Become a Cyprus tax resident
— pay 0% on dividends for up to 17 years
Non-dom status, residence permit, personal tax file and (if needed) a Cyprus company with bank account. All designed together and delivered by a licensed law firm — under the 183-day rule or the 60-day rule. From €1,400.
40+ yrs
Legal Experience
50+
Countries Served
0%
Dividend Tax (Non-Dom)
17 yrs
Non-Dom Duration
The Cyprus tax advantage
Residency rules, non-dom benefits and 2026 reforms — at a glance
The building blocks of your Cyprus tax plan — all applied as part of our end-to-end relocation service.
Working Harder, Keeping Less?
You built something great. Your tax system shouldn’t punish you for it.
You’re working harder than ever, but your government takes 40–50% before you see a cent.
Tax rates keep rising, but the quality of services and infrastructure doesn’t improve.
Remote work means you CAN choose where to live — but immigration bureaucracy stops you.
You know Cyprus is an option, but you don’t know where to start or who to trust.
Why Cyprus?
One of the most competitive tax jurisdictions in the EU
15% Corporate Tax Rate
One of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU. Predictable, straightforward, and competitive for businesses of all sizes.
EU Member State
Full EU membership since 2004. Access to the single market, freedom of movement, and the credibility of an EU-incorporated company.
IP Box Regime (~3% Effective Rate)
Qualifying intellectual property income taxed at an effective rate of roughly 3% under the nexus-compliant regime. Covers software, patents, utility models and plant-breeders' rights. Marketing intangibles (trademarks, brands) are excluded.
60+ Double Tax Treaties
An extensive network of double tax treaties with over 60 countries, eliminating double taxation and reducing withholding taxes.
No Withholding Tax
No withholding tax on dividends, interest, or royalties paid to non-residents. Your profits flow freely to shareholders worldwide.
English-Speaking Business Hub
English is widely spoken in business, law, and government. Common law legal system. A familiar environment for international entrepreneurs.
Cyprus tax advantages
The tax position of a Cyprus non-dom resident — in numbers
The reason founders and investors move themselves here. Every figure below is in the Cyprus tax code today, not a promotional brochure.
0%
Tax on dividends (non-dom)
As a Cyprus tax resident who is not Cyprus-domiciled, dividends from anywhere in the world pay 0% Special Defence Contribution. Same for interest and rental income.
For 17 years
60
Days a year to be tax resident
The 60-day rule lets mobile founders become Cyprus tax resident with just 60 days a year on the island — provided you aren't tax resident anywhere else and meet the Cyprus-ties conditions.
50%
Salary exemption above €55k
First-time Cyprus employees earning over €55,000 a year get a 50% income-tax exemption on their salary for 17 years. Halves the tax on active-employment income.
For 17 years
€22,000
Tax-free personal income
The first €22,000 of your personal income is taxed at 0% under the 2026 reform. Top rate is 35% above €72,000 — no surcharges, no solidarity levy.
From 1 January 2026
None
Inheritance and gift tax
Cyprus has had no inheritance or gift tax for decades. Wealth transfer within the family — during your lifetime or after — is outside the Cyprus tax net entirely.
None
Wealth or net-worth tax
No annual wealth tax, no solidarity surcharge on wealth, no securities-account tax. Your net worth is not taxed for simply existing.
None
Annual recurrent property tax
Cyprus abolished its annual property tax in 2017. You pay transfer fees when you buy and modest municipal rates — nothing on holding the property year after year.
Abolished 2017
0%
Capital gains on shares
Personal capital gains on shares are outside Cyprus tax — with the narrow exception of shares in companies holding Cyprus real estate. Your portfolio grows tax-free.
5%
Flat rate on foreign pensions
Foreign pension income above a small annual threshold can be taxed at a flat 5% in Cyprus — one of the lowest pension tax treatments in the EU.
These are the general rules under Cyprus tax law for 2026. Your eligibility for any regime (non-dom, IP Box, 50% exemption) depends on your specific facts — we confirm what applies to you on the free 30-minute call.
Life in Cyprus
Beyond the tax math — why families actually stay
Tax moves people in. Life keeps them here. Nine research-backed reasons families settle — and rarely look back.
Climate
340+ sunny days a year — ranked #1 climate globally
Cyprus averages more than 340 sunny days. Winter lows rarely drop below 13–15°C on the coast, summers run 30–36°C. Sea swimmable from April through November.
Source: WhereNext Best Climate Rankings 2026
Safety
Among the 15 safest countries in the world
Ranked 13th globally for safety, homicide rate of 0.4–0.8 per 100,000 people. Low violent-crime environment; families notice the difference within weeks of arriving.
Source: Global Finance — World's Safest Countries 2026
Language
English everywhere, common-law legal system
English is the default business language, widely spoken in daily life, and used across courts and contracts. Cyprus inherited its legal framework from the UK — familiar for founders from UK, Ireland, US and Commonwealth countries.
Healthcare
Universal public healthcare plus strong private
GESY has covered the whole resident population since 2019 at roughly 2.65% of income. Cyprus has one of the EU's lowest death-rates from preventable causes. Private insurance adds €150–€300 per adult per month — about half of Western Europe.
Source: WHO Cyprus Health System Review 2024
Schools
British, American and IB schools across the island
British curriculum (IGCSE, A-Levels), American, and International Baccalaureate options in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. Established institutions with long waitlists filled largely by children of relocating founders.
Cost of living
~15% cheaper than Germany, materially cheaper than the UK
A couple lives comfortably on €1,700–€2,200/month in Paphos, Larnaca or Nicosia (€2,200–€2,800 in Limassol). Cost of living roughly 15% below Germany excluding rent; significantly below the UK.
Source: Numbeo Cost-of-Living Index Feb 2026
EU status
Full EU Member State since 2004
Free movement across 27 countries, EU consumer protections, EU banking rules, and — after naturalisation — an EU passport. Euro-denominated, no capital controls, modern SEPA-connected banks.
Connectivity
Two airports, direct flights to 30+ destinations
Direct flights from Larnaca and Paphos to London, Paris, Frankfurt, Athens, Dubai, Tel Aviv, Milan, Venice, Barcelona and Beirut. Most of Europe, the Gulf and the Levant sit inside a 4-hour flight radius.
Expat scene
Third most popular expat destination in the EU
Large established UK, Russian, Israeli, German, French and Scandinavian communities. Easy to find your circle quickly — international meetups, founder networks, and schools run in English.
Source: EU expat-destination surveys 2025-26
What You Get
Everything you need to relocate and become a Cyprus tax resident
0% Tax on Dividends (Non-Dom)
As a non-domiciled resident, you pay 0% Special Defence Contribution on dividends for up to 17 years.
183-Day or 60-Day Rule
Two paths to tax residency. Spend 183 days, or just 60 days if you meet the criteria. We help you pick the right one.
Immigration for You + Family
We handle residence permits for you, your spouse, and your children. One firm, one process, no outsourcing.
Company Formation Included
Need a Cyprus company too? Our relocation packages include full company registration, banking, and tax setup.
Non-Dom Status for 17 Years
The non-dom regime exempts you from SDC on dividends, interest, and rental income for 17 years from becoming a tax resident.
One-Stop Shop
Immigration, tax residency, company formation, accounting, audit, and payroll. Everything coordinated through Zeno under one engagement.
How It Works
Most clients complete their relocation in 60-90 days
Free Strategy Call
We assess your eligibility, family situation, and business structure. We recommend the best residency path.
We Handle Everything
Immigration filing, tax residency, non-dom registration, company formation, banking — all handled by our licensed legal team.
You’re a Cyprus Tax Resident
0% tax on dividends. Fully operational company. Bank accounts open. Welcome to your new tax home.
Built for your home country
Where are you relocating from?
Pick your country to see the typical tax gap versus Cyprus and how we handle the source-country exit plan.
Moving from
United Kingdom
Dividends taxed up to 39.35% + 25% corporation tax above £250k profits. Cyprus non-dom: 0% on dividends, 15% company-level.
Typical outcome: Typical UK SaaS founder saves €80–€120k per year on distributed profits.
Post-engagement clarity
What happens in your first 48 hours
No “we’ll be in touch”. Every client gets a concrete, named sequence of actions in the first two business days — so you know exactly what to expect, from whom, and when.
- Within 1 hour
Written scope-of-work and fixed-fee quote covering immigration + tax + (if needed) company
Your dedicated lawyer
- Same business day
KYC pack + relocation questionnaire sent via secure portal (nationality, family, current tax residency, exit-tax exposure)
- Day 1–2
Residence-permit document checklist and rental-agreement requirements sent
- Day 2–5
Immigration file prepared; tax-residency and non-dom forms drafted for your review
- Day 5–15
Residence permit filed (MEU1 / Pink Slip); Cyprus TIN + non-dom declaration submitted
- Week 4–12
Residence certificate issued; tax residency activated; first personal tax filing scheduled
Real Results for Real Entrepreneurs
Names changed for confidentiality. Tax savings are illustrative and depend on individual circumstances.
UK Tech Founder Relocates
Before
45% income tax + 25% corp tax in the UK on GBP 200K income.
After (Cyprus)
Cyprus tax resident with non-dom status. 15% corp tax, 0% dividends.
Annual Savings
~€60,000/yr
Setup Time
10 weeks
Digital Nomad Uses 60-Day Rule
Before
Canadian freelancer paying ~53% combined tax on CAD 180K.
After (Cyprus)
60-day rule tax residency. Spends 60 days in Cyprus, rest traveling.
Annual Savings
~€35,000/yr
Setup Time
8 weeks
German Family Moves to Cyprus
Before
42% income tax + solidarity surcharge in Germany.
After (Cyprus)
183-day rule. Non-dom status. Company + family immigration handled.
Annual Savings
~€80,000/yr
Setup Time
12 weeks
Ready to Relocate?
Book a free strategy call. We assess your eligibility and recommend the best path.
Who Is This For?
Relocating Professionals
You and your family are moving to Cyprus and need tax residency, non-dom status, and a company set up.
Digital Nomads
You want Cyprus tax residency under the 60-day rule while traveling the world. Spend just 60 days a year on the island.
Remote Entrepreneurs
You run an online business from abroad and want to combine a low-tax EU company with personal tax residency.
Investors & HNW Individuals
You have passive income from dividends, interest, or rental income and want to benefit from 0% SDC under the non-dom regime.
Transparent Pricing
3 fixed-fee packages. Residence-permit fees and VAT itemised below.
Immigration & Tax Residency
For individuals relocating to Cyprus (EU or non-EU nationals) who want to obtain a residence permit, register as a Cyprus tax resident, and secure non-dom status under the 183-day rule — without setting up a company.
No annual renewal fee
What's included
- Preparation and submission of all documents for Residence Permit (Yellow Slip or Pink Slip)
- Accompanying to the Cyprus Immigration Department
- Preparation and submission of all documents for Cyprus tax residency registration
- Preparation and submission of all documents for non-dom status registration
- Tax residency and non-dom certificates
Company Registration + Tax Relocation (183-day rule)
For individuals relocating to Cyprus who want to become Cyprus tax residents with non-dom status under the 183-day rule (living in Cyprus more than 183 days per year), and who want to set up a Cyprus company and act as their own director.
Annual renewal: €2,000 + VAT
What's included
- Everything in Immigration & Tax Residency
- Complimentary ongoing tax guidance
- Personal bank account opening (local bank)
- Preparation and submission of annual personal tax return
- Company Name Application, incorporation documents and certified certificates
- Expedited company registration (5–10 days)
- UBO Registration
- Corporate Tax Registration (TIN)
- VAT, VIES, OSS Registration
- Nominee Secretary
- Registered Office
- Online Corporate Bank Account Opening
- AML Report
- UBO Registry Update
Company Registration + Tax Relocation (60-day rule)
For individuals relocating to Cyprus under the 60-day rule (spending at least 60 days but less than 183 days per year in Cyprus) who want to become Cyprus tax residents with non-dom status, and who want to set up a Cyprus company managed remotely through a nominee director.
Annual renewal: €3,900 + VAT
What's included
- Everything in the 183-day rule package
- Nominee Director
- Local Corporate Bank Account Opening
Why Zeno, Not Someone Else?
Most agents handle formation only. We handle your entire Cyprus setup.
| zeno | Typical Agent | DIY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed law firm | |||
| Company formation | |||
| Immigration handling | |||
| Tax residency setup | |||
| Non-dom registration | |||
| Bank account opening | Extra fee | ||
| Accounting & audit | Extra fee | ||
| Ongoing compliance | |||
| Fixed, transparent fees | Varies | N/A | |
| Dedicated legal contact |
Honest comparison
How Cyprus stacks up against Portugal, Malta & the UAE
Cyprus is excellent for some profiles — and not for others. The table below is the same one we’d draw for you on a call. It’s honest, not a sales pitch.
CyprusFocus
- Dividend tax (personal)
- 0% (non-dom, up to 17 yrs)
- Corporate tax
- 15% (from 2026)
- Days needed for residency
- 60-day rule available
- Non-dom / preferential window
- 17 years, extendable to 27 (€250k per 5-yr block)
- IP regime
- ~3% effective (IP Box)
- Important context
- EU member; robust treaty network (65+)
Portugal (IFICI)
- Dividend tax (personal)
- 0% on foreign dividends (10 yrs)
- Corporate tax
- 21% standard
- Days needed for residency
- 183-day rule only
- Non-dom / preferential window
- 10 years (IFICI regime)
- IP regime
- No dedicated IP regime post-NHR
- Important context
- NHR replaced by IFICI in 2024; narrower scope
Malta
- Dividend tax (personal)
- Effective ~5% after refund
- Corporate tax
- 35% headline, refunded down
- Days needed for residency
- 183-day rule
- Non-dom / preferential window
- Indefinite, but remittance basis
- IP regime
- No IP Box equivalent
- Important context
- Remittance basis — foreign income only taxed if remitted
UAE
- Dividend tax (personal)
- 0% on dividends
- Corporate tax
- 9% (0% under AED 375k)
- Days needed for residency
- 90-day rule
- Non-dom / preferential window
- n/a — personal tax absent
- IP regime
- n/a
- Important context
- Non-EU; limited treaty network; substance rules for free zones
Figures reflect published rates at time of writing. The right answer for you depends on your source of income, family situation, home-country exit rules and time horizon — which is exactly what the 30-minute call is for.
The promise
Our no-surprises promise
Legal services have earned a reputation for hidden fees and slow replies. We designed Zeno to be the opposite — on purpose.
Published fixed fee
The price on our pricing page is the price on your engagement letter. No hourly billing, no surprise invoices, no upsells mid-engagement.
24-hour response SLA
We reply to every enquiry within 24 business hours — and usually faster. If you book a call, you speak to a partner, not an intake rep.
Written scope before you commit
After the consultation, you get a written fixed-fee proposal within 24 hours — no obligation to proceed, no card on file, no clock running.
Legal work by independent Cyprus Bar-licensed advocates · Licensed-professional-led · Professional indemnity insurance in place
By country of origin
Country-specific Cyprus relocation guides
Every country has a different exit playbook. We maintain dedicated 2026-verified guides for the rules that apply where you live today and the Cyprus rules that apply once you move — with inline citations to the relevant tax authority.
From United Kingdom
Post non-dom abolition + 10-year IHT tail
From Germany
Wegzugsteuer + §2 AStG planning
From Netherlands
Box 2 31% + 30%-ruling cut to 27%
From Portugal
NHR closed, IFICI narrow
From Italy
33% crypto 2026 + IVIE/IVAFE
From Spain
45–54% IRPF + Wealth Tax
From France
PFU 31.4% + CDHR 20% floor
From Greece
Law 5246/2025 scale + ENFIA
From Poland
19% Belka + solidarity levy
From Austria
55% top + 27.5% KESt
From Belgium
New 10% CGT from 2026
Your country not here? Book a free consultation and we’ll brief you in writing on your specific exit rules within 24 hours.
Find your fit
Which relocation package fits your move?
Four quick questions — non-EU vs EU, days in Cyprus, Cyprus company needed, family composition. We tell you which package fits, and why.
Package Finder
Not sure which package is right for you?
Answer a few specific questions and we’ll recommend the right package — with the reasoning, so you know why it fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Only Need a Company?
If you only need a Cyprus company without relocating, check our company registration packages.
View Company RegistrationStart Your Relocation
Book a free strategy call. We respond within 24 hours.