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Cyprus Tax Reform Ushers In A New Era Of Fiscal Sustainability And Economic Competitiveness

The government has introduced an expansive tax reform package to Members of Parliament, embodied in six comprehensive bills. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos underscored the package’s significance, describing it as the most far-reaching reform to date—one designed to secure long-term benefits for future generations.

Redressing Economic Imbalances And Fulfilling EU Obligations

The reform is anchored in a commitment to reduce inequality, correct entrenched fiscal distortions, and maintain compliance with European Union standards. Central to the initiative is the goal of redistributing the tax burden more equitably while simultaneously enhancing economic competitiveness and supporting household stability.

Legislative Process And Timing Considerations

Originally slated for final submission by the end of August, the tax reform bills received cabinet approval on October 29 and are now before the House Finance Committee. Despite timing challenges posed by forthcoming examinations of state and ministry budgets, the ministry remains on standby to supply additional clarifications to MPs, aiming for an objective evaluation that transcends partisan politics.

Targeted Benefits For Families And Businesses

The comprehensive reform package includes measures designed to ease household financial pressures—particularly for families with children—addressing key concerns such as housing, energy upgrades, and subsidized insurance for natural disasters and disabilities. Concurrently, business incentives have been bolstered through corporate tax improvements, the abolition of certain contributions, and measures intended to foster innovation and bolster capital investment.

Fiscal Projections And Long-Term Implications

While initial projections anticipated a surplus of €112 million from the reforms, revised estimates now suggest a more modest surplus of €18 million. Additionally, provisions such as the recalibration of non-domicile status and adjustments to non-taxable income thresholds are expected to enhance Cyprus’ overall competitiveness. The reform package is also linked to commitments under the national recovery and resilience plan, with an anticipated injection of €190 million in the first half of 2026.

The tax overhaul represents a decisive step toward creating a more balanced and robust economic environment—a move that promises to bolster fiscal sustainability while enriching the lives of Cyprus’ citizens.

Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

  • Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
  • Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
  • Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
  • Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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