“Electronic payment channels now dominate government transactions”, Accountant General of the Republic Andreas Antoniades said, adding that an analysis of government receipts for the first half of 2026 shows that bank transfers account for an overwhelming 85% of their total value.
He also said the use of electronic payment methods to settle debts to the state is “continuously increasing”, with a significant share of total government receipts now collected through card payments rather than in cash.
“Online card payments account for 10% and in-person card payments for 1%, leaving just 4% for traditional payment methods and confirming the steady progress towards the full digital transformation of government transactions,” he said.
Contract with VivaBank
Antoniades also referred to the Treasury contract awarded to VivaBank Single-Member Banking S.A. for the “Provision of Electronic Transaction Processing Services for the Public Sector”. He said the contract was signed on August 12, 2026.
The new payment system is expected to be fully implemented in 2027. The contract was awarded for €4.1 million.
“The new contractor will provide the services for three years, with the government retaining the option to extend the contract for two additional one-year periods. The contract also includes the assessment, preparation and technical integration required,” he explained.
Card payments to the state are currently processed under a contract with JCC Payment Systems Limited, which was recently renewed. The provider processes around €1.5 billion in government receipts annually, he added.
Antoniades recalled that, since January 1, 2026, personal cheques have not been accepted from either businesses or individuals for the settlement of debts to the state. Banker’s drafts continue to be accepted temporarily, although there are plans to phase them out soon.
Cash -currently accepted for payments of up to €10,000- will eventually remain the only traditional payment method accepted by the state, he noted.
Fully digital payment environment a key pillar
The Accountant General said the transition to a fully digital payment environment is a key pillar of the state’s broader digital transformation.
“The use of modern technologies and secure electronic transaction channels improves the speed, accessibility and transparency of services provided to citizens and businesses, while also helping to reduce administrative costs and the workload of the public administration,” he added.
Finally, Antoniades said that the continuous upgrading of the state’s digital infrastructure and the adoption of innovative payment solutions are laying the groundwork for a more efficient, modern and citizen-friendly state, while ensuring that available resources are used as effectively as possible in the public interest.
