Minimum wage in Cyprus to rise to €1,088 from January 1, 2026

The Cypriot government has approved a new minimum wage level. From January 1, 2026, the minimum pay will amount to €1,088 for employees with more than six months of service (previously €1,000). For those working less than six months, the rate will increase from €900 to €979.

The decision immediately triggered a sharp reaction from trade unions: they had previously warned that a figure below €1,125 could lead to “dynamic” protests and a new wave of labor conflicts.

The government calls the increase a “balanced step” and estimates the rise at about 8.8%, expecting it to affect around 50,000 low-paid workers. At the same time, the employers’ association (OEB) criticized the decision, stating that it could raise business costs and affect prices.