Is there a minimum wage in Cyprus?
Yes — a national minimum wage (introduced 1 Jan 2023). From 1 January 2026, the minimum gross wage is €979 a month on hiring, rising to €1,088 a month after 6 continuous months with the same employer (decree of 23 Dec 2025). That's an 8.8% increase on the 2025 rates of €900/€1,000. It's a gross figure for full-time work; part-time staff get it pro-rata. It covers the majority of private-sector sectors. In short: yes, with the two levels €979 and €1,088.
📋 The rules
- On hiring: €979/month (2026)
- After 6 continuous months: €1,088/month
- An 8.8% rise on 2025
- Gross figure for full-time work
- Part-time: pro-rata
🔓 Exceptions
- Excluded: hotel staff, domestic workers
- Excluded: agriculture/farming, seafarers
- "After 6 months" = continuous, same employer
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The 2026 figures are €979 (start) / €1,088 (after 6 months) gross per month — roughly €13,056/year over 12 payments at the higher rate; set 23 Dec 2025, effective 1 Jan 2026. Underpayment is pursued via the Department of Labour Relations and the courts. Beware a myth: "the minimum wage applies to everyone in Cyprus" is false — hotel, domestic, agricultural and maritime workers are expressly excluded, and the €1,088 rate only applies after six continuous months with the same employer. Tip: count your continuous months — changing jobs can reset the six-month clock.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
How high is the minimum wage in 2026?
From 1 January 2026, the national minimum gross wage is €979 a month on hiring, rising to €1,088 after six continuous months with the same employer. That's an 8.8% increase on 2025.
Does it apply to all workers?
No. Hotel staff, domestic workers, agricultural and farming workers and seafarers are excluded, as they're covered by their own collective agreements or legislation. It applies to the other private-sector sectors.
What does "after 6 months" mean?
It means six continuous months of employment with the same employer. Once completed, the wage rises from €979 to €1,088. If you change employer, the six-month period can start again.
Does it apply to part-time work?
Yes, but pro-rata. The minimum wage is set as a gross figure for full-time work. Part-time workers are entitled to a proportionate amount based on their hours.
What if I'm paid less?
Underpayment below the legal minimum wage is handled via the Department of Labour Relations and, if necessary, the courts. You can claim the difference up to the correct amount.
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