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Cyprus, officially known as the Republic of Cyprus, is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Here are some important facts about Cyprus:

1. Geography: Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is situated at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, rugged coastlines, and picturesque mountain ranges, including the Troodos Mountains.

2. History and Culture: Cyprus has a rich and diverse history, influenced by various civilizations and empires, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. The country's cultural heritage is reflected in its architecture, traditional arts and crafts, music, and cuisine. The ancient city of Paphos, located on the southwestern coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Economy: Cyprus has a mixed-market economy with a strong services sector, including tourism, financial services, and shipping. The country is known as a major tourist destination, attracting visitors with its Mediterranean climate, historic sites, and natural beauty. Additionally, Cyprus is a member of the European Union and uses the Euro as its currency.

4. Citizenship and Residency: Cyprus offers various pathways to citizenship and residency. The Citizenship by Investment Program allows foreign investors to acquire Cypriot citizenship by making a significant investment in the country. The program offers several investment options, including real estate, business development, and government bonds. Cyprus also offers a Residency Program, which provides non-EU nationals with the opportunity to obtain a residence permit through a qualifying investment or other criteria.

5. International Relations: Cyprus is a member of several international organizations, including the United Nations, Commonwealth of Nations, and the European Union. The country has a complex geopolitical situation, with a division between the Greek Cypriot-controlled southern part and the Turkish Cypriot-controlled northern part. Efforts to reunify the island continue, and the United Nations maintains a peacekeeping mission in Cyprus.

 

Immigration Details

To immigrate to Cyprus, there are various visa types and pathways to consider. Here's an overview of the different aspects:

1. Visa Types:
- Tourist Visa: Allows for a temporary stay in Cyprus for tourism purposes. Typically granted for a specific period, such as 90 days.
- Work Visa/Permit: Required for individuals seeking employment in Cyprus. A work permit must be obtained by the employer on behalf of the employee.
- Student Visa: For individuals planning to study at recognized educational institutions in Cyprus.
- Residence Permit: Allows for long-term residence in Cyprus. There are several categories under which a residence permit can be obtained, such as employment, investment, and study.

2. Established Company:
- Cyprus offers opportunities for establishing a company or business.
- The capital requirements and legal forms depend on the type of company, business activities, and the legal framework.
- The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) provides information and guidance on company formation and investment opportunities.

3. Investment:
- Cyprus offers several investment programs that provide a pathway to residency or citizenship:
- Cyprus Investment Program: Through a qualifying investment in real estate, business, or government bonds, individuals and their families can obtain Cypriot citizenship.
- Cyprus Permanent Residence Program: Through a qualifying real estate investment, individuals can obtain permanent residency in Cyprus.
- Detailed information on investment amounts, fees, and requirements can be obtained from authorized agents or the relevant government authorities.

4. Real Estate:
- Investing in real estate is one of the pathways to obtain residency or citizenship in Cyprus.
- The Cyprus Investment Program and the Cyprus Permanent Residence Program both have real estate investment options.
- It is important to work with reputable real estate agents and legal professionals to navigate the real estate market and understand the requirements and procedures.

5. Work Permit:
- Foreigners seeking employment in Cyprus need a work permit.
- The process involves the employer obtaining the permit on behalf of the employee from the Department of Labour.
- Supporting documents such as a job offer letter, proof of qualifications, and a valid passport are typically required.

6. Study:
- Students interested in studying in Cyprus should apply for a student visa.
- The application process typically requires an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Cyprus, proof of financial means, and a valid passport.

7. Citizenship and Residency:
- The Cyprus Investment Program offers a pathway to Cypriot citizenship.
- The processing time for citizenship applications varies, but it typically takes several months to complete, including due diligence checks and processing time.
- Fees for the investment programs vary based on the investment option chosen and the number of dependents included in the application.

 

Location
Rank
  • VISA-FREE
    148
  • DUAL CITIZENSHIP
  • POPULATION
    1,295,102
  • Time To Citizenship
    8
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TAX

Cyprus has one of the most attractive onshore tax regimes in the EU, and is considered a prime location for business relocation.

Becoming a Cypriot citizen does not make you liable to any kind of taxes. To be a Cypriot tax resident you must spend more than 183 days a year in the country.

Tax residents in Cyprus are subject to personal income tax on their worldwide income. Rates are progressive up to 35% for annual income in excess of €60,000. Capital gains, other than those relating to Cyprus-located immovable property, are tax-exempt. Rental income is subject to tax at standard rates, although 20% of the gross rental income for rental of buildings is tax exempt.

Dividend and interest income are not subject to personal income tax, although individuals both residents and domiciled in Cyprus for tax purposes are subject to the Special Defence Contribution (SDC), which taxes dividends at a flat rate of 17% and interest at 30%. SDC also taxes rental income at an effective 2.25% tax rate.

Profits from disposals of shares, bonds, debentures, founders’ shares, and other titles of companies or other legal persons incorporated in Cyprus or abroad and options thereon, are unconditionally exempt from income tax.

Capital Gains accrued by individuals on the disposal of immovable property are subject to a capital gains tax of 20%. A minimum exempted applies to capital gains from the disposal of private residence, agricultural land by a farmer, gifts between spouses, children and third degree relatives, family companies, gifts to charities, exchange of properties, among others. Capital Gains from the disposal of shares in companies that own Cyprus-situated immovable property, when at least 50% of market value of the shares derives from immovable property, are subject to capital gains tax.

The standard VAT rate in Cyprus is 19%. Reduced rates of 9% and 5% apply to certain goods and services.

There are no net wealth, inheritance and estate duties in Cyprus. There is a stamp duty on all documents related to property.

On corporate taxation, Cyprus has one of the lowest tax rates in the European Union. Resident companies are taxed on their worldwide income at a corporate tax rate of 12.5%.

Dividends received are usually not subject to taxation. Capital Gains derived from the sales of shares are tax-exempt, those from immovable property may be taxed at a 20% rate.

In addition, under the intellectual property (IP) regime, 80% of the net profit for the exploitation of intellectual property may be tax-exempt.

As of April 5, 2019, the Cypriot House of Representatives adopted a new implementing the provisions of the European Union (EU) Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD). This introduces new rules on Controlled Foreign Corporations (CFCs), limits on the deductibility of exceeding borrowing costs and interest limitation rules that were previously absent.

There are no withholding taxes in Cyprus on payments on dividends and interests.

This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.

  • Property Tax No
  • Transfer Tax Yes
  • Inheritance Tax No
  • Net Worth Tax No
  • CFC Law No
  • Tax Residency Days 183
  • Personal Income Tax Rate 35%
  • Capital Gains Tax Rate 20%
  • Investment Income Tax Rate 0%
  • Territorial Taxation No
Visa-Free Explain

Where Can Cypriot Passport Holders Travel Without a Visa?

As of June 2023, Cypriot passport holders can travel visa free to 148 countries and territories:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Anguilla
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Argentina
  • Armenia
  • Aruba
  • Austria
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belarus
  • Belgium
  • Belize
  • Bermuda
  • Caribbean Netherlands
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Botswana
  • Brazil
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Brunei
  • Bulgaria
  • Canada
  • Cabo Verde
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Cook Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Croatia
  • Curaçao
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Dominica
  • Dominican Republic
  • Ecuador
  • El Salvador
  • Estonia
  • Falkland Islands
  • Faroe Islands
  • Fiji
  • Finland
  • France
  • French Guiana
  • French Polynesia
  • French West Indies
  • Gabon
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Gibraltar
  • Greece
  • Greenland
  • Grenada
  • Guatemala
  • Haiti
  • Honduras
  • Hong Kong
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Indonesia
  • Iraq
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Jamaica
  • Japan
  • Kazakhstan
  • Kenya
  • Kiribati
  • Kosovo
  • Latvia
  • Lesotho
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Macau
  • Malaysia
  • Malta
  • Marshall Islands
  • Mauritius
  • Mayotte
  • Mexico
  • Micronesia
  • Moldova
  • Monaco
  • Mongolia
  • Montenegro
  • Montserrat
  • Morocco
  • Netherlands
  • New Caledonia
  • New Zealand
  • Nicaragua
  • Niue
  • North Macedonia
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • Norway
  • Oman
  • Palau
  • Palestine
  • Panama
  • Paraguay
  • Peru
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Qatar
  • Réunion
  • Romania
  • Samoa
  • San Marino
  • São Tomé and Príncipe
  • Senegal
  • Serbia
  • Singapore
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Solomon Islands
  • South Africa
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Sri Lanka
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Saint Martin
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Suriname
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Taiwan
  • Tanzania
  • Gambia
  • Timor-Leste
  • Tonga
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • Turks and Caicos Islands
  • Tuvalu
  • Uganda
  • Ukraine
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay
  • Uzbekistan
  • Vanuatu
  • Vatican City
  • Venezuela
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe
  • Eswatini

For visa-free travels, you still must have a valid passport — usually six months after your departure date— and you must purchase travel health insurance as required by your destination country.

Where Can Cypriot Citizens Go Without a Passport?

Cypriot citizens can enter the following countries without a passport with only an ID card:

  • Albania
  • Andorra
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Bulgaria
  • Croatia
  • Czechia
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • France
  • Georgia
  • Germany
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Iceland
  • Latvia
  • Liechtenstein
  • Lithuania
  • Luxembourg
  • Malta
  • Montenegro
  • Netherlands
  • North Macedonia
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • Romania
  • San Marino
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Sweden
  • Switzerland
  • Vatican City

What Countries Issue eVisa to Cypriot Citizens?

The following 12 countries issue eVisas for Cypriot passport holders:

  • Angola
  • Australia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Benin
  • Djibouti
  • Ethiopia
  • Guinea
  • India
  • Myanmar
  • Pakistan
  • Türkiye
  • Vietnam

The process of getting an eVisa is more or less the same as applying for a traditional visa. However, in this case, you don’t have to visit a visa application center— you can submit your application online, including the visa payment.

After your application is approved, you will receive an email confirming your visa status along with a document you must print out and bring with you when crossing the border. Your visa will be registered online, but some officers may ask you for a physical copy of the permit; that is why it’s important to keep the copy on your person while traveling.

What Countries Issue Visa on Arrival to Cypriot Passport Holders?

If you are a Cypriot citizen, you can get a visa on arrival for the 30 countries listed below:

  • Bahrain
  • Bangladesh
  • Bolivia
  • Burundi
  • Cambodia
  • Comoros
  • Egypt
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Iran
  • Jordan
  • Kuwait
  • Kyrgyzstan
  • Laos
  • Lebanon
  • Madagascar
  • Malawi
  • Maldives
  • Mauritania
  • Mozambique
  • Nepal
  • Papua New Guinea
  • Rwanda
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Seychelles
  • Sierra Leone
  • Somalia
  • Saint Helena
  • Tajikistan
  • Thailand
  • Togo

You receive a visa on arrival (VOA) after entering the country that issues such a visa. Usually, there is a separate section at the airport where you can submit your application for your visa on arrival.

Countries With Visa Requirements for Cypriot Citizens

You need a valid visa to enter the following 36 countries with a Cypriot passport:

  • Afghanistan
  • Algeria
  • American Samoa
  • Bhutan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Cameroon
  • Central African Republic
  • Chad
  • China
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Republic of the Congo
  • Ivory Coast
  • Cuba
  • Equatorial Guinea
  • Eritrea
  • Ghana
  • Guam
  • Guyana
  • Liberia
  • Libya
  • Mali
  • Namibia
  • Nauru
  • Niger
  • Nigeria
  • North Korea
  • Puerto Rico
  • Russia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Syria
  • Tunisia
  • Turkmenistan
  • United States Virgin Islands
  • United States
  • Yemen

The application for a visa goes as follows:

  1. Make an appointment at the visa center in Cyprus. You must contact a local visa application center in your home country and make an appointment to submit your application. It may take several months to schedule a meeting with the embassy or consulate.
  2. Get your documents ready. To submit a successful application, you have to prepare the required documents for your visa, i.e., passport, application form, health insurance, etc. Some of your documents must be verified with an apostille stamp or certified by a foreign office.
  3. Submit your application. Finally, you can submit your application and attend the visa interview—you may also be required to submit your biometrics. Once you translate your documents as required by the embassy or consulate and verify them with an apostille stamp— if possible, then you can submit your application. From then it will take several weeks until a decision is made regarding your visa application.

Please note that if you have a valid visa that allows you to enter more than one country, you don’t have to apply for a new visa.

What Documents Do Cypriot Citizens Need to Apply for a Visa?

Cypriot citizens that want to visit countries that require them to apply for a visa beforehand need to submit a few documents. Depending on the country you want to visit, document requirements may vary. However, most countries will certainly require the following:

  • Your valid Cypriot passport (plus a photocopy). Some countries require the passport to be valid for more than six months after the day you plan on departing their country.
  • A filled visa application form.
  • Passport pictures that are not older than six months.
  • Travel health insurance that covers your entire period of stay.
  • Proof of paid visa fee.
  • Detailed travel itinerary that shows all the places you want to visit.
  • Letter of invitation (if applicable)
  • Proof of booked return ticket for the flight home.
  • Proof of booked accommodation.
  • Proof that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit
  • Civil status documents (marriage papers, certificates of birth, etc.)
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