Cyprus Closes 2025 with 169,844 Foreign Residents as Irregular Arrivals Fall 86 %
New government data show Cyprus ended 2025 with 169,844 valid residence permits and an 86 % drop in irregular arrivals. Faster asylum processing and voluntary-return incentives freed capacity and shortened queues, benefiting employers who depend on non-EU talent. The improved metrics strengthen Cyprus’ case for Schengen accession but herald closer scrutiny of permit compliance.
Jan 3, 2026
