Cyprus to stop accepting personal checks for government payments from January 1, 2026

The General Accounting Office of the Republic announced that from January 1, 2026, personal checks will no longer be accepted for payment of debts to the state in Cyprus. The announcement was published on November 21, 2025.

The statement notes that the decision is part of a transition to a more modern, faster, and efficient payment collection system. Personal checks often caused delays in settlements, errors when filling out forms, and refusals due to insufficient funds, leading to repeated payments and inconvenience for citizens.

Citizens are advised to use direct and secure payment methods: bank cards at cashiers, online payments, and bank transfers, including instant payments that are completed within seconds. At the same time, the use of the bank check form will temporarily remain possible, although its acceptance is planned to be discontinued in the near future. Cash payments are still allowed for transactions up to €10,000.

The General Accounting Office emphasizes that these changes aim to save citizens’ time, reduce bureaucracy, and enhance the security of interactions with government services.