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.
Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram
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.
