Minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus

Here you will find up-to-date information about the minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus, its level from 2026, and the trends in changes over recent years. The minimum wage is set by the government and applies to certain categories of private sector employees.

• Minimum wage in Cyprus in 2026
• Reaction of trade unions and businesses
• How the minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus has changed

Minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus from 1 January 2026

The government of the Republic of Cyprus has approved a new minimum wage, which will take effect from 1 January 2026.

Two levels of minimum wage have been set:

• €1,088 — for employees with more than six months of experience (previously €1,000)
• €979 — for employees with less than six months of experience (previously €900)

Thus, the increase is on average about 8.8%. According to the government’s estimates, the changes will affect approximately 50,000 low-paid workers.

Important: the stated amounts are gross (before taxes and social contributions).

Reaction of trade unions and employers

The government’s decision has caused mixed reactions from social partners.

Trade unions previously insisted on a minimum wage of at least €1,125 and warned that a lower level could lead to mass protests and increased labor conflicts.

The government calls the decision a “balanced step” that considers both the protection of workers’ income and the sustainability of the economy.

The Employers’ Association (OEB), in turn, criticized the increase, noting that raising the minimum wage could lead to higher business costs and affect consumer prices.

How the minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus has changed

The minimum wage in the Republic of Cyprus was introduced relatively recently and is gradually revised.

• From 1 January 2023 — a national minimum wage of €940 was introduced after six months of work.
• From 1 January 2024 — the minimum wage was increased to €1,000 for employees with more than six months of experience.
• From 1 January 2026 — increased to €1,088 (after six months) and €979 (up to six months).

The minimum wage in Cyprus does not automatically apply to all professions: collective agreements and other forms of wage regulation exist for certain sectors.

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