Schengen for Cyprus: technical readiness almost confirmed

Cyprus’s accession process to the Schengen Area is approaching its final stage. The technical assessment is close to completion, while key decisions are gradually shifting to the political level. The timeline for further progress remains open and depends on the implementation of remaining recommendations and the position of EU member states, reports Dialogos Cyprus.

Security and new technologies in Cyprus

Cyprus submitted its declaration of readiness to join the Schengen Area in 2019. EU countries have welcomed this goal, although experts previously pointed to weaknesses in the country’s security system. Since then, multiple assessments have been carried out, and by 2025 all indicators have been brought into compliance with EU Regulation 2022/922, according to a European Commission spokesperson.

The final report following the latest visits is in the final stage of preparation. After that, Cyprus will need to fulfil the remaining requirements. In addition, Nicosia must comply with Schengen conditions — primarily the implementation of key IT systems: ETIAS, EURODAC, VIS and EES. The European Commission emphasizes that it continues to support this process.
The final decision will be taken at Council level. Accession requires unanimous approval from all member states. The Commission also stresses that Cyprus’s future integration into the Schengen Area will take into account the island’s specific circumstances and should benefit all its residents.

Northern Cyprus outside the agreement: the “Green Line” regulation

Schengen rules will not apply to territories not controlled by the government of the Republic of Cyprus. This is set out in Protocol No. 10 to the Accession Act. At the same time, the European Commission maintains working contacts with Northern Cyprus under the “Green Line” regulation. Brussels informs the Turkish Cypriot community about the progress of preparations, takes its views into account, and discusses issues related to security and migration policy.

These are the main vulnerabilities that previously represented a significant obstacle to Schengen accession. It remains unclear how this issue will be resolved. At present, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is recognised by only one country and remains outside the EU legal framework.

Cyprus “golden visas” to remain for now

Earlier, Cyprus discussed possible changes to the “golden visa” programme in connection with preparations for joining the Schengen Area. Representatives of the Progressive Party of Working People of Cyprus (AKEL) believe that nationals of non-EU countries will seek to move to Cyprus in order to gain access to the Schengen Area, potentially turning the country into a transit hub. AKEL proposed abolishing the reduced 5% VAT rate on property purchases under the “golden visa” scheme. A second bill provided for the automatic termination of the programme within six months if the government failed to establish clear criteria and control mechanisms.

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos does not share these concerns, stressing that Cyprus’s accession to Schengen is a strategic objective and a commitment to the EU. Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs Harris Georgiades stated that integration into the Visa Information System and shared European databases would strengthen external border control and limit abuses. Meanwhile, the European Commission takes a negative view of such schemes — under its pressure, Cyprus has already closed its citizenship-by-investment programme.

Conclusion

In Brussels, it is emphasized that Cyprus’s integration into Schengen is being advanced in close coordination with national authorities. The key priority is security: EU countries must be guaranteed that no vulnerabilities remain. The removal of internal border controls is expected to facilitate travel for citizens and tourists, as well as the movement of goods and services, supporting the island’s economy. Cyprus is already experiencing part of these benefits. The country is connected to Schengen cooperation tools, including the Schengen Information System, which enhances data exchange and cross-border cooperation.

Analysts at International Investment note that Schengen enlargement has traditionally involved lengthy negotiations, with decisions often delayed for years. However, the process has recently accelerated — Bulgaria and Romania joined the area despite prolonged disagreements within the EU. Against this backdrop, Cyprus’s prospects are assessed as realistic, provided that all technical requirements are met and political consensus is maintained.