In 2025, Cyprus's migration patterns changed significantly in terms of both quantity and quality. New official data presented by the island state's Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection shows this change. As of midyear, 169,844 third-country nationals with various types of residence permits were legally residing on the island.
Who makes up the majority of migrants in Cyprus?
Russia led the way in terms of the number of Cyprus residence permits issued from January to June 2025, with 40,583 people receiving permits (23.9% of the total number of legal migrants). Next are:
- The United Kingdom, with 15,395 people (9.1%);
- Nepal — 14,009 (8.2%);
- Syria — 13,541 (8%);
- India, with 11,911 people (7%).
Citizens of China, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Ukraine, and other countries also have a significant presence. A total of 36,060 people (21.3%) fall into these "other categories."
The main categories of migration are:
The largest category is domestic staff, with 29,659 permits (17.5%). This is followed by general migration permits (16%) and employees of foreign-owned companies (12.8%). International protection status, including refugees and persons in need of humanitarian protection, is held by 17,995 people (10.6%).
A significant number of migrants arrived through family reunification and employment programs, or due to the UK's withdrawal from the EU (Brexit). The "guests and other types" category accounts for approximately 12.4% of the total number of permits.
There has been a sharp decline in illegal migration
Illegal migration to Cyprus has fallen by 86% in three years. While 9,307 illegal migrants arrived on the island in 2022, only 1,260 arrived in 2025.
A similar trend can be observed in asylum applications.
- In 2022, 12,048 applications were submitted.
- In 2023, 5,563 applications were submitted.
- In 2024, 4,899 applications were submitted.
- and in 2025, only 1,520.
This 87% decrease can be attributed to the introduction of accelerated application procedures, tighter border controls, and the Asylum Service's improved efficiency.
Fewer applications mean less overload
The number of pending asylum cases also fell, from 23,934 in June 2024 to 17,604 in June 2025. This means that, in just one year, the figures have fallen by 27%.
The same positive trend can be seen at the Purnara initial reception center. In March 2022, 2,980 people were there. By June 2025, that number had dropped to 251.
Despite short-term fluctuations, the overall trend clearly indicates a systematic reduction in the burden on the migration infrastructure.
The next stage is integration into Cypriot society.
Cyprus's migration policy is entering a new phase of integrating legal migrants into society. According to the Deputy Minister of Migration, a National Integration Strategy and Action Plan have already been developed with the following goals:
- learning the Greek language,
- developing professional skills;
- access to employment and housing,
- involvement in public life;
The plan also includes information campaigns against segregation and for cultural understanding.
This program is designed to strengthen social cohesion and is aimed at legal migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers.