Cypriot citizens now have access to both electronic and digital identity services. In a statement to OffsiteNews, Nasia Zanti, Communications Officer at the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, explained the key differences between the two.

According to Zanti, the digital identity available through the Digital Citizen application serves as an electronic version of a citizen’s printed ID card, designed for use in physical interactions.

For instance, when citizens need to verify their identity or present documents such as their driver’s license or vehicle inspection certificate (MOT)—both now integrated into the app—they no longer need to carry the physical documents. Instead, they can simply display their digital versions on their mobile devices.

An example provided by Zanti is that if a police officer requests identification, a citizen can present the Digital Citizen app’s ID instead of the physical card.

The digital identity is therefore a means of verification for legal use within the Republic of Cyprus, but only in the physical world.

The electronic identity, on the other hand, is a citizen’s official digital identity for online interactions and should not be confused with the digital ID available in the Digital Citizen app.

Zanti clarified that the electronic identity functions as an authentication tool for accessing online services and signing electronic documents, carrying the same legal weight as a handwritten signature.

For example, when submitting an application to a government service online, citizens can use their electronic identity for authentication and legally binding electronic signatures.

Regarding government services, Zanti explained that citizens can log into state systems using their electronic identity credentials—a username and password. This mechanism is also available for private organizations that adopt it within their systems.

Moreover, citizens can use their electronic identity to sign documents digitally and complete transactions online from anywhere, using either a computer or mobile device.

Zanti also noted that government agencies are integrating electronic signatures into their digital systems. Currently, this functionality is active in the Ippodamos system, allowing professionals to submit planning and building permit applications electronically. Public officials can also use electronic signatures to issue permits.

Future integrations include the Registrar of Companies and the Department of Road Transport systems, where electronic signatures will soon be enabled.

Zanti emphasized that neither the electronic nor the digital identity serves as a travel document.

As of now, over 4,800 citizens have applied for an electronic identity, with more than half having already scheduled appointments at Citizen Service Centers for in-person verification, which is the next step in the process.

She also pointed out that the requirement for citizens to verify their identity in person for the issuance of an electronic identity is a mandatory regulation by the European Commission, ensuring compliance with the highest eID security standards.