Law 63(I)/2024:  Cyprus’ SIM Law 2025 Crackdown and What It Means for You

On May 10, 2024, Cyprus officially published Law 63(I)/2024 in the Official Gazette of the Republic. Titled “The Law Regarding the Identification of Holders and/or Users of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) and/or eSIM Cards of Prepaid Mobile Telephone Services”, this new regulation marks a significant shift in how prepaid mobile phone services are managed in the country. Designed to enhance national security and digital transparency, the law imposes mandatory identification requirements for all individuals acquiring prepaid SIM and eSIM cards in Cyprus.

Whether you’re a Cypriot citizen, a foreign resident, an asylum seeker, a business owner, or a tourist looking to stay connected, this law affects you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Law 63(I)/2024, the new registration requirements for mobile, landline, and internet services, and what steps you must take to stay compliant.

Understanding Cyprus’ SIM Law: What Changed?

Before the enactment of this law, prepaid mobile SIM cards in Cyprus could often be purchased anonymously, particularly through kiosks or convenience stores. While major telecom providers already required registration for certain types of services, there was a regulatory grey area surrounding prepaid cards. That ambiguity is now gone.

Here are the core changes introduced by Law 63(I)/2024:

1. Mandatory Identification for All Prepaid SIM/eSIM Purchases

From now on, every person purchasing or activating a prepaid mobile phone service (SIM or eSIM) must provide valid identification. No anonymous use is permitted.

2. Registration of Existing Users

Individuals who already own a prepaid SIM must visit their telecom provider and register their identity within a specified transition period. Failure to comply could result in deactivation of the SIM.

3. Inclusion of eSIMs

The law makes a clear point of including eSIMs, not just physical SIM cards. This is crucial, as eSIM usage is rising, especially among digital nomads and expats who rely on flexibility and international mobility.

4. Applies to All Telecom Providers

The regulation applies uniformly across all telecom service providers in Cyprus—from major players like Cyta, Epic, Primetel, and Cablenet to any future virtual network operators (MVNOs).

5. Registration of SIM Resellers

Retailers selling prepaid SIMs are now required to maintain records of all transactions and verify customer ID before activating the SIM. This essentially eliminates anonymous purchases from kiosks or online without ID.

Why This Law? The Security and Policy Rationale

Law 63(I)/2024 is not an isolated phenomenon—many European countries have already adopted similar laws, especially in the wake of heightened security threats and digital crimes.

The main objective of this law is to reduce the risk of criminal misuse of anonymous phone numbers. These include:

• Scams and phishing schemes
• Anonymous threats or harassment
• Terrorist or organized crime communications
• Fraudulent registration of digital services

By enforcing user identification, authorities can trace phone numbers back to real individuals if necessary, improving their ability to conduct investigations and protect public safety.

Benefits of the Law:

• Enhanced cybersecurity and crime prevention
• Reduced spam and scam calls
• More accountability in digital and mobile services
• Better integration with EU-wide telecom data-sharing standards

While it may feel inconvenient to some, the benefits are tangible—especially as phone numbers are increasingly linked to digital identities, banking, and even health records.

Important Deadline:

Register Before the End of 2025 or Lose Your Number

If you’re already using a prepaid SIM or eSIM in Cyprus and haven’t registered under Law 63(I)/2024, time is running out. The government has announced that all existing users must complete their registration before the end of 2025.

This is not just a bureaucratic formality—non-compliance will result in serious consequences, including:

• Automatic disconnection of your phone number
• Permanent deletion of the number from the provider’s system
• Loss of any remaining credit or data balance

Telecom providers have already begun issuing SMS warnings and notices to unregistered users, urging them to update their information before the cut-off date. To register, you’ll need to visit your telecom provider’s nearest store or authorized agent with your ID and proof of address, and complete the verification process. Many providers also offer an online pre-registration system for convenience, but physical ID verification is still required.

What You’ll Need to Register a Mobile Number in Cyprus

To activate or maintain a prepaid SIM (or eSIM) under the new law, you must visit a provider or authorized seller and present documentation. The required documents may differ depending on whether you are a Cypriot national, EU citizen, third-country national, or visitor.

Required Documents for Mobile SIM Registration:

• Valid ID (Passport, Cypriot ID, or EU ID card)
• Proof of Address in Cyprus
  • Recent utility bill
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Confirmation letter from a host
• Valid Residence Permit (if applicable)
• Cyprus phone number or email for contact
• Signature confirming the accuracy of information

For tourists or short-term visitors, some providers may offer limited plans with registration using a passport and hotel confirmation. However, longer-term usage requires proof of local residence.

What About Landline and Home/Office Internet Services?

While Law 63(I)/2024 specifically addresses prepaid SIM and eSIM cards, it highlights a broader movement in Cyprus to regulate telecommunication services with stricter identity verification standards. This is part of a general push toward digital accountability and traceability.

Here’s how the registration process works for landline and internet services:

Landline Phone Services

Whether for residential or business use, landline contracts in Cyprus require formal registration. Unlike prepaid mobile services, these services are postpaid and linked to a billing address, so providers already collect detailed customer information.

Requirements for a landline service contract:

• Valid ID or passport
• Proof of residence (utility bill, tenancy agreement, or home ownership certificate)
• Cyprus address for billing
• Bank account or card for monthly payments
• Residence permit (for non-EU citizens)

If applying as a company or business, you’ll also need:

• Company registration documents
• Tax Identification Number (TIC)
• Name of authorized signatory

Most telecom companies allow online applications, but a technician may need to verify address accessibility before installation.

Internet Services (Residential or Commercial)

Setting up internet in Cyprus is straightforward but similarly requires a registered address and valid identification.

Documents for home or office internet:

• Valid ID/passport
• Proof of residence or office lease
• Tax number (TIC) for businesses
• Cyprus phone number and email
• Bank details or credit card for autopay

In urban areas like Nicosia, Limassol, or Larnaca, internet setup is fast (usually 1–3 business days). In rural or remote areas, installation might take longer and could involve additional infrastructure.

Some providers offer bundled services, including mobile, landline, and internet, with one registration process. Still, all components will be individually verified.

Alternatives: What About Starlink or Other Non-Local Services?

If you’re trying to avoid the hassle of ID registration, you might be wondering whether Starlink or other satellite-based internet services are a viable workaround.

Here’s what to consider:

Advantages of Starlink:

• No reliance on local ISPs
• Suitable for remote or rural locations
• High-speed and global coverage
• No requirement for Cypriot proof of address (depending on shipping policy)

Disadvantages:

• More expensive: Equipment costs range between €450–€700, with monthly plans over €100
• Unreliable customer support compared to local ISPs
• Requires power and space for dish installation
• Limited phone service: No traditional SIM/eSIM integration or Cypriot phone number

While Starlink might appeal to digital nomads or off-grid enthusiasts, it is not a practical replacement for mobile or landline registration in Cyprus under the current law.

Public Reaction and Implementation Challenges

While Law 63(I)/2024 was introduced with the aim of improving national security and telecom transparency, its implementation has not been without friction. Across Cyprus, a wave of public reaction—ranging from confusion to frustration—has surfaced as users try to comply with the new requirements.

Widespread Confusion Among Prepaid Users

Many existing prepaid mobile users have reported confusion regarding:

• How to register (online vs. in-person)
• What documents are acceptable
• Which SIMs are affected (especially dual-SIM devices or inactive lines)
• How long they have until disconnection

Despite efforts by telecom providers to send mass SMS alerts, notices, and reminders, many individuals—especially older adults or those who purchased their SIMs informally—are still unaware of the December 31, 2025 deadline. Others received the alerts but did not fully understand the consequences of inaction, assuming their phone service would continue uninterrupted.

Concerns About Data Privacy

Another common concern among citizens and residents revolves around how their identification documents and personal data will be stored. While Cyprus is subject to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), skepticism remains:

• Will telecom providers encrypt ID scans?
• Who has access to the database?
• How long is the data stored?
• Can this data be used for marketing or shared with third parties?

Some users, particularly those from privacy-conscious backgrounds or countries with more relaxed telecom laws, feel uncomfortable handing over passport copies or tenancy agreements just to maintain a phone number.

Although telecom companies have issued assurances that personal data is collected for regulatory purposes only and is not used for commercial gain, transparency about internal handling procedures remains limited. The Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection has stated that all providers must fully comply with GDPR standards, but public trust is still building.

Long Wait Times at Provider Branches

The rollout of the law has also created logistical bottlenecks:

• Long queues at telecom service centers
• Overloaded customer service lines
• Lack of available appointments, particularly in rural or densely populated areas

Some people attempting to register reported waiting over an hour at provider locations, only to be told they lacked the correct proof of address or residence documentation.

To address these issues, providers like Cyta and Epic have started offering online pre-registration tools or mobile app integrations for uploading ID documents in advance. However, in most cases, physical in-person verification is still required, especially for foreigners, refugees, or those with unusual documentation.

Vulnerable Groups at Risk of Disconnection

Certain groups may be disproportionately affected if they fail to register in time, including:

• Elderly residents who may not be tech-savvy or have easy access to provider locations
• Asylum seekers and refugees who may lack permanent addresses or residence permits
• Seasonal workers and students on short-term leases with limited documentation
• Third-country nationals unfamiliar with Cyprus’ bureaucratic expectations

Non-governmental organizations and local community centers have stepped in to help some of these vulnerable populations navigate the registration process, but there is still no coordinated public assistance campaign.

Calls for Grace Periods and Public Awareness Campaigns

In light of these issues, some members of the public and civic organizations have urged the government to consider:

• A formal public awareness campaign in multiple languages
• Extended grace periods for vulnerable individuals
• Mobile registration units for remote areas
• Enhanced support via email, hotlines, or municipality helpdesks

While the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works has expressed confidence in the law’s rollout, no official amendments or extensions have been announced as of now.

Rideo Group Can Help You Get Connected in Cyprus

Getting a Cypriot phone number, internet line, or landline service starts with something essential: having a legal residence status and a verifiable address. Without these, you won’t be able to complete the telecom registration process required under Law 63(I)/2024.

Rideo Group doesn’t provide telecom services, but we do help you with the foundational steps that make telecom registration possible.

Our team supports you with:

• Residence permit applications for EU and third-country nationals

• Finding suitable accommodation that provides the proof of address needed for registration

• Guidance & Assistance with utility setup (e.g. electricity and water) that can serve as supporting documents

• Business registration guidance to help companies establish a valid presence for office-related services

• General support navigating Cyprus’ residency and compliance systems

With Rideo Group on your side, you can avoid delays, rejection, or unnecessary stress—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the local bureaucracy or language. We make sure you’re set up properly from the start so you can focus on building your life or business in Cyprus with confidence.

Final Thoughts: Compliance Now, Convenience Later

Law 63(I)/2024 is more than a technical regulation—it’s a national push toward a safer, traceable, and more digitally mature Cyprus. It directly impacts anyone using or planning to use mobile, landline, or internet services, especially those relying on prepaid phone numbers.

While it may seem inconvenient at first, compliance is essential—not just to stay connected, but to protect your digital identity and personal data. And with the December 31, 2025 deadline looming, inaction will result in losing your phone number and any remaining balance, with no way to recover it.

If you’re unsure where to start, especially if you’re new to Cyprus or still waiting on your residence permit, let Rideo Group support you. From helping you secure a valid legal status to guiding you through telecom registration and setting up utilities, we’re here to make your transition smooth and stress-free.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article reflects the legal framework and practical realities as of 2025. Laws and procedures may evolve. For up-to-date advice tailored to your case, we recommend booking a consultation with Rideo Group’s expert team.