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Celebrating 15 Years of Lidl Cyprus: A Journey of Growth and Innovation

From its first foray into Cyprus in 2010, Lidl Cyprus has revolutionized the shopping landscape, becoming a cornerstone of economic and social development on the island.

Marking its 15th anniversary, Lidl Cyprus reflects on key milestones that have harmonized innovation with responsibility and growth.

Initial Launch and Expansion

Initiated in 2010 with seven stores and a distribution center, employing 450 people, Lidl Cyprus focused on delivering quality, affordable prices, and consistency. Today, with 21 stores and a workforce of over 700, Lidl has become synonymous with consumer value.

Innovation in Action

The Lidl Food Academy, launched in 2015, underscores Lidl’s commitment to education and sustainability. The mobile Lidl Food Academy on the Go extends this impact to schools, teaching healthy dietary practices and environmental stewardship.

Embracing Technology

Lidl Cyprus leads in digitization, with the Lidl Plus app and Auto Dispo inventory systems facilitating effective consumer engagement and sustainable growth.

Environmental Commitment

The REset Plastic initiative and ISO 50001 certification highlight Lidl’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint through energy-efficient innovations and minimizing print usage.

Economic and Social Impact

Recent data reveals that every €1 spent at Lidl creates widespread economic value, contributing 0.51% to Cyprus’ GDP and supporting approximately 2,000 supply chain jobs. The company also invests heavily in its employees, offering 13.5 salaries, €400 vouchers annually, and private healthcare insurance.

Moreover, by partnering with over 90 Cypriot suppliers, Lidl promotes local products internationally, bolstering the economy.

Community Contributions

Lidl’s community partnerships with the Cyprus Red Cross and Anti-Cancer Society, as well as environmental education initiatives like mind REset, exemplify significant contributions exceeding €2.8 million.

Looking Ahead

As Lidl Cyprus invests an additional €15 million in 2025, with plans to expand this to €40 million by 2027, its strategic growth plans aim to redefine modern entrepreneurship and enhance consumer experience.

Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 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.

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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