Cyprus has witnessed a steady drop in unemployment as of December 2025, with the latest figures indicating a reduction in the number of jobless individuals compared to both the previous month and the same time last year. This positive trend reflects easing pressures in key economic sectors.
December Figures Highlight Significant Changes
According to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) on Wednesday, the number of unemployed persons registered at District Labour Offices reached 11,901 on the final day of December 2025. This figure marks a notable decrease from November’s 12,382 registered unemployed.
When considering seasonally adjusted data, which provides a clearer picture of the underlying trend, registered unemployment fell to 9,916 in December, down from 10,013 in November. This represents a continuation of the declining trend observed throughout the year.
Year-on-Year Improvement
In terms of annual comparisons, December 2025’s unemployment figures show a significant decline of 481 persons, equating to a 3.9% decrease from December 2024’s total of 12,382. This annual improvement has largely been attributed to reductions in unemployment across various sectors, including construction, accommodation and food services, trade, and manufacturing.
Fluctuations Throughout 2025
The number of registered unemployed in Cyprus experienced fluctuations during 2025, reaching a peak of 13,147 in January before declining to a low of 7,099 in October. The trend then reversed towards the year’s end, culminating in the December figures. Seasonally adjusted data illustrates a gradual decline in unemployment, from 10,356 in January to 9,916 in December.
Sector-Specific Unemployment Trends
Unemployment rates varied significantly by economic sector in December 2025. The accommodation and food services sector reported the highest number of unemployed individuals, totalling 4,303, down from 4,439 in December 2024 but higher than November’s count of 3,642.
- Wholesale and Retail Trade: Unemployment rose to 1,651 in December, an increase from 1,569 in November but still lower than the 1,753 recorded a year earlier.
- Construction: This sector continued its recovery, with registered unemployment decreasing to 387, down from 411 in November and 533 in December 2024.
- Manufacturing: The number of unemployed in manufacturing was 474, slightly up from 458 in November but significantly lower than the 559 reported in December 2024.
- Transportation and Storage: This sector saw an increase to 671 unemployed, compared to 611 in November, staying in line with the previous year’s figure of 670.
- Information and Communication: Unemployment increased slightly to 402, compared to 399 in November and 384 in December 2024.
- Financial and Insurance Activities: This sector experienced a decrease in unemployment, with 365 registered, down from 370 in November and 388 in December 2024.
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities: Unemployment fell to 787, slightly below November’s 813, but above December 2024’s 694.
- Public Administration and Defence: Unemployment rose to 739 in December, up from 594 in November and 726 a year ago.
- Education: The number of unemployed remained stable at 260, similar to November’s 265 and December 2024’s 258.
- Human Health and Social Work Activities: This sector saw a slight decrease to 283, down from 285 in November but above the previous year’s figure of 260.
- Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: Unemployment rose to 268, compared to 263 in November and 280 in December 2024.
- Other Service Activities: This category saw an increase to 271, up from 253 in November but lower than the 300 recorded in December 2024.
Decline in Newcomers to the Labour Market
The number of newcomers to the labour market registering as unemployed also saw a decline, with 254 individuals recorded in December 2025, compared to 256 in November and 373 in December 2024. Cystat clarified that registered unemployment includes individuals aged 15 and over who actively seek work and are available for employment.
Understanding the Data
The monthly unemployment figures reflect those who held an active job application on the last day of the month. It is important to note that these statistics do not account for self-employed individuals, those seeking part-time employment, or individuals looking for work in specific areas or with specific employers.
