Updated
GL-C-07
Glossary · Cyprus PR
Certificate of final approval in Cyprus - built to the permit
Official confirmation that the building matches its building permit
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Official confirmation that the building matches its building permit
- When it is issued
- After construction is finished
- What it unlocks
- Plot division and separate title deeds
- For PR
- Not needed: you apply on a deposited contract and payment
02 / In plain words
What Certificate of final approval means
A certificate of final approval (Πιστοποιητικό Τελικής Έγκρισης in Greek) confirms that a building was built in line with its building permit and approved drawings.
It is the key document on the way to a title: without it no separate title deeds are issued for the flats. After the certificate comes plot division, and only then does the DLS issue a title for each flat. In new builds this takes months, sometimes years.
It does not affect PR: the application is accepted on a deposited contract and €300,000 paid. If the developer delays the titles, Law 139(I)/2015 lets a buyer who has paid in full and deposited the contract apply to the DLS directly.
A simple example
A client bought a new-build flat in Paphos and got PR on a deposited contract. A year later the building is completed, the developer obtains the certificate of final approval, then plot division, and the title passes to the client.
When the certificate of final approval matters
- Buying a completed home
- Checking when the separate title will come
- Completion of a new build
- Reselling the property
- Getting the title directly
03 / What it covers
Key facts about the certificate
What it confirms
- Built to the permit
- Match with drawings
- Building completed
What it unlocks
- Plot division
- Separate titles
- Title transfer
What we check
- Whether it exists
- Deviations from drawings
- Developer timelines
If delayed
- Law 139(I)/2015
- Full payment
- Deposited contract
04 / How it works
From construction to title
Building permit
Construction to approved drawings.
Completion
The developer finishes the building.
Final approval
Confirms the building matches the permit.
Plot division
The plot title is split into flats.
Separate title
Ownership passes to you.
05 / Key facts
What matters
01What it is
Building sign-off
The document confirms construction matches the permit. Deviations from the drawings delay it.
02For the title
Essential
Separate titles are issued only after the certificate and plot division.
03For PR
Not needed
You apply for PR on a deposited contract and €300,000 paid, the certificate can come later.
04If the developer delays
Law 139(I)/2015
A buyer who has paid in full and deposited the contract can apply to the DLS directly.
Common mistakes
Buying a completed home without checking the certificate
Without it the title cannot be issued. The lawyer checks it before any deposit.
Waiting for the certificate to apply for PR
It is not needed for PR. We apply after the contract is deposited and paid.
Not tracking developer timelines
We monitor completion and use Law 139(I)/2015 if needed.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
If you buy a completed home, ask the seller for the certificate of final approval and the title. For a new build, ask the developer for the planned dates of the certificate and plot division.
What we do for you. We check the certificate before purchase, track developer timelines and see the process through to your title.
Igor VentsHead of real estate, Title Deed and property checks
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
A document confirming the building was built to its building permit.
Without it no separate title deeds are issued for the flats.
No, PR is filed on a deposited contract and payment.
Usually months after completion, sometimes years. There is no fixed timeline.
Law 139(I)/2015 lets a buyer who has paid in full and deposited the contract apply to the DLS directly.
Plot division, then separate titles.
Cyprus PR glossary
- Cyprus PR programme →
- Cyprus PR
- ARC (Cyprus alien registration)
- Form MIP2
- Cyprus residence card
- Cyprus PR criteria
- Cyprus Migration Department
- Secure annual income
- Dependent students 18-25
- Cyprus PR monitoring
- Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys
- Title deed in Cyprus
- DLS search certificate
- Encumbrance in Cyprus
- Developer mortgage in Cyprus
- Reservation agreement in Cyprus
- Sale contract in Cyprus
- Contract deposit in Cyprus
- Specific performance law
- Cyprus transfer fees
- Foreign buyer permit (Cap. 109)
- Planning permit
- Building permit
- First sale from a developer
- Resale property in Cyprus
- 18-month new building rule
- Commercial property for Cyprus PR
- Short-term rental licence
- VAT on Cyprus property
- Reduced 5% VAT on housing
- Cyprus tax identification code
- Cyprus stamp duty
- Cyprus capital gains tax
- Special defence contribution
- Cyprus non-dom status
- GESY health contribution
- Cyprus tax residency
- Cyprus income tax
- €300,000 investment for Cyprus PR
- Investment in a Cyprus company
- Investment in a Cyprus fund
- Cyprus PR government fees
- Source of funds for Cyprus PR
- Cyprus bank account
- Family members in Cyprus PR
- Apostille for Cyprus
- Certifying officer in Cyprus
- Citizen Service Centre (KEP)
- Sworn translator in Cyprus
- Police clearance for Cyprus
- Plan A health insurance
- Power of attorney for Cyprus
- Income affidavit
- Non-employment declaration
- Medical tests for Cyprus PR
- Cyprus citizenship by residence
- All terms →
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