Back in May of last year, the country's president noted that joining the Schengen Area would be completed during 2026; however, the timeline has been pushed back once again. Now, Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides speaks of entry in 2027.

Technical preparation is among the main reasons. Cyprus still needs to carry out 6 agreed measures, which the authorities expect to complete as early as November. The issue of the "Green Line" separating the north and south also remains a sensitive topic. Nicosia does not recognize it as an official state border and refuses to implement the Entry/Exit System at the nine border checkpoints. Additionally, the final decision must be made by the EU Council, which has not yet set an accession date.

For investors, Cyprus's entry into the Schengen Area opens up a number of opportunities—specifically, the ability to visit other countries in the zone without an additional visa and stay there for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, exactly when this right will come into effect remains unknown.