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Cyprus Emerges As A Preferred Hub For International Families In The EU

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 21, 2025

The European Union is witnessing a marked shift in international family migration, as Cyprus records the second highest ratio of first residence permits issued to non-EU minors. With 2,584 permits per 100,000 individuals under the age of 18, the island has firmly established itself as a destination of choice for families seeking reunification and stability.

Cyprus And Malta Lead The Statistical Landscape

Data from Eurostat positions Cyprus just behind Malta, which boasts 3,379 permits per 100,000 minors. In comparison, Luxembourg follows with 1,861. In stark contrast, nations such as Latvia, Croatia, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania reported fewer than 200 permits per 100,000, while France, issuing only 17 permits per 100,000, typically refrains from granting residence permits to minors.

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Permit Issuance: Categories And Distribution

Across the EU in 2024, a total of 540,445 first residence permits were issued to non-EU citizens under the age of 18. Notably, 66%—or 356,554 permits—were granted for family formation and reunification, highlighting a strong commitment to keeping families intact. Permits issued for other reasons, including international protection, accounted for 30% (160,618 permits), while education-related permits comprised a modest 4% (21,179 permits).

National And Citizenship Trends

Among EU member states, Germany issued the highest number of permits at 138,692 (26% of the bloc’s total), followed by Spain with 107,828 (20%), and Italy with 60,125 (11%). Analyzing citizenship trends, minors from Syria represented 12% of permits, with Morocco and Ukraine contributing 7% and 6% respectively. More broadly, Asian nationals accounted for 37% of the permits, Europeans from non-EU countries for 27%, Africans for 21%, Caribbean, Central and South Americans for 11%, and North Americans for 2%.

Implications For Policymakers And Stakeholders

The marked differences in permit issuance and policy approaches across EU nations illuminate broader trends in migration management. Cyprus’ elevated ratio underscores its emerging role as a nexus for international family migration, a trend that warrants attention from policymakers and business leaders amid evolving geopolitical currents in Europe.

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Tax Department Targets 500 Companies With Over €1 Million In Outstanding Tax Debt

Targeting Major Tax Defaulters

Cyprus’ Taxation Department is preparing to target an initial group of 500 companies with tax arrears exceeding €1 million as part of newly approved enforcement measures aimed at recovering unpaid liabilities. Under the updated framework approved by parliament, businesses with significant outstanding tax debts could face operational suspension and the sealing of their premises.

Debt And Enforcement Timeline

Authorities have identified companies across sectors, including retail, betting, luxury yacht sales and manufacturing, that have failed to settle substantial tax debts despite previous warnings and recommendations. The sealing measure legally applies to businesses owing more than €20,000, although the first phase will focus on companies with the largest outstanding liabilities.

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Officials said affected firms will receive three warnings over a period of 25 days before stricter measures are enforced. The aim is to encourage companies either to fully settle their debts or agree to an instalment plan.

Comprehensive Debt And Collection Measures

Outstanding liabilities include income tax, extraordinary defence contribution, capital gains tax, VAT, withholding taxes and related contributions. The amounts are based either on taxpayer self-assessments or final determinations issued by the tax office after all legal and procedural deadlines have expired.

Enhanced Compliance Through Documentation

The sealing measures will also apply to businesses that fail to issue invoices and receipts, submit inaccurate documentation or obstruct auditors during compliance checks. To support the process, the Taxation Department has procured tablets connected to the relevant software systems, while personnel are undergoing training focused on invoice and receipt verification.

Consequences For Non-Filing Of Returns

The enforcement policy will additionally apply to businesses that fail to submit mandatory tax, VAT and withholding declarations. Taxpayers have until the end of the year to regularise outstanding filings, after which operational suspensions are expected to begin on January 1, 2027.