Skip to content

Cyprus Phone Numbers: Format, Area Code & Validation Guide

Explore Cyprus phone number formats (+357): structure, dialing codes, and validation. Understand 8-digit number allocation, including geographic (2[2-6]XXXXXX) & mobile (9[6-7]XXXXXX). Includes regex for validation and ITU-T standards compliance.

Phone number standards3 min read

Quick Reference Guide


Overview

Cyprus has a structured telephone numbering plan that is essential for telecom professionals, developers, and system administrators. This guide provides insights into the numbering formats, dialing procedures, and technical aspects of Cypriot phone numbers.

Number Formats

General Structure

Cyprus uses a closed numbering plan, meaning all phone numbers are 8 digits long. These numbers are categorized by service type, such as geographic, mobile, toll-free, and premium.

Number Structure by Type

TypeFormatExampleDescription
Geographic2[2-6]XXXXXX22345678Fixed-line numbers starting with '2', followed by a six-digit subscriber number.
Mobile9[6-7]XXXXXX97654321Mobile numbers starting with '9', followed by a six-digit subscriber number.
Toll-Free800XXXXX80012345Toll-free numbers starting with '800', followed by a five-digit subscriber number.
Premium Rate90[09]XXXXX90012345Premium rate services starting with '900' or '909', followed by a five-digit subscriber number.
Shared Cost80[1-9]XXXXX80112345Shared cost services starting with '80', followed by a five-digit subscriber number.

Regular Expressions

For validating Cypriot phone numbers, use these regular expressions:

  • Geographic (Fixed-line):

    Regex
    ^2[2-6][0-9]{6}$
    
  • Mobile:

    Regex
    ^9[6-7][0-9]{6}$
    
  • Toll-Free:

    Regex
    ^800[0-9]{5}$
    
  • Premium Rate:

    Regex
    ^90[09][0-9]{5}$
    
  • Shared Cost:

    Regex
    ^80[1-9][0-9]{5}$
    

Dialing Procedures

Domestic Calls

  • Landline to Landline: Dial the 8-digit number directly (e.g., 22345678).
  • Landline to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 96765432).
  • Mobile to Mobile: Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly (e.g., 97654321).

International Calls

  • Outgoing: Dial 00 followed by the country code and the destination number (e.g., 00 44 20 7946 0958 for the UK).
  • Incoming: Dial +357 followed by the 8-digit Cypriot number (e.g., +357 22345678).

Number Portability

Cyprus supports Mobile Number Portability (MNP), allowing users to keep their mobile numbers when switching operators. This was implemented on December 1, 2001, with the permissive dialing period ending on June 1, 2002.

Major Telecom Operators and Number Ranges

OperatorService TypeNumber Range
CYTAFixed-line2[2-6]XXXXXX
MTN CyprusMobile96XXXXXX, 97XXXXXX
PrimeTelMobile95XXXXXX

ITU-T Standards

Cyprus complies with the following ITU-T standards:

  • E.164: The international public telecommunication numbering plan.
  • E.123: Notation for national and international telephone numbers.

Number Allocation and Management

The Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA) oversees the allocation and management of telephone numbers in Cyprus, ensuring compliance with ITU-T recommendations.

Technical Restrictions and Special Cases

  • Golden Numbers: Certain "golden" or "vanity" numbers may be available at a premium price.
  • Number Blocking: Service providers may offer number blocking as a feature, though there are no specific regulations.

Technical Considerations

For developers and systems handling Cypriot phone numbers:

  • Validation: Ensure numbers conform to the 8-digit format and match the appropriate regular expressions.
  • Portability: Implement checks for number portability to manage operator switches.
  • Internationalization: Support E.164 formatting for international calls.

Frequently asked questions

The Cyprus country code is +357. When calling Cyprus from another country, dial +357 followed by the 8-digit phone number. This ensures the call is routed correctly to the Cypriot telephone network.

Dial the 8-digit mobile number directly. No prefixes are needed for domestic calls within Cyprus, whether calling from landline to mobile or mobile to mobile.

Use regular expressions for validation based on number type. For example, fixed-line numbers use the format 2[2-6][0-9]{6}, and mobile numbers use 9[6-7][0-9]{6}. Other number types have specific regex patterns as well.

Cyprus landline numbers follow the format 2[2-6]XXXXXX, meaning they begin with '2' followed by a digit from 2 to 6, and then six more digits. They are always 8 digits in total, operating within a closed numbering plan.

Cyprus utilizes a closed numbering plan, where all phone numbers are a fixed length of 8 digits. This standardized format simplifies dialing and number management within the country.

Use the international prefix '00' when making calls from Cyprus to other countries. Dial '00' followed by the destination country code and the phone number. For incoming international calls to Cyprus, use +357.

Yes, Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is available in Cyprus. This allows you to switch operators while retaining your existing mobile number. MNP was implemented in December 2001.

The Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA) regulates and manages telephone numbers in the country. They ensure compliance with international standards like ITU-T E.164 and E.123 and oversee number allocation.

Toll-free numbers in Cyprus start with '800' and are followed by five digits, totaling 8 digits. Dial the full 8-digit number directly without any prefixes.

Premium rate services in Cyprus use the format '90[09]XXXXX', starting with '900' or '909' followed by five digits. These numbers typically incur higher charges than standard calls.

Major mobile operators in Cyprus include CYTA, MTN Cyprus, and PrimeTel. MTN Cyprus uses number ranges starting with '96' and '97', while PrimeTel uses numbers starting with '95'.

Shared cost numbers follow the pattern '80[1-9]XXXXX', meaning they start with '80', followed by a digit from 1 to 9, and then five additional digits, adhering to the 8-digit standard.