1 Is it possible to initiate court proceedings via the internet?
Yes, for natural and legal persons registered in CY Login (the single log-in service for digital services in the Republic of Cyprus). The service can be accessed from computers located in Cyprus.
2 If so, for what types of cases is it available? Are any proceedings available exclusively via the internet?
It is possible for civil procedure, administrative and specialised court cases (with the exception of the Administrative Court for International Protection). The Supreme Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court (in its third-instance jurisdiction) and the courts which exercise criminal jurisdiction are excluded.
3 Is the facility available at all times (i.e. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or just during specific hours? If so, what are those hours?
The facility is available 24/7, except when the electronic system is down for programmed maintenance.
4 Should the details of the claim be provided in any particular format?
Certain details regarding a claim, such as the details of the parties – but excluding procedural documents – are entered in the electronic system.
5 How is transmission and storage of data secured?
The system meets all necessary requirements for the safe transmission and storage of data.
6 Is it necessary to use any kind of electronic signature and/or time record?
The use of an electronic signature is not required. Time recording is done automatically by the system.
7 Are court fees payable? If so, how can they be paid and are they different to those for non-electronic procedures?
Court fees are paid in the same way and in the same amount as for non-electronic proceedings.
8 Is it possible to withdraw a claim that has been initiated via the internet?
It is not possible to withdraw a claim once it has been registered, unless the entry has been rejected by the competent registration office.
9 If the claimant initiates proceedings via the internet is it possible and/or compulsory for the defendant to respond using the internet as well?
Yes.
10 In terms of the electronic procedure what happens if the defendant responds to the claim?
The proceedings are initiated, carried out and completed electronically.
11 In terms of the electronic procedure what happens if the defendant does not respond to a claim?
The proceedings are carried out in the same way as non-electronic proceedings. The provisions of the regulations in force apply.
12 Is it possible to submit documents to a court electronically and if so in what type of proceedings and under what conditions is it possible?
Yes, it is possible for the types of cases mentioned in point (2) above.
13 Can judicial documents, and particularly judgments, be served via the internet?
No, they are served physically.
14 Can judicial decisions be given electronically?
Yes. The decisions are added to the electronic file of the case and the parties can access them from there.
15 Can an appeal be made and its decision served via the internet?
It is possible to register an appeal through the system, where applicable. Appeals are served physically.
16 Is it possible to initiate enforcement proceedings via the internet?
Yes, but not fully and not for all cases.
17 Can the parties or their legal representatives consult on-line cases? If so, how this can be done?
Yes, by providing access to the electronic court file pertaining to them.