Cyprus among top 6 EU countries for number of Ukrainian refugees per capita

Cyprus is among the European Union countries that have received the highest number of Ukrainian refugees relative to its population, according to official data from Eurostat and the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus.

As of mid-2025, about 23,000 Ukrainian citizens with temporary protection live on the island. This corresponds to approximately 24 refugees per thousand residents, placing Cyprus in the top six EU countries by relative intake.

The financial burden associated with supporting Ukrainian refugees is estimated at €44.4 million over the past two years. In 2022, the government allocated €10.1 million, and in 2023 — €29.3 million. In addition, under the guaranteed minimum income program, €1.8 million was paid in 2023 and €2.1 million in 2024.

According to the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, most funds were directed to housing, social benefits, medical services, and integration programs. Part of the funding came from European Union funds, but a significant portion was borne by the Cypriot state budget.

Authorities note that, despite limited resources, Cyprus remains one of the EU countries with the most active stance in receiving and supporting people who left Ukraine after the war began. Government representatives emphasize that the republic “carries a burden disproportionately high for its size” and expect a fairer distribution of responsibility among EU countries.

Experts point out that in absolute numbers the number of Ukrainians in Cyprus is small compared to Germany, Poland, or the Czech Republic, but given the island’s population, the proportion of arrivals is among the highest in Europe.