Become a Cyprus tax resident
— pay 0% SDC on dividends for up to 17 years
Eligibility depends on tax residence and domicile. GHS contributions may still apply to dividends. Tax Department: GHS contributions
Non-dom status, residence permit, personal tax file and (if needed) a Cyprus company with bank account. All designed together and coordinated with independent Cyprus Bar-licensed advocates — under the 183-day rule or the 60-day rule. From €1,950 for the EU/EEA/Swiss individual package; company bundles and non-EU routes cost more.
Cyprus
Legal Support
Fixed fees
Published in Advance
0%
Dividend SDC (Eligible Non-Doms)
17 yrs
Non-Dom Duration
Working Harder, Keeping Less?
You built something great. Your tax system shouldn’t punish you for it.
Moving your home and moving your tax residence are different legal and factual questions.
A day count is only one part of the residence analysis, especially when another country may still claim residence.
Immigration routes, family permissions and tax registrations each have their own documents and processing times.
The order of departure-country and Cyprus steps matters when planning a move.
Why Cyprus?
One of the most competitive tax jurisdictions in the EU
15% Corporate Tax Rate from 2026
The standard Cyprus corporate income-tax rate is 15% from 2026 for tax-resident companies. Actual tax depends on income, reliefs and any other jurisdictions involved.
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
Cyprus has a network of double-tax treaties. Relief depends on the applicable treaty, beneficial ownership, residence and anti-abuse conditions; a treaty does not eliminate every tax.
Outbound Withholding: Check the Payment
Cyprus withholding treatment depends on the payment and recipient. Royalties used in Cyprus and certain payments to recipients in listed jurisdictions can trigger withholding or other restrictions; review each route before quoting a rate.
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%
Dividend SDC for eligible non-doms
A qualifying Cyprus tax resident who is not Cyprus-domiciled can receive dividends and relevant interest without Special Defence Contribution. Rental SDC was abolished for all taxpayers from 2026; income tax and GESY require separate review.
For 17 years
60
Days a year to be tax resident
The 60-day route requires more than a day count. We check the current statutory residence, Cyprus home and business/employment/office conditions and the facts of the tax year before assessing eligibility.
50%
Salary exemption above €55k
The 50% employment-income exemption requires the statutory remuneration, first-employment and prior non-residence tests. It applies to qualifying employment income for the permitted period; it does not halve every tax or contribution.
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 no general inheritance tax. Property transfer fees, stamp duties, capital-gains rules, probate costs and tax in another country can still matter for a transfer or estate.
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
The former national immovable-property tax was abolished. Local authority charges, sewerage fees and other property-related costs may still apply each year.
Abolished 2017
0%
Capital gains on shares
Gains on disposals of securities can be exempt under Cyprus rules, subject to the definition of securities and Cyprus immovable-property exceptions. Another jurisdiction may tax a resident or source-state gain.
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 tax: practical factors in a Cyprus move
Compare housing, schools, healthcare, transport and community for the city and family situation you actually have.
Climate
Mediterranean climate and coastal living
Cyprus offers a Mediterranean climate, coastal cities and outdoor activities. Consider the actual city, season and your family’s needs when planning a move.
Safety
Assess safety by neighbourhood and lifestyle
Visit the areas you are considering and review practical matters such as transport, housing and local services before choosing where to settle.
Language
English in many business settings
English is widely used in business, while Greek and Turkish are official languages. Confirm language requirements for any authority, court or contract process.
Healthcare
Public and private healthcare routes
GHS access and contributions depend on residence and insurance status. Private cover, waiting times and care needs should be assessed for each family member.
Schools
International school options
Schools offer different curricula in Cyprus. Admissions, available places, fees and commute times change by school and academic year.
Cost of living
Build a city-specific living budget
Housing, school fees, transport, healthcare and utilities vary markedly between locations and households. Use current quotes rather than a single national cost-of-living estimate.
EU status
EU member state since 2004
Cyprus is an EU member state using the euro. Individual rights to live, work, travel and access services depend on nationality and the relevant legal conditions.
Connectivity
Two international airports
Larnaca and Paphos provide international connections. Routes and frequencies vary by season, airline and destination.
Expat scene
International communities
Cyprus has established international communities and professional networks. Their fit depends on your work, family, language and preferred city.
What You Get
Everything you need to relocate and become a Cyprus tax resident
Dividend SDC Relief for Eligible Non-Doms
Qualifying Cyprus-resident non-doms may be exempt from Special Defence Contribution on dividends. GHS and tax in another country can still apply.
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
The written scope identifies the appropriate residence applications for you and any eligible family members, coordinated with independent immigration specialists.
Company Formation Included
The higher relocation packages include company formation and specified banking assistance; the individual relocation package does not. Provider approval and authority processing remain separate.
Non-Dom Status for 17 Years
Eligible Cyprus-resident non-doms can have SDC relief on dividends and relevant interest for the statutory period. Rental SDC ended for everyone from 2026; income tax and GHS remain separate.
One-Stop Shop
Zeno coordinates the services selected in your written scope with independent legal, tax and accounting professionals. You have one point of contact for the agreed work.
How It Works
Most clients complete their relocation in 60-90 days
Request a Free Consultation
Send us your situation. We reply to propose a call and identify the residence, family and business questions to review.
Agree the Scope and Sequence
The written scope specifies which immigration, tax, non-dom, company and banking steps are included, and which independent specialists handle them.
Complete the Applicable Steps
Residence, non-dom status, company registration and banking each require their own conditions, documents and processing. We track the agreed steps and explain what has been confirmed.
Built for your home country
Where are you relocating from?
Pick your country to see the issues that need checking before any tax comparison.
Moving from
United Kingdom
Review UK residence, company management, dividend timing and any continuing UK tax obligations before modelling a move.
What to check: The result depends on your personal residence, company structure and source of income.
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
Ready to Relocate?
Request a free consultation. We review your enquiry and arrange a call to discuss eligibility and possible routes.
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 travel regularly and want to test every statutory condition of the Cyprus 60-day residence route for your circumstances.
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 receive dividends or relevant interest and want to assess non-dom SDC relief. Rental SDC ended for all taxpayers in 2026; rental income tax and GESY still require review.
Transparent Pricing
3 fixed-fee packages. Residence-permit fees and VAT itemised below.
Immigration & Tax Residency
For individuals using the 183-day route without a company: EU, EEA or Swiss residence registration, or the applicable non-EU permit route at the published non-EU fee.
Annual renewal: From €350 + VAT
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
- Applications and evidence for tax-residency and non-dom confirmations, where eligible
- First Cyprus personal income tax return
- A written day-count plan and direct case contact
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: From €1,300 + VAT
What's included
- Everything in Immigration & Tax Residency
- Complimentary ongoing tax guidance
- Personal bank account application assistance; approval is the bank's decision
- Preparation and submission of annual personal tax return
- Company Name Application, incorporation documents and certified certificates
- Expedited Registrar filing and follow-up; processing time depends on the Registrar
- UBO Registration
- Corporate Tax Registration (TIN)
- VAT, VIES and OSS registration where applicable
- Nominee Secretary
- Registered Office
- Online corporate bank application assistance; approval is the provider's decision
- Second bank application without an extra professional fee if the first is declined
- AML Report
- UBO Registry Update
- Social insurance registration for the company and director
- Director payroll and related filings at no additional professional fee
- A named account manager and direct WhatsApp contact
Company Registration + Tax Relocation (60-day rule)
For eligible individuals spending at least 60 days in Cyprus who also meet every other 60-day-rule condition, and want a company with Cyprus-resident director support. A nominee director does not satisfy the individual's own Cyprus business, employment or office condition.
Annual renewal: From €2,200 + VAT
What's included
- Everything in the 183-day rule package
- Nominee Director
- Local corporate bank application assistance; approval is the bank's decision
- Partner oversight, board and shareholder resolutions, and reasonable document signing support
- Direct partner contact and same-business-day replies
Why Zeno, Not Someone Else?
Most agents handle formation only. We handle your entire Cyprus setup.
| zeno | Typical Agent | DIY | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar-licensed advocates on your file | |||
| 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 enquiries within 24 business hours and propose a time for a consultation when one is appropriate.
Written scope before you commit
Before paid work starts, we provide a written scope and fixed-fee proposal. There is no obligation to proceed after the free consultation.
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? Request a free consultation and we’ll brief you in writing on your specific exit rules after reviewing your enquiry.
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
Request a free consultation. We respond within 24 business hours.