Cyprus’s extradition system blends EU-wide EAW procedure with a distinctly common-law framework inherited from its legal history — a mix that shapes every stage of a case.
Cyprus’s implementation of the EU Framework Decision on the European Arrest Warrant, transposing it into domestic legislation.
The EAW itself is sufficient basis for arrest in Cyprus — there is no requirement for a separate domestic warrant first.
An EAW generally applies to offences carrying a maximum sentence of at least 12 months, or existing sentences of at least four months.
Under Article 18 of the Law, the Court decides whether detention is necessary to prevent flight risk before the surrender decision is finalised.
Law 97/1970, as amended, is Cyprus’s core domestic statute governing traditional extradition requests.
Ratified as L.95/70 with additional protocols, this remains the primary treaty basis for extradition with other Convention states.
The central authority that authorises the start of proceedings, and retains discretion to approve or refuse a request even after a court finds it admissible.
Requests proceed to an oral hearing before the relevant District Court, drawing on Cyprus’s Commonwealth-model approach to extradition procedure.
Cyprus’s common-law heritage adds a safeguard most civil-law jurisdictions don’t offer — but which grounds actually apply depends on whether you’re facing an EAW or a traditional request.
Where Cypriot authorities request an INTERPOL notice for someone abroad, in support of a request to bring them back to Cyprus.
Where a foreign notice concerns someone travelling through or living in Cyprus, with knock-on effects at any point of entry or exit.
Notices can be challenged before the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL’s Files regardless of your location. See our full CCF appeal guide →
An EAW applies between EU member states and needs no separate local warrant. Ordinary extradition applies to non-EU requests and follows Law 97/1970 and Cyprus’s treaty obligations, generally requiring dual criminality.
Yes. Representation is provided by the network lawyer admitted to practice in Cyprus, working together with the rest of the network on strategy.
Yes — following a constitutional amendment, Cypriot nationals can be surrendered under an EAW or a binding treaty. Nationality is a consideration, not an automatic bar.
Since an EAW alone is sufficient grounds for arrest, you can be detained at any point of entry or exit once the warrant is flagged, without a prior domestic warrant being issued.
Yes, and Cyprus’s common-law tradition also preserves a habeas corpus route as a further safeguard after a District Court decision.
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