Cyprus for consultants and freelancers — the cleanest single-founder structure in the EU

Honestly — not always. At €100k revenue with simple expenses, the running cost (€7–€10k/yr) eats a meaningful share of the tax saving. The break-even is typically around €120–€150k of net consulting profit, depending on home country. Below that, simpler arrangements (e.g. continued sole-trader status with personal Cyprus residency only) often win. We're honest on the first call — if it's not worth it, we say so.

For a consultant new to Cyprus eligible for the 50% expat exemption: pay yourself €60–€90k base (claim the 50% exemption, drop into a low PIT effective rate), then dividend the rest at 0% non-dom. For someone already Cyprus-resident not eligible for the 50% exemption: a smaller salary (€22–€30k, into the nil-rate / 20% band) plus larger dividend draw is typically optimal. We model both for your specific situation.

For a single-founder consulting Ltd, a virtual / serviced office (which we provide as part of the registered-office service) is usually sufficient. If you bring senior staff under the 50% expat exemption, real office space becomes preferable to defend substance — but for a solo consultant, no.

For a clean transition, yes — for 60–90 days. Beyond that you risk dual-residency disputes ("is this person really tax-resident in Cyprus or still here?"). We recommend novating all live engagements within 90 days of the move and pinning a transition cut-off date in writing.