A Shift in Shopping Habits: 76% of Cypriots Embrace Online Shopping

by News Editor

June 2, 2025

In an era heavily leaning towards the digital, Cyprus has marked a pivotal milestone with 76% of its citizens now engaging in online shopping, as revealed in the latest survey by the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications & Postal Regulation (OCECPR).

The study shows not only an increase in the number of online shoppers, but also a rise in the frequency of purchases, from an average of 1.2 times per month in 2022 to 2.0 in 2025.

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The survey collected feedback from over 1,500 participants, consisting of both citizens and small businesses, illustrating a nuanced shift in postal usage. Interestingly, while 95% of individuals still prefer Cyprus Post, this figure drops drastically for businesses, with just 28% relying on it, as they increasingly opt for private services.

Postal Patterns and Parcel Preferences

The report highlights a fascinating turnaround in postal habits. The number of letters received and sent has climbed since 2023, countering years of decline. Parcel deliveries have seen a similar uptick, with 71% of businesses reporting higher parcel over letter shipments and anticipating continued growth.

This aligns with global trends where businesses adapt to consumer demands for efficient logistics.

Decision Factors: Beyond Cost

Although citizens deem postal service costs reasonable, they largely base their choices on quality, location, and user experience. Businesses, on the other hand, prioritize quick service, competitive rates, extensive networks, and reliable tracking systems.

As the digital realm continues to evolve, it’s worthwhile considering the broader technological landscape and its implications.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 24, 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

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Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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