Parental names removed from new Cypriot biometric identity cards

Since July 2026, the Republic of Cyprus has begun issuing new biometric identity cards that omit the names of the holder's parents. The change was implemented quietly, leading to public reactions as citizens discovered the missing fields upon receiving their new documents. To facilitate this update, the government modified its contract with the card-issuing company based on a recommendation from the Interior Ministry's Population Archive Department.

The ministry stated that the decision aligns with European Regulation 2025/1208 and guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), following a review of practices in other European Union member states. Officials noted that the identity card is strictly for verifying the holder's personal data—such as name, date of birth, nationality, gender, and signature—rather than family lineage.

This policy shift follows a long-standing debate lasting 14 years. The matter had been discussed in the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights, with significant legislative pressure to remove parental details dating back to 2020 and 2022. The Commissioner for the Protection of Children's Rights had also sent multiple letters advocating for the change, with a majority of political parties previously expressing support for the measure.