The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in Syria launched the first "Bemera" network for local payments linked to global card payment networks in an official ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus, Saturday, May 9, 2026.
During the ceremony, the first electronic payment process was tested through the global networks "Visa" and "MasterCard", more than 15 years after the use of the two cards was stopped in Syria.
As stated on its website, Paymera defines itself as "a leading local payment solutions company, designed to simplify and secure everyday transactions, built as a merchant-centric platform, empowering individuals, businesses, and partners through QR code payments, POS terminals, and Paymera cards, tailored to meet the needs of the local market while fully prepared for global integration with Visa and MasterCard."
Minister of Communications: Syria enters the global digital payments system
The Minister of Communications and Technology, Abdul Salam Heikal, said that cooperation with Visa and MasterCard promotes the development of Syria's digital financial infrastructure in accordance with international standards, considering that the experience of the first payment process marks the beginning of Syria's entry into the global digital payments system.
Heikal explained that the pilot launch of "MasterCard", "Visa" and "Bemera" paves the way for a stage in which the Syrian citizen will be able to use his cards easily in stores inside Damascus and other governorates, and will enable the visitor to Syria coming from abroad to use his international cards naturally inside Syria, in addition to providing a modern payment structure for Syrian merchants that opens up the prospects of trade and services for them more widely.
Bemera opens 4200 points of sale in Syria
A statement issued by Bemera on the occasion of the launch said that the company's cadres worked for six months of intensive preparations with the aim of reaching Syria's technical connection with international companies, while adhering to special standards that took a long time.
The statement revealed that the company currently has about 4,200 points of sale (POS) in Syria, and the plan includes reaching the deployment of 50,000 devices before the end of 2026, allowing local and international cardholders to easily implement electronic payment processes, as the company works with local banks in an integrated role.
Point of sale (POS) machines are basic electronic machines that enable the acceptance of digital payments (credit cards, MasterCards, contactless payments) quickly and securely, enhancing the customer experience and reducing cash handling, operating over the Internet/GSM networks, providing accurate financial reports, and include mobile types and modern "SoftPOS" services that turn smartphones into a payment machine.
The Central Bank legalizes the work of Visa and Mastercard in Syria
On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Governor of the Central Bank of Syria, Abdul Qader Al-Hasriya, issued a decision allowing banking financial institutions and electronic payment companies licensed and operating inside the country to deal with global payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
In a post on his personal Facebook page, Al-Hasaria described the decision as a "qualitative step" towards modernizing Syria's financial sector and represents a "strategic shift" in the structure of local payment systems, as it opens the door to the integration of the Syrian market into the global financial system after years of reliance on limited traditional instruments.
The new decision allows local banks and payment companies to expand their services to include more sophisticated and secure payment solutions for individuals and businesses alike, and allows Syrian citizens and visitors coming to the country to easily use their international banking cards inside Syria.
Memorandum of Understanding with Mastercard September 2025
The MoU was the first step in the path of financial openness and was signed by the Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt, Abdulkader Al-Hossiriya, with the company's Regional President. It focused on developing the payment infrastructure in line with international security standards, and promoting financial inclusion by expanding access to digital services and reducing dependence on cash.
This partnership resulted in the first practical result in January 2026, with QNB Group Syria granting a license to issue and accept Mastercard cards locally and internationally.
Roadmap with Visa December 2025
The agreement was announced at the Reuters Next conference, and was described as a strategic roadmap for building an integrated digital payment ecosystem.
It focused on enabling licensed banks to issue modern payment cards based on EMV and advanced encryption technologies, as well as supporting merchants through low-cost payment solutions such as QR codes and Tap to Phone technology. The partnership also aims to accelerate Syria's return to the SWIFT system and facilitate international remittances for importers and expatriates.
The Ministry of Communications and Technology (MCIT) is also working on signing complementary memorandums to develop the digital infrastructure necessary to operate these services efficiently, ensuring the readiness of national networks to accommodate the transition towards a more open digital economy.
Visa and MasterCard are two U.S. global payments technology companies that do not issue cards directly but provide an electronic network that connects banks and stores to facilitate secure payments, purchases, and cash withdrawals online or in more than 200 countries.
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