Cyprus: immigration

What is the population of Cyprus?

The population of the government-controlled area of Cyprus was 996.6 thousand in 2025, a provisional figure, according to CYSTAT's key figures. CYSTAT's Demographic Statistics 2024 estimated 983.0 thousand at the end of 2024, 1.7% more than a year earlier.

15.2% of residents were under 15 and 18.3% were 65 or older in 2024, compared with 22.3% and 11.3% in 2000. The population is growing mainly through net migration. Official estimates do not cover the area not under the effective control of the government.

Official sources: CYSTAT key figures (Greek) · CYSTAT: Demographic Statistics 2024 (PDF)

How many people move to Cyprus each year?

40,471 long-term immigrants arrived in Cyprus in 2024, about the same as the 40,761 of 2023, according to CYSTAT's Demographic Statistics 2024. 26,883 people emigrated, giving net migration of 13,588.

Long-term immigrants are Cypriots and foreigners arriving to settle or to work for a year or more. CYSTAT reports that net migration was positive from 1983 to 2011, negative from 2012 to 2015, and positive again from 2016.

Official sources: CYSTAT: Demographic Statistics 2024 (PDF)

How many people apply for asylum in Cyprus?

2,835 people applied for asylum in Cyprus for the first time in 2025, down from 6,750 in 2024, a fall of 58%, according to Eurostat. The figures count first-time applicants, not repeat applications.

Asylum claims are handled by the Asylum Service under the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection. Application numbers measure people seeking protection, not decisions on their claims.

Official sources: Eurostat: Asylum applicants by citizenship · Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection

How many residence permits does Cyprus issue?

Cyprus issued 45,907 first residence permits to non-EU citizens in 2025, up from 40,274 in 2024, according to Eurostat. First permits are those given to people for the first time, for work, family, study or other reasons.

The figures exclude renewals and EU citizens, who do not need a permit. The Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection announced on 14 October 2026 that renewals of certain residence permits will move fully to online applications from 1 January 2027.

Official sources: Eurostat: First permits by reason · Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection

How many people become Cypriot citizens?

2,800 people acquired Cypriot citizenship in 2024, down from 3,318 in 2023, a fall of about 16%, according to Eurostat. The figure covers all routes to citizenship, including naturalisation by residence and marriage.

Year-to-year changes can reflect the pace at which applications are processed as well as the number submitted. Eurostat compiles the figures from data supplied by national authorities.

Official sources: Eurostat: Acquisition of citizenship

What share of Cyprus' population are immigrants?

The latest figure from the UN Population Division, for 2024, is 14.9%. It was 14.5% in 2015. Europe & Central Asia median: 11.7%; Cyprus is 17th highest of 52. Worldwide: 40th of 193.

What is net migration in Cyprus?

7,749: that is net migration in Cyprus for 2025, according to the UN Population Division. No year since 2005 has been lower. Europe & Central Asia median: 158; Cyprus is 19th highest of 52. World rank, highest first: 45th of 193.

How many refugees live in Cyprus?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees in the country in Cyprus at 48,207 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 62,365, and Cyprus placed 27th highest of 50. Of 169 countries with 2025 data, 65th highest.

How many refugees have fled Cyprus?

UNHCR puts the number of refugees from the country living abroad in Cyprus at 15 in 2025. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. It is 44th highest of 49 in Europe & Central Asia, where the median is 533. World rank, highest first: 172nd of 189.

How much money do migrants send home to Cyprus?

2.0% of GDP: that is personal remittances received in Cyprus for 2025, according to the World Bank. The peak was 3.4% of GDP in 2008 and the low 0.5% of GDP in 2006. Across Europe & Central Asia the middle value was 1.4% of GDP, and Cyprus placed 21st highest of 47. Worldwide: 67th of 127.