Cyprus had the second highest rate of residence permits issued to non-EU minors in 2024 relative to its population after Malta, according to the latest Eurostat data.
In particular, according to the data, the European Union granted a total of 540,445 first residence permits to minors under the age of 18, with Cyprus ranking second in relative terms, after Malta.
Cyprus, with 2,584 permits per 100,000 minors along with Malta (3,379 permits per 100,000 minors) and Luxembourg (1,861), stands out for its high number of residence permits issued to minors relative to its population. In absolute numbers, Germany (138,692 permits), Spain (107,828), and Italy (60,125) lead the list.
Syrian children account for 12% of permits, followed by Morocco (7%) and Ukraine (6%).
The reason quoted for the granting of residence permits was 66% for family reunification, while 30% were related to international protection.