Urgent Compliance Notice: Mandatory Registration of Prepaid Mobile Numbers in Cyprus by 10 November 2025
- Purpose of the New Legislation
- Scope of Application
- Registration and Identification Procedure
- Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Acceptable Identification Documents
The Cyprus Parliament has enacted new legislation introducing the mandatory registration and identification of all prepaid (pay-as-you-go) mobile numbers.
Under this law, all prepaid mobile users are required to register their personal information with their respective mobile network operator or an authorized dealer by no later than 10 November 2025.
Failure to comply with this requirement will result in the automatic disconnection of the number as of 11 November 2025.
Purpose of the New Legislation
The main objective of the new framework is to eliminate anonymity in mobile communications, which has often facilitated fraud, cybercrime, and other unlawful activities.
By mandating identification of prepaid number holders, the Cypriot authorities aim to enhance security, prevent abuse of mobile networks, and strengthen the traceability of communications in line with broader EU data protection and anti-crime initiatives.
Scope of Application
The obligation to register applies exclusively to prepaid (pay-as-you-go) SIM cards, including those used not only for mobile telephony but also for ancillary or automated services, such as:
- Car park barrier lifts
- Security systems
- Alarm or monitoring devices
- IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) applications
Subscribers with post-paid (contract-based) mobile services are not affected by this policy.
Registration and Identification Procedure
All licensed mobile operators and their authorized representatives are obliged to verify the identity of prepaid SIM card holders.
They are prohibited from copying or storing identification documents (such as passports or ID cards) in any form.
For minors, the registration must be completed by a parent or legal guardian.
The identification process includes verifying:
- For individuals: Full name, identification document number, and nationality
- For legal entities: Registered company name and registration number
Upon completion, the prepaid number is securely linked to the verified owner’s details, ensuring legal compliance, increased protection against fraud, and adherence to the Law 63(I)/2024 on the Identification of Owners and Users of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) or eSIM Services for Prepaid Mobile Telephony.
Registration can be carried out either online or in person at authorized outlets.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Any prepaid mobile number that remains unregistered after 10 November 2025 will be automatically disconnected on 11 November 2025.
Such numbers will not be reactivated until the registration process is fully completed.
Acceptable Identification Documents
Depending on the subscriber’s status, the following documents are accepted for verification purposes:
- Cypriot citizens: Cypriot identity card
- EU citizens: National ID card or passport
- Non-EU citizens: Passport
- Non-EU citizens without a passport: Registration may be completed in person only, through provider offices or authorized partners, using one of the following:
- Immigration Permit
- Proof of Application for International Protection, or
- Permanent Residence Permit
Subscribers must also provide their SIM card and PUK code.
Author: Georgios Kosasvili
