New Decrees For Blue Card And Foreign Students: Key Changes And Implications

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 20, 2024

The Ministry of Labor and Social Insurance has announced a series of new measures aimed at addressing the increasing demands of Cyprus’ labor market. These initiatives are designed to attract highly skilled professionals from third countries and broaden employment opportunities for foreign students in select fields, as outlined in the recent Decrees published in the Official Gazette of the Republic.

Attracting Skilled Professionals

One of the key updates is the introduction of a minimum annual salary for foreign professionals, which has been set at €43,632, 1.5 times the average gross annual salary in Cyprus. This salary threshold applies to individuals coming to work in sectors such as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), pharmaceuticals for research purposes, and maritime industries (excluding skippers and crew).

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Expanded Employment Options For Foreign Students

The new regulations also provide an update on the employment rights of foreign students. From December 2024, students from third countries will be able to work in Cyprus, with the new rules replacing the previous March 2024 start date.

Students studying ICT who have completed their first academic semester will be eligible to work in occupations related to their field of study, thereby gaining practical experience while pursuing their education.

In response to critical sector shortages, the regulations also clarify the specific occupations and salaries that Blue Card holders—third-country nationals—will be eligible for in Cyprus. The Blue Card, in line with the European Directive, allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in EU member states.

Strengthening The Labor Market and Economy

These updates are expected to bolster the supply of specialized workers in key sectors, addressing existing gaps and promoting the continued growth of Cyprus’ economy. At the same time, the new measures offer foreign students enhanced opportunities for professional development, facilitating their seamless integration into the country’s workforce.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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