Short answer. Cyprus has no general building code for shelters, but since 12 October 2026 the Civil Defence Force publishes the criteria it uses to accept a basement as a protective space ("χώρος αυξημένης προστασίας") under the 2026 planning-incentive scheme: a basement of at least 50 m², closed on three concrete sides, with at least one water tap, one sanitary space and ventilation 1. Owners who join keep lasting duties for the life of the building 1.
Where do these criteria come from?
The criteria come from a planning incentive approved by the Council of Ministers on 11 March 2026 2. Developments with a basement may use a building coefficient increased by 5% if part of the basement is used by Civil Defence as a shelter 2. It applies to new applications and to approved residential, commercial, office and mixed developments, mainly car parks, and the buildings must provide drinking water and a suitable sanitary space 2.
What does Civil Defence check?
Civil Defence assesses the proposed space on these points 1:
| Point | What the announcement requires |
|---|---|
| Location | A basement in the most resistant part of the building, with one or two storeys above it, not a pilotis; closed on three sides built of concrete |
| Area | The whole basement, parking included, at least 50 m² |
| Exits | A second exit may be required for spaces over 300 m² |
| Materials | As required by the Streets and Buildings Regulation Law |
| Fire safety | As required by the Fire Service |
| Water | At least one water tap |
| Sanitation | At least one sanitary space (waived in existing approved buildings where objectively impossible) |
| Openings | Avoid large openings such as skylights, and glass surfaces |
| Ventilation | Natural and/or mechanical, for continuous air renewal |
These are acceptance criteria, not a design method: a licensed engineer prepares the plans, and Phaenyx gives no construction instructions. See building a shelter in Cyprus for permits.
What must owners commit to?
The space stays a protective space for the whole life of the building 1. A condition in the planning permit requires an owner-Civil Defence agreement once construction ends and before the certificate of approval 1. Civil Defence signposts the space and lists it in the SafeCY app as public 1. The owner keeps ownership but must keep the space ready at all times; parking or other parallel use is allowed only if the space can be freed at once 1. The owner must tell Civil Defence of any change of use or alteration, and must allow recording, mapping, photographs and inspection by arrangement 1.
Can anyone be ordered to build a shelter?
Yes: under Regulation 42 of the Civil Defence (General) Regulations 1997, the Council of Ministers can order certain bodies to build suitable shelters 3. The order can require local authorities, school authorities and the owners or managers of "independent institutions" (business premises or other buildings where more than 20 people live or work) to build them within a set period, following Civil Defence instructions, and to keep them clean, safe and equipped 3. The Council may exempt those for whom building is impossible 3. Civil Defence may enter these shelters to inspect them; after inspection it may require sanitary facilities or wall strengthening in requisitioned spaces, with a subsidy set by the Council of Ministers 3.
How do I apply or check a space?
Get a consultation number from the planning authority, then email the file to g.d@cd.moi.gov.cy; phone 22 403 413 1. The file includes form ΕΔ2, title deed, survey, site and architectural plans, and a basement plan marking the space, its area, water point and sanitary space 1. The planning authority decides on the incentive itself 1.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size of a shelter under the scheme?
50 m² of basement, parking included 1.
Can the shelter still be used as a car park?
Yes, if it can be made available at once for protection 1.
Does the scheme cover a single family house?
It targets developments with a basement, mainly car parks 2. Ask the planning authority.
Sources · 3
- Δύναμη Πολιτικής Άμυνας (Cyprus Civil Defence Force) · Χώροι αυξημένης προστασίας / Καταφύγια: Διαδικασία υποβολής αιτημάτων, προδιαγραφές και υποχρεώσεις ιδιοκτητών checked 2026-10-28
- Υπουργείο Εσωτερικών (Ministry of Interior) · Δηλώσεις του Υπουργού Εσωτερικών κ. Κωνσταντίνου Ιωάννου για τα καταφύγια, τις αποφάσεις του Υπουργικού Συμβουλίου και την εφαρμογή SafeCY checked 2026-10-28
- Επίσημη Εφημερίδα της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας, Αρ. 3170, 25.7.1997 (copy on CyLaw) · Οι περί Πολιτικής Άμυνας (Γενικοί) Κανονισμοί του 1997 (Κ.Δ.Π. 221/97) checked 2026-10-28