Cyprus Administrative Law – Your Rights Against Government Decisions

Administrative law in Cyprus governs how public authorities exercise their powers and how individuals can seek legal protection against unlawful or unfair government actions. It is largely based on the Greek legal model and draws authority from both the Cyprus Constitution (Article 146) and national legislation.

This area of law is essential for individuals, companies, and public servants dealing with issues like licensing, taxation, government employment decisions, or rejected public tenders.

What Is Cyprus Administrative Law?

Cyprus Administrative Law regulates the powers, duties, and actions of public administrative bodies. It provides a legal framework to ensure those actions comply with the principles of legality, fairness, and proportionality.

It also provides mechanisms for recourse to the Supreme Court when those principles are violated, enabling affected individuals to seek suspension or annulment of unlawful administrative acts.

What Cases Fall Under Administrative Law?

In simple terms, administrative law in Cyprus applies to situations where:

• ✅ A government body issues or refuses a license
• ✅ You receive a decision on duties, fees, or taxes
• ✅ A public servant faces a transfer, promotion, or appointment issue
• ✅ Your public tender application is rejected
• ✅ A public authority fails to take timely action affecting your rights

These are all administrative decisions that may be challenged through legal recourse, especially when they cause harm or violate constitutional rights.

Legal Basis – Article 146 of the Constitution

The cornerstone of Cyprus administrative law is Article 146 of the Constitution, which gives the Supreme Court jurisdiction to annul administrative acts that:

• Are made in excess of power (ultra vires)
• Violate procedural rights, such as the right to be heard
• Are discriminatory or arbitrary

In 1999, the principles of case law were codified in Law 158(I)/1999 – The General Principles of Administrative Law, which forms the statutory backbone of the field today.

The Role of the Supreme Court in Administrative Cases

The Supreme Court of Cyprus has been instrumental in shaping administrative law through thousands of decisions since 1960. It offers applicants remedies such as:

• Suspension of administrative decisions through interim orders
• Annulment of unlawful acts
• Clarification and interpretation of administrative duties and procedures

Administrative law is highly formalistic, and even small procedural errors can determine the outcome of a case.

Do You Need a Lawyer for Administrative Law in Cyprus?

Yes. Administrative recourse cases are complex and often turn on technical legal arguments and formalities. A skilled administrative law lawyer in Cyprus can help you:

• Identify if an administrative act is challengeable
• File a timely recourse under Article 146
• Request a suspension of an act causing immediate harm
• Present your case effectively before the Supreme Court

Cases are often won or lost on timing, structure of the application, and legal reasoning. Getting experienced legal advice is critical.

For more information contact our law firm.