A total of 175,677 third-country nationals currently live in the Republic of Cyprus, according to figures presented on Monday by the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection before the House Finance Committee, during examination of the Ministry’s 2026 budget proposal.

Deputy Minister Nikolas Ioannidis explained that most of these individuals are in Cyprus on work permits in domestic or general employment, sectors where demand remains highest. Others reside in Cyprus as members of international companies, students, or family members of Cypriot and EU nationals. He also noted a decline in the number of persons under international protection.

According to the detailed data presented, Russians form the largest group, numbering 40,735 people (approximately 23% of the total), a figure three to four times higher than most other nationalities. They are followed by:

• United Kingdom nationals – 16,279

• Nepalese nationals – 15,607

• Indian nationals – 14,237

• Syrian nationals – 12,868

• Chinese nationals – 9,407

• Sri Lankan nationals – 8,895

• Filipino nationals – 8,807

• Ukrainian nationals – 6,172

• Egyptian nationals – 4,860

• Other nationalities – 37,810

In addition to the 175,677 residents, around 16,000 individuals are legally present in Cyprus while their applications for international protection are still under review, and another 6,000 people who have appealed rejected applications also legally remain in the country.

When asked by Members of Parliament about the share of migration management costs covered by EU funds, Mr. Ioannidis stated that around 60% of total expenditure is financed by the European Union. For major infrastructure projects, such as those at Pournara and Limnes, EU funding covers 100% and 90% of the cost, respectively.