Cyprus grants permit for first crematorium

Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium Limited has secured a planning permit to construct the first crematorium in the Republic of Cyprus. The facility will be located in the industrial zone of Agia Varvara, near Paphos. Construction is scheduled to commence in September 2026, with an expected completion time of approximately 18 months. The project, estimated at 4 million euros, will span 1,012 square meters on a 17,575-square-meter site. It will include two chapels with a capacity of 200 people each, memorial gardens, and columbaria. The basic cost of cremation is set at 900 euros, excluding additional funeral home fees. The facility will employ European low-emission technology and environmentally friendly practices. This development aims to provide an alternative to traditional burial, addressing a service gap that previously required residents to travel abroad for cremations.