Cyprus youth employment exceeds EU average as young adults leave home later

Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded a youth employment rate of 72.3 per cent among people aged 20 to 29 in 2025, above the European Union average of 65.5 per cent, according to Eurostat data published this week. Young people in Cyprus left their parental home at an average age of 27, compared with 26.3 years across the EU.

Employment and independent living

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led with 85.3 per cent, followed by the Netherlands with 84.0 per cent and Malta with 82.1 per cent.

Switzerland recorded a rate of 78.3 per cent, followed by Germany at 77.0 per cent, Norway at 76.5 per cent, Ireland at 76.1 per cent, Denmark at 74.8 per cent and Austria at 74.6 per cent.

Eurostat said there was a broad relationship between youth employment and the age at which young people leave home, with countries where young adults leave earlier generally recording higher employment rates.

EU comparisons

Finland recorded the lowest average age for leaving the parental home, at 21.4 years. Denmark followed at 21.8 years, while Estonia and Lithuania both recorded an average age of 22.7 years.

Croatia recorded the highest average age, at 31.5 years. Greece and Slovakia followed at 30.9 years, while Spain and Italy recorded 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average age at which young people left the parental home remained close to 26 years since 2002, increasing from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus labour market

The figures come as Cyprus’ labour market has shown signs of cooling, although the country’s vacancy rate remains above the European average.