Job vacancies in Cyprus totalled 13,905 during the first quarter of 2026, according to figures released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus.
The vacancy rate stood at 2.8% of all occupied and vacant positions across the economy, highlighting continued demand for workers in several key sectors.
The figures reflect vacancies available between January and March 2026 and provide an indication of labour market conditions across different industries.
Entertainment, construction and hospitality face biggest shortages
The highest vacancy rates were recorded in the sectors of arts, Entertainment and Recreation, where unfilled positions accounted for 5.1% of total jobs.
The construction sector followed with a vacancy rate of 4.7%, while accommodation and food service activities recorded a vacancy rate of 4.0%.
The data suggests that labour shortages remain particularly acute in industries that rely heavily on seasonal employment, specialised skills or service-based occupations.
New classification system introduced
The Statistical Service noted that, from the first quarter of 2026, vacancy data is being compiled using the revised NACE Rev. 2.1 Classification of Economic Activities.
As a result, the latest figures are not directly comparable with previous periods, which were based on the earlier NACE Rev. 2 classification.
To facilitate comparisons, the Statistical Service will continue publishing data under both classification systems throughout 2026 via its CYSTAT-DB online database.
Historical data series based on the new NACE Rev. 2.1 classification, covering the period from 2018 onwards, will be released once the necessary revision work has been completed.
Labour market remains resilient
Despite ongoing recruitment challenges in specific sectors, the vacancy rate of 2.8% points to sustained labour demand across the Cypriot economy.
Construction activity, tourism-related services and the entertainment sector continue to drive hiring needs, while employers across multiple industries face difficulties in filling available positions.
The latest data provides policymakers and businesses with a clearer picture of workforce needs as Cyprus navigates evolving labour market trends in 2026.
Also read: Cyprus banks cut 4,634 jobs and close 370 branches in ten years
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