Mandatory electronic rent payments in Cyprus starting July 2026

The Cyprus Tax Department has announced that starting July 1, 2026, all rent payments for immovable property within the country must be conducted exclusively through electronic means. This regulation is established under Article 48A of the Assessment and Collection of Taxes Law N.4/1978. Acceptable payment methods include bank transfers, debit or credit card payments, or other recognized electronic payment systems. This requirement applies to all natural and legal persons, regardless of the rent amount or the specific usage of the property. Landlords are strictly prohibited from accepting rent payments via any other method, such as cash. This measure is part of a broader national tax reform aimed at increasing financial transparency and tax compliance. Both tenants and landlords are advised to prepare for these changes ahead of the implementation deadline.