Between January 1, 2023, and August 26, 2024, Cyprus issued more than 48,000 temporary residence permits to employees of foreign-interest companies and their family members, according to official data submitted to the Cypriot Parliament.

The information, provided by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou in response to a question from Nicosia MP Alexandra Attalidou, highlights the scale and demographic breakdown of foreign nationals relocating to the island under the government’s strategy to attract international businesses—particularly in the technology sector.

During the 20-month period, a total of 48,212 permits were issued across three main categories:

• 20,997 permits for employees of foreign-interest companies

• 25,053 permits for family members under family reunification

• 2,162 permits for dependent visitors (including parents, partners, and children of employees)

Notably, family members made up the largest group, indicating a growing trend of entire families relocating alongside tech professionals and other skilled workers employed in Cyprus.

The data also includes a detailed breakdown by nationality. Russian citizens accounted for the overwhelming majority of permits, followed by nationals from Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The Ministry clarified that the statistics cover all types of temporary residence permits, including those issued for employment, family reunification, and dependent visitors.