Updated
GL-D-07
Glossary · Cyprus PR
DLS search certificate - checking what is registered on a property
Search Certificate - an official statement of the owner and all entries on a property
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Search Certificate - an official statement of the owner and all entries on a property
- What it shows
- Mortgages, seizures, bans, deposited contracts, easements
- Cost
- €10 for one district, €20 for all Cyprus
- When needed
- Before the contract and, if the contract is over a year old, for the PR application
02 / In plain words
What DLS search certificate means
The DLS search certificate (Search Certificate, in Greek Πιστοποιητικό Έρευνας) is an official document showing who owns a property and what is registered on it: mortgages, seizures, bans, earlier deposited contracts and third-party rights.
Since 12 December 2023 the seller must attach to the sale contract a certificate issued no more than 5 working days before signing. This protects the buyer from hidden debts.
For PR you need a new one if the contract was signed or the title issued more than a year ago, and every year to prove the investment is kept.
A simple example
The seller says the flat is clean. The certificate shows the developer's bank mortgage. The lawyer adds the bank's release letter to the contract, and only then does the client pay.
When you need it
- Before a deposit and contract
- Attached to the sale contract
- PR application if the contract is over a year old
- Annual proof of the investment
- Before the title transfer
03 / What it covers
What the certificate shows
Owner
- Registered owner
- Shares
- Plot number
Debts
- Bank mortgages
- Court seizures and memos
- Sale bans
Contracts
- Earlier deposited
- Third-party rights
- Easements
Cost and access
- €10 per district
- €20 all Cyprus
- At an office or online
04 / How it works
How the certificate is used
Order
The lawyer orders it with the owner's consent.
Check
Owner, debts and bans are reviewed.
Contract
A certificate no older than 5 working days is attached.
Deposit
The contract is filed with the DLS.
Every year
A fresh certificate proves the investment for PR.
05 / Key facts
What matters
01Ordered by
The buyer's lawyer
The owner's consent is needed. Order at the district office or on the DLS portal.
02Cost
€10 or €20
€10 for one district, €20 for all Cyprus. Paid by the buyer.
03Freshness for a contract
No older than 5 working days
Law 132(I)/2023 requires the seller to attach such a certificate to contracts signed after 12.12.2023.
04For PR
If the contract is over a year old
The Migration Department asks for a fresh one with the application and every year to confirm the investment.
Common mistakes
Trusting the seller's word about debts
Debts show only in the certificate. No certificate - no deposit.
Using a month-old certificate
The contract needs one no older than 5 working days, otherwise the buyer is not fully protected.
Forgetting the annual certificate after PR
The investment is confirmed every year with a fresh certificate - the CRM reminds 30 days ahead.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Get the plot number and the owner's consent from the seller. The lawyer orders the certificate on signing day to stay within 5 working days.
What we do for you. We order the certificate before any deposit, check every entry and renew it for PR every year.
Igor VentsHead of real estate, Title Deed and property checks
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
An official statement of the owner and all entries registered on a property.
€10 for one district or €20 for all of Cyprus.
For a contract - no older than 5 working days before signing.
Owner, mortgages, seizures, bans, deposited contracts and third-party rights.
Yes, if the contract or title is over a year old, and every year to confirm the investment.
Yes, via the DLS portal with the owner's consent.
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
- Title deed in Cyprus
- Separate title deed in Cyprus
- Developer mortgage in Cyprus
- Reservation agreement in Cyprus
- Contract deposit in Cyprus
- Specific performance law
- Direct title issue to the buyer
- Cyprus transfer fees
- Foreign buyer permit (Cap. 109)
- Planning permit
- Building permit
- Certificate of final approval
- Division 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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