Minimum wage higher in occupied areas compared to free areas

In the occupied areas, the competent committee set the minimum wage for the first half of 2026 at 60,618 TL (approximately €1,237) gross and 52,738 TL (approximately €1,076) net. In Cyprus, the minimum wage from January 1, 2026 amounts to €1,088 gross for full employment.

Therefore, there is a difference of €149 in favor of the occupied areas.

Trade unions in the occupied areas announced that they would appeal against the decision. The "Minister of Labor", Oguzhan Hasipoglu, announced that only those paid the minimum wage will receive a subsidy of 12,000 TL (€245), half of which will be paid in advance over six months. The subsidy concerns "citizens of the TRNC" with insurance contributions based on the minimum wage.

The aim is to complete the increase of the minimum wage by 18.39% to 22.90% and to protect workers, according to the "Minister".

Ahmet Serdaroglu, president of the Hür-İş union, called the increase a "ridiculously low percentage" and said they would oppose it.