Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

People in Cyprus can expect to spend 39.5 years in the labour market over the course of their lives, according to Eurostat data for 2025. The figure measures the number of years a person is expected to remain economically active, including periods spent working or actively seeking employment. It places Cyprus two years above the European Union average of 37.5 years.

Cyprus Above EU Average

Across the EU, expected working life increased from 37.2 years in 2024 to 37.5 years in 2025, continuing a gradual upward trend. In Cyprus, men are expected to spend 42.1 years in the labour market, compared with 36.7 years for women. Across the bloc, the figures stand at 39.5 years and 35.4 years, respectively.

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Longest And Shortest Working Lives

The EU average has risen by 2.3 years since 2016, from 35.2 years to 37.5 years. Seven member states now record expected working lives of at least 40 years, led by the Netherlands with 44 years, followed by Sweden at 43.4 years, Denmark at 42.6 years and Estonia at 41.5 years.

At the other end of the ranking, Romania recorded the shortest expected working life at 32.7 years, ahead of Italy at 33 years and Bulgaria at 34.6 years.

Differences Between Men And Women

Among men, the Netherlands recorded the longest expected working life at 45.9 years, followed by Sweden and Denmark, both at 44.5 years. The lowest figures were recorded in Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.

For women, Sweden ranked first with 42.3 years, while Italy recorded the shortest expected working life at 28.4 years, followed by Romania at 29.1 years and Greece at 31.8 years.

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Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 20, 2026

People in Cyprus are expected to spend 39.5 years in the workforce, around two years longer than the European Union average of 37.5 years, according to the latest Eurostat data for 2025.

The figure places Cyprus among the EU countries with the longest expected working lives.

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Cyprus Ranks Above EU Average

Only a handful of member states recorded higher figures than Cyprus. The Netherlands topped the ranking at 44 years, followed by Sweden at 43.4 years, Denmark at 42.6 years, and Estonia at 41.5 years.

At the other end of the ranking were Romania with 32.7 years, Italy with 33.0 years, Bulgaria with 34.6 years and Greece with 35.3 years.

Gender Gap Remains Wider Than EU Average

Men in Cyprus are expected to remain in work for 42.1 years, compared with 36.7 years for women. The gap of 5.4 years exceeds the EU average gender gap of 4.1 years.

Across the bloc, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were the only countries where women were expected to spend longer in employment than men. Finland recorded the smallest positive gender gap at 0.7 years.

Italy posted the widest gap at 8.9 years, followed by Romania at 6.9 years, Greece at 6.7 years and Malta at 6.3 years.

Working Lives Continue To Lengthen

Between 2016 and 2025, expected working life in Cyprus increased by 3.5 years, placing the country among the strongest performers in the EU over the period. Men’s expected working life rose by 3.3 years, while women’s increased by 3.6 years.

Across the EU, every member state recorded an increase. Malta posted the largest gain at 4.9 years, followed by Hungary and Ireland at 4.2 years each, and the Netherlands at 4.1 years.

Malta’s increase was driven largely by women, whose expected working life rose by 7.8 years, the biggest increase recorded across the bloc.

By comparison, Romania, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria recorded gains of two years or less over the same period.

Women’s Working Lives Increase Faster Across Europe

Women’s expected working life increased faster than men’s in most EU countries. Denmark, Romania, Sweden and Greece were the main exceptions.

In Cyprus, gains for men and women were broadly similar, alongside Bulgaria, Belgium and Slovenia.

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