Council of Ministers Approval

by Chris Michael

Updated: April 08, 2024

Council of Ministers approval usually refers to the need for a third-country national (non-EU/ EEA national or TCN) to get approval from the Council of Ministers of the Republic to buy real estate . TCNs can only purchase real estate in Cyprus with getting approval from the Council of Ministers.

Legislation

The Cyprus Republic Constitution
Various laws give the Council of Ministers authority over diverse matters, such as Rent Control Law 23/83 or Immovable Property Acquisition (Aliens), chapter 109 of the Laws.

If you are a TCN

Before buying real estate in Cyprus, you need approval from the Council of Ministers. This is a straightforward process; your lawyer will help you with it using Form. Comm. 145.
This real estate cannot be larger than necessary, or if it is, the Council of Ministers can impose conditions.
The Council of Ministers will usually approve good faith applications.
You need a clean criminal record and proof of means to support yourself decently in the Republic.

The powers of the Council of Ministers

The Council of Ministers in Cyprus is an independent collective organ appointed by the President of the Republic. It exercises executive power and authority over any matter unless the Constitution assigns such matter to the president or any other political office or institution.

The executive authority of the Council of Ministers in Cyprus includes, among other things, monitoring the administration of the Republic and the direction of general policy, managing foreign affairs, defence and security, coordinating the civil service, and supervising and allocating the property belonging to the Republic.

The President of the Republic vis-a-vis the Council of Ministers

Appoints the Council of Ministers
Sets the agenda for the Council of Ministers meetings
Is not allowed to vote at such meetings
Has the right to veto decisions that have to do with foreign affairs, defence and security.

Importance

Non-EU citizens (TCNs) must get approval from the Council of Ministers to buy property in Cyprus. Applications are approved to ensure that real property purchases are aligned with the national interest.

The timeframe for approval must be accommodated within your overall plans and timeline for buying property or investing.

FAQs

How long does it take to buy a house in Cyprus?

The process usually takes 1-2 months, depending on the circumstances and the property involved. If, for example, you need a mortgage or Council of Ministers approval and the property is still under construction or in the renovation process, it might take longer.

If I am a foreign national, will I need approval from the Council of Ministers to buy land in Cyprus?

Yes. Foreign nationals, meaning non-EU/ EEA citizens, require approval from the Council of Ministers to purchase immovable property. Your lawyers will carry out the process, filing Form Comm. 145 and the relevant documentation.

Is Council of Ministers approval required for non-EU nationals to buy any immovable property in Cyprus?

Yes, it is a general requirement. Foreign nationals (non-EU/ EEA) citizens need the approval of the Council of Ministers to buy any type of immovable property in Cyprus. Any immovable property transaction without such approval is not recognised and is considered void.

What is Cyprus' immovable property law?

The primary legislation is the Immovable Property (Tenure, Registration and Valuation), chapter 224 of the laws. It is not easy to summarise the immovable property law of Cyprus in a short answer. All land is registered, and transactions are carried out through the Department of Lands and Surveys (DLS). Title deeds are issued once a property changes owner. Leases over 15 years should be registered. To know all your duties and rights, you can look at the Citizen’s Charter of the DLS (PDF, 2.5 MB, EN). Also, the Charter contains the information necessary to navigate the legislation and bureaucratic system for immovable property in Cyprus.