Details of financial support for fire-affected residents

The affected communities are: Omodos, Arsos, Koilani, Vasa Koilaniou, Vouni, Sylikou, Malia, Laneia, Lofou, Agios Therapon, Agios Ambrosios, Kissousa, Pachna, Kato Kivides, Pano Kivides, Souni-Zanakia, Alassa, Monagri, Pera Pedi, Kouka, Potamiou, Sotira, and Ypsonas.

Measure 1: One-off grant

A one-off payment is provided to cover basic needs for families whose permanent residence has been partially or totally destroyed. Owners of holiday homes are not eligible.

• Total destruction: €10,000 per family + €2,000 per dependent child.
  (e.g., a family with three dependent children will receive €16,000)
• Partial destruction: €5,000 per family + €1,000 per dependent child.
  (e.g., a family with two dependent children will receive €7,000)

Eligibility for this grant is based on residency status (owner or tenant), not ownership status.

The funds will be transferred via bank deposit to the account indicated in the Authorisation Form for Payments through the Republic’s Financial Management System (FIMAS). Authorisation forms have been sent to the Community Councils of affected areas. The signed form and IBAN certificate must be sent to [email protected].

Measure 2: Rent subsidy

To ensure housing during repair or reconstruction, a rent subsidy will be provided based on each family’s needs and composition.

From 1 September 2025, the following quarterly subsidies will apply:

• €800 per family, plus
• €200 per dependent child

Duration depends on the type of damage:

1. Total destruction of a permanent residence: up to 24 months
2. Partial destruction rendering the home uninhabitable: up to 6 months
3. Tenants of affected homes: up to 3 months

Example:
A family of two in category 1 will receive €800/month for up to 24 months.
A family with three children in category 1 will receive €1,400/month for up to 24 months.

This subsidy also applies to category 1 recipients staying with friends or family, or to cover rental deposit costs.

Category 2 recipients may rent a unit or stay with friends/family and receive the allowance for up to 6 months. Alternatively, they may stay free of charge in mountain-area tourist accommodations run by trade unions (e.g., PASYDY, SEK, DEOK, PEO) or in government housing in Troodos. Further information will be announced in August.

Measure 3: Full damage restoration

The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) will assess the restoration cost of each partially or fully damaged building. Reports will include the building’s prior condition (where known) and estimated repair costs, verified against the original building permit.

The Limassol District Administration will separately assess equipment damage.
Current market prices will be used. For insured homes, the excess waiver will be paid immediately.

A. Procedure for licensed buildings and listed/traditional structures:

1. No application is required. Once the cost is assessed by ETEK, affected citizens sign a Declaration of Acceptance.
2. By signing, they waive the right to appeal, unless they refuse the grant, in which case they may file one appeal to the Appeals Committee set up at the Limassol District Administration.
3. Grants will be paid in three instalments:
   • 25% upon signing the declaration
   • 25% upon submission of a statement by an architect/engineer appointed to carry out the works
   • 50% upon submission of a certificate confirming 50% of the works are complete
4. Owners are solely responsible for executing the works and replacing equipment.
5. For listed or traditional buildings, architectural preservation is required per Town Planning Department (TPD) approvals.
   Grants are paid in three instalments:
   • 50% before starting works
   • 30% after 50% of works are completed
   • 20% upon completion, after TPD certification

Other damage (e.g., external works, equipment) will follow the general procedure upon TPD approval.

6. For Turkish Cypriot properties, damage restoration will be entirely handled by the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service.

B. Procedure for unlicensed buildings inside or outside residential zones:

To support rural areas while upholding legality, the following applies:

1. Unlicensed, uninsured buildings inside a residential zone:
   • Owners must apply for a building permit to the Limassol District Licensing Agency by 31 December 2025.
   • Grant payments:
     • 25% upon application
     • 25% after permit and declaration by a licensed architect/engineer
     • 50% after 50% of works completed
   • If not permitted, only 25% of the assessed damage is granted.
2. Unlicensed buildings inside a residential zone with insurance:
   • Apply for a permit by 31 December 2025 to the District Licensing Authority.
   • If permitted: grant equals the insurance excess waiver
   • If not permitted: grant equals 25% of the excess waiver
3. Unlicensed, uninsured buildings outside a residential zone:
   • Apply to the Deviations Study Council by 31 December 2025.
   • Same payment stages as above.
   • If not permitted, only 25% of the assessed damage is granted.
4. Unlicensed buildings outside residential zone with insurance:
   • Same process and deadline.
   • If permitted: full excess waiver
   • If not: 25% of the excess waiver

Measure 4: Fee waivers

Permanent residents and businesses in affected communities are exempt from community fees and taxes for 2025. The State will cover this cost to the local councils.

Measure 5: Rent exemptions

For Turkish Cypriot properties in fire-affected areas leased for agriculture/livestock, rent will be suspended for 12 months from 1 August 2025, regardless of other aid received.

Similar rent suspensions will apply to state-owned land leased for agricultural/livestock use in affected communities.

Measure 6: Reissue of travel documents

Damaged travel documents and other official certificates (ID cards, passports, birth certificates, etc.) will be reissued free of charge by the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

Other general provisions

• Abandoned buildings without electricity connection are not eligible for aid.
• Buildings constructed before permitting laws are considered licensed.
• Auxiliary buildings follow the same rules as main buildings.
• Damage to external works is assessed only for fencing, paving, and permanent pergolas.
• Swimming pools, landscaping, and artificial turf are not eligible for compensation.
• For commercial buildings, only the structure is eligible. Equipment-related guidance will be issued by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry.
• Goods and stock are not eligible for financial assistance.

Also read: Limassol wildfire: President apologises and announces measures