As of Monday, Cypriot citizens can apply for electronic IDs to electronically sign documents and access governmental services online.

The first 100,000 eIDs will be state subsidised with 30,000 issued completely free of charge and another 70,000 at a cost of €15. The price for eIDs valid for three years will then rise to €50.

Citizens should first apply to the official online portal (currently only available in Greek) and in a second step schedule an appointment at the Citizen Service Center (KEP).

For the KEP appointment citizens need to take a biometric physical ID and the printed application form. Applicants will then receive a code for the use of the card.

Electronic IDs are not to be confused with the digital version of an identity card as part of the Digital Citizen application. While the latter serves the purpose of electronic identification, eIDs allow citizens to access services online or sign documents electronically with the same legal validity as a handwritten signature.

Detailed instructions for obtaining and using the eID can be found on www.idme.gov.cy. Or contact +357 22 868500 (available 24/7).