Why Cyprus is the Perfect Place for Tax Minimization

Anastasia Taran
Head of Corporate Services
Reading time 5 minutes
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14 10.2024

In today’s world, every entrepreneur and investor aims to manage their financial and tax obligations effectively. When it comes to choosing a country with a favorable tax system, Cyprus stands out as a top choice, offering unique opportunities for tax optimization.

For many years, Cyprus has been the destination of choice for international businesspeople and investors, and it’s easy to see why. The island is known for its favorable tax conditions, making it an ideal jurisdiction for obtaining significant tax benefits. However, it’s important to note that Cyprus is no longer considered an offshore zone. Today, the country fully adheres to all European Union directives, including anti-money laundering rules and tax transparency regulations. This makes Cyprus a reliable jurisdiction that offers a high degree of financial security and stability for businesses.

In this article, we’ll explore why Cyprus is the right choice for those looking to minimize taxes and maximize profits.

Advantages of the Tax System in Cyprus

 

Cyprus offers attractive tax rates and incentives, making it particularly appealing for foreign nationals:

  • Low Corporate Tax Rate — Just 12.5%
    One of the key reasons for Cyprus’s popularity is its low corporate tax rate of just 12.5%. For comparison, the standard corporate tax rate is 21% in Portugal, 25% in Spain, 25% in France, 24% in Italy, and 24% in Austria. Therefore, for companies looking to minimize tax expenses, Cyprus offers more favorable conditions. Learn more: When a Cypriot company brings maximum benefits
  • Zero Tax on Dividends
    If you own a business or are an investor, Cyprus is an ideal jurisdiction. Here, you can receive dividends without paying additional taxes. In other countries, such as Portugal or Spain, dividends can be taxed at rates as high as 28%, reducing overall investment returns.
  • Competitive Personal Income Tax Rates — 0% to 35%
    Cyprus has a progressive personal income tax rate, with a maximum rate of 35%. Additionally, the first €19,500 of income is tax-free, significantly reducing the tax burden. In contrast, the maximum personal income tax rates in Portugal and Spain are 48% and 47%, respectively, making Cyprus a more competitive jurisdiction in terms of personal income tax.
  • Simplified Tax Regime for Professionals
    Cyprus offers unique tax incentives for foreign professionals, allowing for a 50% tax exemption on income if your annual earnings exceed €55,000.
  • Low Social Contributions
    Employer and employee contributions in Cyprus are also among the lowest in the European Union. The total contributions amount to about 14.9% of the salary paid by the employer and 10.95% of the salary received by the employee. This makes employment in Cyprus advantageous for both workers and employers.

Additional Tax Benefits in Cyprus

In addition to low tax rates, Cyprus offers a range of additional benefits that further reduce your tax obligations:

  • Exemption from Inheritance and Gift Tax
    Under Cyprus law, the transfer of assets by inheritance or as a gift is not taxed, making Cyprus an attractive jurisdiction for estate planning.
  • No Annual Property Tax
    Cyprus legislation does not impose an annual property tax, making this jurisdiction appealing to real estate investors.
  • Exemption from Capital Gains Tax on Share Sales
    Capital gains from the sale of shares in companies are not taxed in Cyprus, except when the company owns real estate in Cyprus. This provision makes Cyprus attractive to investors involved in international corporate transactions.

Avoidance of Double Taxation

One of Cyprus’s significant advantages is its active policy of signing bilateral agreements to avoid double taxation with many countries worldwide. This ensures that income earned in one country will not be taxed again in another, significantly simplifying international business operations.

Ease of Obtaining Tax Residency in Cyprus

The process of obtaining tax residency in Cyprus is straightforward and clear. You can gain tax residency and enjoy all the benefits with just 60 days of presence on the island per year, along with meeting other requirements. This flexibility makes Cyprus especially attractive for individuals conducting international business and frequently moving between different countries.

In conclusion, Cyprus offers a unique combination of low tax rates, flexibility in obtaining residency, and numerous double taxation agreements, making it the perfect jurisdiction for minimizing tax burdens.

Don’t miss the opportunity to take advantage of these benefits for your business and personal finances!

Contact our specialists for legal consultation and learn how to make the most of Cyprus’s tax system for your business and personal finances.

 

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