STRATEGIC LOCATION

Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean is strategically positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Being a member of the European Union and with its traditional trade and friendly relations with the neighbouring countries as well as with Russia and the former CIS countries, is the ideal hub to serve as a springboard for investments, trade and international business activities between Europe, Asia, Russia, the former CIS countries, Middle East and Africa.

EUROPEAN UNION MEMBER

Since 2004 Cyprus is a member of the European Union, affording access to an internal market of 500 million people. Cyprus companies have direct access, or may establish their operations and offer goods and services or may invest in any country member of the EU and of the European Economic Area, without restriction.

Cyprus membership to the EU, combined with its advanced infrastructure in the shipping sector, the deep sea port facilities and the close proximity to the Suez canal, offer a sound platform and a natural hub for international trade and logistics operations to and from the European Union.

EXTENSIVE DOUBLE TAX TREATIES

NETWORK

Cyprus international tax environment is greatly enhanced by a wide network of Double Taxation Treaties with 50 countries.

Among these countries, a number of important key jurisdictions are included in North America, Europe and the emerging economies of Russia and China and India.

In general the main provisions in these treaties refer to avoidance of double taxation for income earned by a resident in one of the treaty signatories, having operations / activities in the other treaty country and to reduced or zero rate of withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties paid from the treaty signatory.

WELL DEVELOPED INFRASTRUCTURE

The local infrastructure is ideally suited for business people who need to get things done swiftly and efficiently. Thanks to its modern road network, extensive port facilities and two new international airports, travel and transport in and beyond Cyprus is fast, efficient and economical.

The coastal resorts of Larnaca and Paphos each operate new international airports serving flights to and from both Europe, the Middle East and the Gulf Area.

Limassol and Larnaca are both bustling ports, with proximity to the Suez canal, working around the clock to serve the island’s considerable import and export markets.

Considerable investment has been made into transforming the island into a major telecommunications hub in the region. By building upon its technologically advanced infrastructure, Cyprus has established an extensive telecommunications network, both in terms of cable and satellite, which ranks amongst the most advanced in the world.

ATTRACTIVE TAX ENVIRONMENT

Cyprus has a simple, transparent and attractive tax regime fully compliant with EU and OECD standards having the following main characteristics:

• General corporate tax rate of 12,5% on profits and one of the lowest effective corporate tax rates in the EU;

• Dividend income, profits from overseas permanent establishments and profits from the sale of securities are exempt from tax;

• No withholding tax on dividend, interest and royalty paid from Cyprus;

• Unilateral credit relief for foreign taxes;

• No capital gains tax/ except on real estate situated in Cyprus;

• No detailed transfer pricing rates (arm’s length principle only);

• Group loss relief;
• No wealth taxes and only minimal stamp duties;

• Most international transactions are free of VAT charge;

• 80% exemption of royalty income and gains from disposal of intellectual property;

ROBUST & TRANSPARENT REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

Cyprus has a robust, transparent and well functioning legal system based on the Common Law system of England, due to historical reasons. Furthermore, as a result of Cyprus accession to the European Union, its legislation has been harmonised with the EU legal order providing reliability and certainty to international businesses and individuals who invest or establish their operations and trade activities in Cyprus.

In addition, Cyprus as a member of various international bodies and organisations, is signatory or has ratified a large number of international instruments, treaties and conventions which also compliment and enhance the transparency and reliability of the system.

HIGH QUALITY PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Cyprus evolution into a widely recognised international business center is due to a great extend to the high standard of services offered by its legal, accounting and other professionals that have been offering services to international investors over the last decades.

International leading consultancy and accounting firms have a strong presence in Cyprus enhancing the Island’s reputation as an international business services center. In addition, a strong regulatory framework is in place and vigorously implemented by the competent Authorities who are licensing and supervising the activities of companies and individuals providing professional services in regulated areas and activities, ensuring strict adherence to the highest professional standards.

AVAILABILITY OF HUMAN TALENT

Perhaps the most valuable resource Cyprus has, is the young well educated talent pool.

Recognising the importance of a well educated human capital, Cyprus has been investing in developing and upgrading its educational system by streamlining policies and taking measures specified by European Standards and guidelines.

In addition the majority of University graduates have studies abroad, mostly in the United Kingdom, United States and Europe in fields such as business administration, accounting, law science, medicine and engineering, usually they compliment their studies with valuable international working experience by taking up employment for short periods of 2-3 years before repatriating.

This human talent is readily available to serve international businesses at very competitive rates.