Why Move to Cyprus?

Cyprus is an appealing European jurisdiction, located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and offering a warm climate and attractive beaches. Situated off the southern coast of Turkey, Cyprus is accessible from Europe, Asia and Africa. Nicosia is the centrally located capital of the Republic of Cyprus. The official language is Greek, with English also being widely spoken.

Cyprus offers a palette of personal tax incentives for expatriates and high net worth individuals relocating to Cyprus.

Personal Taxation

  • Tax Residence in 183 days

If an individual becomes tax resident in Cyprus by spending more than 183 days in Cyprus in any one calendar year, they will be taxed on income arising in Cyprus and also on foreign source income. Any foreign taxes paid can be credited against the personal income tax liability in Cyprus.

  • Tax Residence under the 60 Day Tax Rule

An additional scheme has been implemented whereby individuals can become tax resident in Cyprus by spending a minimum of 60 days in Cyprus, provided that certain criteria are met.

  • Non-Domicile Tax Regime

Individuals who were not previously tax resident can also apply for non-domicile status. Individuals who qualify under the Non-Domicile Regime are exempt from tax on; interest*, dividends*, capital gains* (apart from capital gains derived from the sale of immovable property in Cyprus), and capital sums received from pension, provident and insurance funds. In addition, there is no wealth and no inheritance tax in Cyprus.

*subject to contributions to the national health system at the rate of 2.65%

Income Tax Exemption: Moving to Cyprus to Take up Employment

An exemption of 50% of employment remuneration is available to an individual employed in Cyprus who was resident outside Cyprus before he/she commenced employment in Cyprus. The exemption applies for a period of 10 years starting from the first year of employment in Cyprus, provided that the income from such employment exceeds €100,000 per year.

The Cyprus Action Plan for the year 2022, provides for the tax exemptions that currently apply to foreign highly skilled employees in the Republic, to be extended up to a maximum of 17 years.

The existing 50% tax exemption is also being extended to cover new resident employees, with an annual employment salary of €55,000 or more.

As of February 2022, the relevant legislation for the extended tax exemption is in the process of being submitted and approved.

Nil/Reduced Withholding Tax on Income Received from Abroad

Cyprus has more than 65 tax treaties that provide for nil or reduced withholding tax rates on; dividends, interest, royalties and pensions received from abroad.

Lump sums received as a retirement gratuity are exempt from tax.

In addition, a Cypriot tax resident, receiving pension income from abroad may choose to be taxed at a flat rate of 5%, on amounts exceeding €3,420 per year.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.