currently used by 25,000 people. The Digital Citizen program, launched in late 2024, has already seen significant adoption, with major organizations like Cyta, the country’s leading telecommunications provider, integrating the system for customer verification.

Sources: Philenews

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January 21, 2025 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team