★★★★★ “93Tax moved us to Cyprus in three weeks and cut our effective tax burden dramatically while keeping everything fully EU-compliant.”
Jonas Strambach
Your #1 partner for formation, accounting & legal matters
★★★★★ “93Tax moved us to Cyprus in three weeks and cut our effective tax burden dramatically while keeping everything fully EU-compliant.”
Jonas Strambach
★★★★★ “What I value most is their proactive operations support: they handle banking, VAT, payroll, and residency details before they become problems.”
Karina Fehl
★★★★★ “Love working with Mario, Andreas and their team.”
Cagdas Demirel
Founder, Litmused AI
★★★★★ “93Tax moved us to Cyprus in three weeks and cut our effective tax burden dramatically while keeping everything fully EU-compliant.”
Jonas Strambach
★★★★★ “What I value most is their proactive operations support: they handle banking, VAT, payroll, and residency details before they become problems.”
Karina Fehl
★★★★★ “Love working with Mario, Andreas and their team.”
Cagdas Demirel
Founder, Litmused AI
Choose your income type
Model assumptions
Selected country
€360,000
9% tax rate
Cyprus tax
€100,000
3% IP Box rate
net difference
€260,000
72% net difference
If you paid out all profit as dividends, you'd keep €288,750 in Cyprus (0% dividend tax) versus €187,704 in Portugal ( 28% WHT ) , a net difference of +€101,046 ( +54% net).
+€0 more in your pocket in 10 years
Assumes reinvesting yearly after-tax dividends at 10% annual growth.
After 10 years, that's 0 more homes, 0 more cars, 0 more dream vacations, or additional ~€0 per year in average stock market returns.
We are digital-first: our client platform gives you 24/7 access to invoices, documents, requests, tasks, and the full status of your company setup in one place. For quick communication, we're also available in the tools you already use including Slack Whatsapp and Email .
Choose your income type
| Factor | Cyprus | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Effective corporate tax | 3% with IP Box 15% for everything else | 10% Patent Box on qualifying IP profits 19% for small profits, 25% main rate for the rest. |
| Dividend tax | 0% | 8.75–39.35% Basic rate 8.75%, higher 33.75%, additional 39.35% plus £500 annual allowance |
| Capital gains tax | 0% 20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT | 10–20% 10% basic-rate / BADR, 20% higher-rate (28% on residential property) |
| Residency + visa | Easy | Medium Points-based Skilled Worker & Innovator visas require sponsorship, salary thresholds, and UK presence |
| Banking & payment processors | Easy | Easy Global fintech hub (Wise, Revolut, Stripe UK) though strict AML for non-residents |
| EU market access | Full EU member | Outside EU (post-Brexit) |
| Tax residency requirement (days / year) | 60 days | 183+ days Statutory Residence Test combines day count with UK ties |
| Crime rate | Low | Medium |
| Healthcare | 9/10
| 8/10
|
| Cost of living (EUR / month) | 1.000–2.000 € | 2.500–4.000 € (London & South East) |
| Path to passport | Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency | Yes Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years; citizenship 12 months later with Life in the UK test |
| Quality of life | 9/10
| 7/10
|
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
UK
10% Patent Box on qualifying IP profits
19% for small profits, 25% main rate for the rest.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
UK
8.75–39.35%
Basic rate 8.75%, higher 33.75%, additional 39.35% plus £500 annual allowance
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
UK
10–20%
10% basic-rate / BADR, 20% higher-rate (28% on residential property)
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
UK
Medium
Points-based Skilled Worker & Innovator visas require sponsorship, salary thresholds, and UK presence
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
UK
Easy
Global fintech hub (Wise, Revolut, Stripe UK) though strict AML for non-residents
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
UK
Outside EU (post-Brexit)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
UK
183+ days
Statutory Residence Test combines day count with UK ties
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
UK
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
UK
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
UK
2.500–4.000 € (London & South East)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
UK
Yes
Indefinite Leave to Remain after 5 years; citizenship 12 months later with Life in the UK test
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
UK
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Netherlands
9% Innovation Box
25.8% headline; 19% in the lower profit bracket.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Netherlands
15%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Netherlands
26.9%
Substantial shareholders taxed at 26.9%; other wealth taxed via Box 3 deemed returns
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Netherlands
Medium
IND highly-skilled migrant or self-employed visas take 3–6 months
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Netherlands
Easy
ING/Rabobank/ABN plus bunq/Adyen, but require local director + KvK registration
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Netherlands
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Netherlands
183+ days
Registration with the municipality + BSN triggers full residency
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Netherlands
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Netherlands
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Netherlands
2.500–3.800 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Netherlands
Yes
Naturalisation after 5 years continuous stay + Dutch civic exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Netherlands
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Germany
~30% typical combined rate
15% CIT + solidarity surcharge + municipal trade tax (often 14-17%); low-trade-tax municipalities can be lower.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Germany
26.375% WHT
Flat rate incl. solidarity; treaty filings needed for reductions
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Germany
26.375%
Abgeltungsteuer on share disposals; only active shareholdings get partial exemptions
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Germany
Medium
EU Blue Card / GmbH residency requires local managing director, health insurance, and notarised capital
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Germany
Medium
Tier-1 banks plus Stripe/Adyen available but onboarding takes weeks and needs €25k paid-in capital proof
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Germany
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Germany
183+ days
Worldwide tax triggered if you keep a German home or spend >183 days
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Germany
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Germany
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Germany
2.300–4.000 € (Berlin/Munich)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Germany
Yes
Naturalisation possible after 5 years residency (3 with integration) plus B1 German exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Germany
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Portugal
~2.85% effective IP box (85% exemption on 19%)
Qualifying patents/copyrighted software with nexus tracking; municipal/state surcharges can push the effective rate higher.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Portugal
28% WHT
Participation exemption limited to EU holdings with substance
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Portugal
28%
50% of gains taxed at progressive rates for residents
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Portugal
Medium
Digital Nomad/D7 permits require stable remote income and 183-day presence
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Portugal
Easy
Solid SEPA access but onboarding can take weeks of paperwork
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Portugal
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Portugal
183+ days
New NHR replacement still needs habitual residence and social contributions
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Portugal
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Portugal
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Portugal
2.000–3.000 € (Lisbon coastal)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Portugal
Yes
Citizenship available after 5 years plus Portuguese A2 exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Portugal
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Dubai / UAE
9% mainland; 0% only if Qualifying Free Zone Income
No IP box. 0% applies solely to Qualifying Income of a QFZP (can include qualifying IP/royalties) with substance + de-minimis; all non-qualifying income at 9%.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Dubai / UAE
0%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Dubai / UAE
0%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Dubai / UAE
Medium
Free-zone visa (2-3 yrs) but must re-enter roughly every 183 days to keep it active
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Dubai / UAE
Hard
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Dubai / UAE
Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Dubai / UAE
183+ days
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Dubai / UAE
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Dubai / UAE
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Dubai / UAE
3.000+ €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Dubai / UAE
No
Citizenship path only via multi-million AED investments and rare approvals
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Dubai / UAE
6/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Singapore
17% headline corporate tax
No special IP incentives lower this rate further.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Singapore
0%
One-tier system: dividends from Singapore-resident companies are generally tax-exempt in shareholders' hands.
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Singapore
0% on global gains unless sourced in Singapore
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Singapore
Difficult
Quota-based employment passes that take months
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Singapore
Easy
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Singapore
Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Singapore
183+ days
Strict employment link
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Singapore
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Singapore
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Singapore
3.000+ € (SGD 4k+)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
Passport application after ~7 years
Singapore
No
Approvals extremely limited without lifetime employment
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Singapore
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Malta
~1.75% effective Patent Box
95% nexus deduction on eligible patents/software; 35% on 5% net → ~1.75% effective. Substance/ruling and tracking required.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Malta
0% WHT
Full imputation lets shareholders reclaim most tax but paperwork heavy
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Malta
0–12%
Foreign share sales untaxed; 12% applies to Maltese property
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Malta
Medium
GVRP/MPRP demand €100k+ assets, €15k minimum tax, and private health coverage
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Malta
Medium
Local banks run strict compliance; fintech options limited
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Malta
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Malta
183+ days
Remittance basis only if you keep Malta as habitual home
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Malta
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Malta
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Malta
2.000–3.000 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Malta
Yes
Naturalisation in 12–36 months but needs €750k+ contribution plus property
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Malta
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Ireland
10% Knowledge Development Box (to 31 Dec 2026)
Qualifying IP (incl. software) only; other trading income 12.5% (15% for large MNEs under Pillar Two).
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Ireland
25% WHT
Reductions only with EU parent + treaty filings
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Ireland
33%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Ireland
Difficult
Non-EU founders need Critical Skills permits or €1m IIP investment
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Ireland
Medium
Only two retail banks remain; onboarding needs Irish proof of address
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Ireland
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Ireland
183+ days
Or 280 days over 2 years with min 30 days per year
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Ireland
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Ireland
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Ireland
3.000–4.000 € (Dublin)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Ireland
Yes
Naturalisation after 5 years of lawful residence
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Ireland
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Georgia
5% Virtual Zone/IT Park on distributions
Exported software exempt from CIT; 5% dividend tax on payout.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Georgia
5%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Georgia
0–20%
Crypto/securities tax-free after 1 year; real estate gains 5–20%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Georgia
Easy
365-day visa-free stay for most Western passports
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Georgia
Medium
Fast local onboarding but Western partners scrutinise Georgian flows
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Georgia
Outside EU (DCFTA only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Georgia
183+ days
HNWI tax residency available with GEL 750k+ personal income
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Georgia
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Georgia
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Georgia
1.200–1.800 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Georgia
Yes
Citizenship typically after 10+ years plus Georgian language + history exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Georgia
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Estonia
0% on retained profits / 22% on distributed profits
Estonia taxes profits primarily upon distribution; no standalone IP box rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Estonia
7–20%
7% withholding on regularly distributed profits, 20% on ad-hoc payouts
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Estonia
20%
Taxed as regular corporate or individual income
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Estonia
Medium
EU residency requires 183+ days in-country; e-Residency alone is not a tax residency
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Estonia
Medium
LHV/Swedbank require in-person onboarding and local substance
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Estonia
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Estonia
183+ days
Needed for both corporate management and personal residency
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Estonia
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Estonia
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Estonia
1.300–2.200 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Estonia
Yes
Eligibility after 8 years of residence plus Estonian language exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Estonia
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Bulgaria
10% flat corporate tax
No IP box but a low headline rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Bulgaria
5%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Bulgaria
0–10%
Listed securities exempt; otherwise taxed at 10%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Bulgaria
Medium
EU residency but requires physical presence and monthly social-security filings
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Bulgaria
Medium
Local banks onboard slowly and often insist on Bulgarian directors
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Bulgaria
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Bulgaria
183+ days
Needed to maintain both company management and personal residency
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Bulgaria
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Bulgaria
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Bulgaria
900–1.500 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Bulgaria
Yes
Permanent residency after 5 years; citizenship after language + civics exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Bulgaria
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Romania
1-3% micro-company regime (revenue cap + eligibility)
Micro rates are activity-dependent and capped (typically up to €100k revenue, with many software/IT CAEN classes at 3%); outside micro eligibility, 16% corporate tax applies.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Romania
8%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Romania
10%
Listed shares withheld at 1–3%; other gains taxed at 10%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Romania
Medium
EU residency but requires 183-day presence and tax-center tests
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Romania
Medium
OTP/Banca Transilvania support tech but require on-site directors
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Romania
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Romania
183+ days
Also triggered if Romania is the center of vital interests
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Romania
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Romania
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Romania
1.100–1.800 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Romania
Yes
Citizenship after 8 years (5 if married) plus Romanian language exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Romania
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Switzerland
≤9–12% with cantonal IP box + R&D
Depends on canton; headline ranges ~11–22% before incentives. Relief caps apply (max relief ~70% of cantonal tax).
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Switzerland
35% withholding
Reduced via treaties or participation exemption
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Switzerland
0% for individuals
Private capital gains on movable assets are generally tax-free.
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Switzerland
Hard
Quota-based permits; high minimum salaries and cantonal approvals
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Switzerland
Medium
Top-tier banks but expect high balances and on-site directors
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Switzerland
Not EU (EFTA bilaterals)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Switzerland
183+ days
Cantonal settlement tied to permanent presence
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Switzerland
Very low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Switzerland
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Switzerland
3.500–5.500 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Switzerland
Yes
Citizenship eligible after 10 years plus integration and language exams
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Switzerland
9/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Luxembourg
~5.0% IP box (80% exemption)
Qualifying IP only; non-IP corporate rates are materially higher and vary by commune (about 23.87% in Luxembourg City).
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Luxembourg
15%
0% for qualifying EU parent/subsidiary structures
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Luxembourg
0–19%
Long-term holdings (>6 yrs) taxed up to 19%; lifetime €50k exemption
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Luxembourg
Medium
Residence permits issued within ~4 months but require local lease + director
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Luxembourg
Easy
Global private-banking hub with fintech sandboxes, but demands substance
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Luxembourg
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Luxembourg
183+ days
Plus proof Luxembourg is your principal home and economic center
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Luxembourg
Very low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Luxembourg
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Luxembourg
2.800–4.000 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Luxembourg
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years plus Luxembourgish language & civics exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Luxembourg
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Italy
~15% with Patent Box super-deduction
110% R&D deduction; headline ~27.9% including IRAP.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Italy
26%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Italy
26%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Italy
Medium
Elective residency or lavoro autonomo visas require €31k+ income and Comune registration
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Italy
Medium
Banks demand in-person onboarding, Italian-speaking directors, and lengthy KYC
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Italy
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Italy
183+ days
Plus registration with the Anagrafe and primary home in Italy
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Italy
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Italy
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Italy
1.500–2.800 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Italy
Yes
Naturalisation after 10 years (4 if EU) plus B1 Italian exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Italy
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Spain
10% with 60% Patent Box exemption
25% headline; start-ups 15% in the first years.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Spain
19–28%
Progressive withholding: 19% up to €6k, 28% above €300k
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Spain
19–28%
Same progressive bands as dividend income
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Spain
Medium
Digital-nomad, entrepreneur, and golden visas require NIE plus Spanish social security
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Spain
Medium
Traditional banks (Caixa, BBVA, Santander) insist on in-person directors and NIE numbers
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Spain
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Spain
183+ days
Also triggered if Spain is your primary economic center or family home
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Spain
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Spain
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Spain
1.600–2.900 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Spain
Yes
Citizenship after 10 years (2 for many Latin American nationals)
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Spain
9/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Croatia
18% standard corporate tax
10% reduced rate applies only if annual revenue stays below €1m.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Croatia
10%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Croatia
0–10%
10% on sale within 2 years; exempt afterward or for EU-listed shares
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Croatia
Medium
EU but enforces 183-day stay; digital-nomad permit capped at 12 months
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Croatia
Medium
Conservative banks (PBZ, Zagrebačka) require Croatian directors & proof of activity
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Croatia
Full EU & Schengen member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Croatia
183+ days
Plus proof Croatia is your habitual abode
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Croatia
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Croatia
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Croatia
1.200–2.100 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Croatia
Yes
Citizenship possible after 8 years + Croatian language & culture exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Croatia
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Austria
23% headline (no IP box)
No IP box; incentives reduce the base, not the rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Austria
27.5% WHT
KESt on distributions; exemption only with EU parent plus participation filings
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Austria
27.5%
Share disposals taxed via KESt; exit tax if management/employees relocate
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Austria
Medium
Red-White-Red card or self-employed key worker permits require German proficiency, business plan, and €40k+ income
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Austria
Medium
Raiffeisen/Erste expect Austrian director + share capital; onboarding still paper-heavy though Stripe/Adyen available
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Austria
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Austria
183+ days
Centre of vital interests test applies even with fewer days if family/home in Austria
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Austria
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Austria
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Austria
2.200–3.500 € (Vienna)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Austria
Yes
Citizenship usually after 10 years residence (6 with integration exams and C1 German)
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Austria
9/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Sweden
20.6% flat corporate tax
No patent box; R&D deduction reduces the base, not the rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Sweden
30%
Standard capital-income tax; 0–5% only for qualifying EU parent companies
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Sweden
30%
Capital income taxed at 30%; closely held rules can push effective rates higher
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Sweden
Medium
Work/startup permits require Swedish employment contracts, high salaries, and union-reviewed benefits
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Sweden
Medium
Nordic banks demand Swedish board members and AML reporting; Stripe/Klarna require Swedish entity filings
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Sweden
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Sweden
183+ days
Also resident if you keep a permanent home and stay 6+ months (even with short trips abroad)
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Sweden
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Sweden
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Sweden
2.500–3.800 € (Stockholm/Göteborg)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Sweden
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years permanent residence (3 if married to a Swede) plus language/civics
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Sweden
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Finland
20% flat corporate tax
No patent box; extra R&D deduction only reduces the base.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Finland
20–28%
Capital income taxed at 30% up to €30k, 34% above; unlisted dividends partly tax-exempt
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Finland
30–34%
Capital gains taxed at same 30%/34% brackets; rollover relief limited
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Finland
Medium
Startup and digital nomad permits require €1.22k–€1.5k monthly income, business plan, and Kela registration
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Finland
Medium
Nordea/OP demand Finnish resident director plus share capital; EMI options limited beyond Paytrail/Nets
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Finland
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Finland
183+ days
Presumed resident after 6 months stay even with short trips abroad; rebuttable but difficult
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Finland
Very low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Finland
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Finland
2.000–3.000 € (Helsinki/Espoo)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Finland
Yes
Citizenship available after 5 years continuous residence plus Finnish/Swedish language exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Finland
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
France
10% French IP box rate
Applies to qualifying patents/software with nexus; non-IP income 25%.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
France
30% PFU
12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions; reductions require PEA/participation exemption
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
France
30% PFU
Flat prélèvement forfaitaire unique on share disposals; taper relief only for older holdings
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
France
Medium
French Tech / Talent Passport requires €38k salary or VC funding plus URSSAF payroll setup
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
France
Medium
BNP/Société Générale plus Stripe, Checkout.com available but demand French director + local compliance
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
France
Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
France
183+ days
Also resident if France is your household or main economic interest centre
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
France
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
France
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
France
2.500–4.500 € (Paris)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
France
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years residency plus B1 French test and integration interview
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
France
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Thailand
20% headline corporate tax (BOI incentives are conditional)
0% BOI tax holidays apply only to approved promoted projects for a limited period; this is not a default foreign-founder rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Thailand
10% WHT
Withholding on payments to individuals/non-residents; remitting foreign dividends taxed if brought into Thailand same year
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Thailand
20%
Capital gains treated as ordinary corporate income (20%); listed share trades often exempt for individuals
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Thailand
Medium
LTR/SMART visas need $80k salary or sizeable investments plus 180-day reporting and Thai health insurance
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Thailand
Medium
Kasikorn/Bangkok Bank require Thai director + minimum capital; Stripe limited so most use Omise, 2C2P, or local gateways
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Thailand
Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Thailand
180+ days
Tax resident if present 180+ days even without permanent residency
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Thailand
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Thailand
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Thailand
1.200–2.000 € (Bangkok/Phuket)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Thailand
No
Citizenship only after 10+ years PR, Thai language exam, and quotas; dual citizenship discouraged
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Thailand
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Indonesia
~10%+ with pioneer/tech tax holidays
22% headline; incentive level depends on approval and duration.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Indonesia
10% WHT
Withheld on outbound dividends; reduced rates only with tax treaty + investment plan
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Indonesia
22%
Capital gains treated as ordinary income (22%); land/building sales subject to 3% final tax
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Indonesia
Medium
Second-home, KITAS, or Bali digital nomad visas require high bank balances (IDR 2B+) and local sponsor reporting
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Indonesia
Medium
Need PT PMA with Indonesian shareholder/resident director; rely on Xendit, Midtrans as Stripe not available
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Indonesia
Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Indonesia
183+ days
Also deemed resident if present >120 days and maintain a permanent home
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Indonesia
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Indonesia
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Indonesia
900–1.800 € (Bali/Jakarta)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Indonesia
No
Citizenship extremely rare, dual citizenship banned for adults
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Indonesia
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Canada
~26.5% general corporate benchmark
15% federal + ~11.5% provincial baseline (Ontario). Small-business rates are separate and eligibility-limited.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Canada
Up to 25%
Non-resident withholding 25%; treaties bring it down to 5–15%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Canada
Up to 26.5%
50% of the gain is taxable at the combined federal/provincial rate
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Canada
Difficult
Express Entry / Start-up Visa points system, proof of funds, and 6–18 month processing
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Canada
Medium
Tier-1 banks and Stripe/Adyen available but require in-person directors & deep compliance files
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Canada
Outside EU (USMCA market instead)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Canada
183+ days
Deemed resident if present 183+ days or if Canada is your primary home base
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Canada
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Canada
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Canada
2.500–4.000 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Canada
Yes
Citizenship after 5+ years of PR with 1,095 physical days
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Canada
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Australia
25% base rate entity
30% for large companies; no IP box regime.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Australia
0–30%
Franking credits eliminate local tax; non-residents see 0–15% withholding if treaty applies
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Australia
Up to 47%
Taxed as income, with only a 50% discount after 12 months of holding
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Australia
Difficult
Points-based skilled visas + business visas demand high investment, English tests, and multi-year processing
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Australia
Medium
Big 4 banks, Stripe, Adyen present but onboarding requires in-country directors & strict AML proofs
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Australia
Outside EU (serves APAC/Oceania primarily)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Australia
183+ days
Residency determined by domicile and 183+ day physical presence tests
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Australia
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Australia
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Australia
2.400–4.200 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Australia
Yes
Citizenship after 4 years (1 year as PR) with residency & language tests
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Australia
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
New Zealand
28% flat corporate tax
No IP box; R&D credit does not change the rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
New Zealand
0–33%
Fully imputed dividends are tax-free domestically; non-resident withholding up to 33% if no DTA
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
New Zealand
Generally 0%
No broad CGT but property 'bright-line' tax and crypto treated as income
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
New Zealand
Medium
Points-based Skilled Migrant + investor visas with strict salary thresholds
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
New Zealand
Medium
Four major banks but onboarding needs onshore directors; Stripe/Wise available with NZ entity
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
New Zealand
Outside EU (serves ANZ market)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
New Zealand
183+ days
Also triggered with 325+ days over 2 years or if you maintain a permanent home in NZ
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
New Zealand
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
New Zealand
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
New Zealand
2.200–3.500 €
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
New Zealand
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years of residence with 240+ days physically present each year
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
New Zealand
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
United States
~16.4% FDII on qualifying IP exports (post-2025 rules)
21% federal headline; FDII deduction steps down after 2025 (OBBBA may change). States add 0–12% depending on location.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
United States
Up to 37%
20% federal + 3.8% NIIT plus 0–13.3% state (e.g. California, New York)
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
United States
23.8%+state
Long-term gains taxed at 20% + 3.8% NIIT plus state income tax (0–13.3%)
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
United States
Difficult
E-2/L-1/EB visas require $800k+ investment or employer sponsorship, onshore payroll, and long adjudication times
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
United States
Easy
Tier-1 banks plus Stripe, Adyen, Braintree, Mercury, Ramp—best-in-class rails but strict KYC for foreigners
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
United States
Outside EU (access via local entity only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
United States
Citizenship + 183-day test
Citizens + green-card holders taxed worldwide even abroad; substantial presence = 183-day weighted test
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
United States
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
United States
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
United States
3.000–5.000 € (SF/NYC)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
United States
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency (3 if married) plus civics & English tests
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
United States
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
South Africa
27% headline corporate tax
R&D or SEZ incentives reduce the base, not the rate.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
South Africa
20% WHT
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
South Africa
21.6% effective
80% inclusion rate x 27% corporate tax; individuals pay up to 18%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
South Africa
Medium
Business visas require R5m capital + job creation; emigration triggers exit tax and SARS clearance
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
South Africa
Medium
Big 4 banks solid but foreign currency transfers heavily regulated; Stripe absent (Yoco/Paystack used)
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
South Africa
Outside EU (SADC / AfCFTA focused)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
South Africa
183+ days
Also tax resident if "ordinarily resident" even under 183 days; expatriation requires SARS approval
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
South Africa
High
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
South Africa
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
South Africa
1.200–2.200 € (Cape Town/JHB)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
South Africa
Yes
Citizenship after 5 years PR but dual citizenship requires retention permission
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
South Africa
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Brazil
34% combined corporate tax
25% IRPJ + 9% CSLL headline for regular companies; Simples bands are regime-specific and not used as this general benchmark.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Brazil
10% (from 2026 reform)
Law 15.270/2025 introduced dividend taxation from 1 Jan 2026 (with specific domestic thresholds/reliefs in the statute).
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Brazil
15–23%
Progressive rates for individuals; corporations taxed at 34% on gains
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Brazil
Medium
Investor visas need R$500k (reduced to R$150k for tech) plus Brazilian employees; heavy bureaucracy
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Brazil
Medium
PIX + Nubank/Itau advanced but FX controls and tax on remittances; Stripe only via beta/local entity
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Brazil
Outside EU (Mercosur)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Brazil
183+ days
Also resident if you enter on permanent visa or have a home available in Brazil
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Brazil
High
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Brazil
6/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Brazil
1.500–3.000 € (São Paulo/Rio)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Brazil
Yes
Citizenship after 4 years PR (1 year if married or with Brazilian child); Portuguese language exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Brazil
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Argentina
25-35% progressive corporate tax
Top band is 35%; blended founder outcomes often land around 30% depending on taxable-income band.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Argentina
7% withholding
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Argentina
15%
Individuals pay 15% on securities; corporations taxed at standard income rates
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Argentina
Medium
Rentista/investor visas require USD 2.000+ passive income or USD 80k+ investments plus AFIP registration
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Argentina
Difficult
Capital controls, dual FX rates, import restrictions; Stripe unavailable (use MercadoPago, Nubi)
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Argentina
Outside EU (Mercosur)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Argentina
183+ days
Also resident if your center of vital interests is Argentina even with fewer days
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Argentina
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Argentina
7/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Argentina
900–1.800 € (Buenos Aires)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Argentina
Yes
Citizenship in as little as 2 years of residency via courts; Spanish proficiency required
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Argentina
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Turkey
25% headline corporate tax (TDZ incentives are conditional)
0% can apply only to qualifying Technopark/TDZ software-R&D profits under strict conditions and a time-limited incentive window.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Turkey
10% WHT
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Turkey
Up to 40%
Individuals taxed at progressive 15–40%; companies pay 25% (75% exemption after 2 years on shares)
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Turkey
Medium
Residency requires property >$200k or TRC renewals; citizenship by investment $400k property or $500k deposit
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Turkey
Medium
Ziraat/Garanti strong but FX controls + export repatriation rules; Stripe unavailable (use Iyzico/PayTR)
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Turkey
Limited (EU–Turkey customs union only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Turkey
183+ days
Also tax resident if you have permanent residence + continuous stay exceeding 6 months
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Turkey
Medium
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Turkey
8/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Turkey
1.100–2.000 € (Istanbul)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Turkey
Yes
Citizenship via $400k property or 5 years residency + Turkish language test
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Turkey
7/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Norway
22% flat corporate tax
Higher rates for oil/gas; no IP box.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Norway
37.8% effective
Dividends grossed up by 1.72 factor then taxed at 22%
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Norway
37.8%
Same 1.72 gross-up applied to gains on shares for individuals
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Norway
Difficult
Non-EU founders need high salaries (>€60k), NAV-approved job offers, and strict police registration
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Norway
Medium
Nordic banks (DNB, Nordea) robust but require Norwegian board + accountant; Vipps widespread, Stripe available
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Norway
EEA/Schengen access but not EU legislative vote
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Norway
183+ days
Also tax resident if 270 days over 3 years or maintain a Norwegian home that's available year-round
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Norway
Very low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Norway
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Norway
3.000–4.500 € (Oslo)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Norway
Yes
Citizenship typically after 8 years residence (shorter if married) since dual citizenship allowed in 2020
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Norway
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Denmark
22% flat (no IP box)
High R&D credits available; rate stays 22%.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Denmark
27–42%
27% WHT up to DKK 58,900, 42% thereafter unless EU parent exemption applies
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Denmark
27–42%
Progressive tax on share gains for individuals; companies taxed at 22%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Denmark
Difficult
SIRI work/startup permits require high minimum salaries (~DKK 480k) and Danish labour-market tests
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Denmark
Medium
Banks demand NemID, Danish board members, and audited accounts; Stripe/Klarna available but onboarding strict
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Denmark
Full EU member (Schengen + Nordic council)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Denmark
183+ days
Also tax resident if you acquire a Danish home and stay even briefly (habitual abode test)
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Denmark
Very low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Denmark
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Denmark
2.700–4.000 € (Copenhagen)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Denmark
Yes
Citizenship after 9 years (can drop to 8 with integration tests) + Danish language exam
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Denmark
8/10
Effective corporate tax
Cyprus
3% with IP Box
15% for everything else
Belgium
3.75% Innovation Income Deduction
85% deduction on qualifying IP income; 25% standard otherwise.
Dividend tax
Cyprus
0%
Belgium
30% WHT
30% standard withholding; reduced only via RDT participation exemption or treaties
Capital gains tax
Cyprus
0%
20% CGT on Cypriot real-estate disposals; personal gains on other assets are generally outside CGT
Belgium
Up to 33%
Individuals pay 33% on speculative gains; entrepreneurs taxed at progressive 25–50%
Residency + visa
Cyprus
Easy
Belgium
Medium
Professional card/residence permits demand business plan, high salary, and NSSO social contributions
Banking & payment processors
Cyprus
Easy
Belgium
Medium
KBC/Belfius require Belgian director + UBO register; Stripe, Mollie and Adyen available but heavy AML
EU market access
Cyprus
Full EU member
Belgium
Full EU member (Eurozone + Schengen)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)
Cyprus
60 days
Belgium
183+ days
Center-of-life test applies (family home or economic interests in Belgium triggers residency)
Crime rate
Cyprus
Low
Belgium
Low
Healthcare
Cyprus
9/10
Belgium
9/10
Cost of living (EUR / month)
Cyprus
1.000–2.000 €
Belgium
2.200–3.500 € (Brussels)
Path to passport
Cyprus
Yes
EU passport after ~7 years of residency
Belgium
Yes
Citizenship available after 5 years legal stay plus integration & language proofs
Quality of life
Cyprus
9/10
Belgium
8/10
Cyprus combines founder-friendly taxes with Mediterranean quality of life and full EU access. You get 320+ sunny days, English-speaking services, modern infrastructure, international schools, affordable private healthcare, and direct flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Just enter your work email in the form above and you'll be taken to our calendar to book a free discovery call with our founding team. On that call we look at your specific situation, your business type, your revenue, where you're currently based, and we give you a clear picture of what you'd actually save and how the whole move would work. No obligations, no pressure, and it takes less than 60 seconds to book.
Yes, 100%. Cyprus has been a full EU member state since 2004. The tax rates, the Non-Dom regime, the 60-day residency rule, all of it is written into Cyprus and EU legislation and fully approved by the OECD. The EU recently mandated that every member state has to have at least a 15% corporate tax rate, and Cyprus already meets that. So 15% is the baseline, but there are legal ways to go even lower. If your business earns income from software, patents, or licensing, the IP Box regime brings your effective corporate rate down to about 3%. And even at the standard 15%, once you add 0% on dividends, 0% capital gains, and 0% on a company sale, the total tax burden ends up being a fraction of what you'd pay anywhere else in Europe. Big four accounting firms structure these setups for their own clients, and we've done over 2,000 of them ourselves.
Most of our clients don't have IP income actually. They run eCommerce stores, agencies, consulting firms, trading companies, coaching businesses. The standard corporate tax rate here is 15%, which alone is already half of what you'd pay in Germany, France, or Scandinavia. But the real savings come from what happens after corporate tax. As a Non-Dom, your dividends are taxed at 0%. Capital gains on securities are 0%. And if you ever sell the company, that's also 0%. So even without the IP Box, you're only getting taxed once at 15%, and then everything after that is yours. In most of Europe that same money would get taxed three or four times.
We are an A-to-Z Cyprus partner, not just an incorporation shop. We handle setup, legal, tax, finance, and ongoing operations under one roof:
If you already have parts in place, we can plug into your existing setup and only take over what you need.
Not necessarily. It really depends on your situation and there are several ways to go about it. Some of our clients set up a new company here in Cyprus and shift operations over gradually. Others restructure so the Cyprus entity becomes the parent company. In some cases you can actually migrate the whole company directly without shutting anything down. And sometimes it makes more sense to keep the company in your home country and simply own it from Cyprus as a shareholder. Because as a Non-Dom here, the dividends and capital gains that flow to you personally are tax-free. So you end up with just one layer of tax at the company level and nothing on top when the money reaches you. We figure out which approach works best for your specific case in the first consultation.
Timeline assumes you send requested documents within 48 hours.
To become a tax resident in Cyprus you only need to spend 60 days here per year. Not 183 like most countries require. And the days don't need to be consecutive, you can spread them across the year however you want. The main conditions are that you can't be a tax resident in any other country, meaning you can't spend more than 183 days anywhere else, and you need real substance in Cyprus. That means a permanent home, a company that actually operates from here, and real business decisions being made on the ground. We help you set all of that up from day one and we track your travel days throughout the year so you always stay fully compliant.
That's probably the most common concern we hear, and it's completely understandable. But that's exactly what double taxation treaties are designed to prevent. Cyprus has signed these treaties with over 65 countries, including Germany, France, the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, and most of the EU. When your tax residency is properly established here in Cyprus, your home country cannot also tax that same income. You're taxed where you're resident, period. The key word though is "properly." The structure, substance, and documentation all need to be set up correctly from the start. That's what we specialise in and it's a big part of why people come to us rather than trying to do it on their own.
When you relocate to Cyprus you automatically receive Non-Domicile status, and that gives you 0% tax on dividends for 17 years. That's a very long time. As of the 2026 tax reform there's also a new option to extend it by another 10 years after those initial 17, so potentially 27 years total. And it's worth noting that capital gains on securities and gains from selling your company are 0% for everyone in Cyprus regardless of Non-Dom status. Those benefits don't have an expiry date at all. So even beyond the 17 years you're still keeping a lot of the core advantages.
No, and most of them won't even notice. Cyprus is a full EU member state, so your company here is a European company in every sense. You get an EU VAT number, you invoice in euros, and by EU law every tax authority in every member state has to treat your Cyprus invoices exactly like any other EU invoice. That means your clients in Germany, France, the Netherlands, wherever they are, can deduct your invoices as a business expense, reclaim VAT on cross-border transactions, everything works exactly the way it would with any other EU supplier. We've relocated over 2,000 businesses at this point and we genuinely can't think of a single case where a client's customers had a problem with it.
It can be if you try to do it yourself or go with the wrong advisor. The banks here have real compliance requirements and they want to understand your business properly before they'll open an account. But this is one of the things we handle end to end as part of the setup. We know exactly what each bank needs, how they want the documentation presented, and which bank is the best fit for your type of business. On top of local banks like Hellenic and Bank of Cyprus, you also get full access to fintechs like Revolut, Wise, and Wamo, plus payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments, and Adyen. For our clients the bank account is typically open within the first few weeks alongside everything else.
Yes, absolutely. We work with clients from the UK, the US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries outside the EU. The process is a bit different but it's very doable. The most common route is setting up what's called a company of foreign interests here in Cyprus, with an initial investment starting from around €200,000 either as a bank deposit or put toward business-related expenses. That qualifies you and your family for a residence permit. There's also the Cyprus Startup Visa which is specifically designed for non-EU entrepreneurs building innovative businesses, with lower capital requirements. Once you're a tax resident here you get the exact same benefits as everyone else. 15% corporate, 0% dividends as a Non-Dom, 0% capital gains. Your passport doesn't change the tax treatment at all.
It depends on how complex your situation is, but for a standard setup that includes company formation, residency, Non-Dom filing, and a bank account, we're talking a few thousand euros. We break down every single cost transparently in the free consultation so there are zero surprises. And to put that number in perspective: if you're currently paying 40 or 50% tax and you move to a structure where you're at 15% corporate and 0% on dividends, the setup cost typically pays for itself within the first month. For a lot of our clients it's paid back within the first week.
Need more help? Email us at [email protected]
93Tax was built by founders who run their own companies in Cyprus. We faced all of the setup, accounting, legal, and banking challenges ourselves, then built the kind of partner we wish had existed for founders like us: fast, digital, and reliable. From formation to ongoing compliance, we handle the details A to Z so you can focus on building your company.
★★★★★ “Mario and his team feel like true partners. They communicate clearly, move fast, and consistently deliver solid results. I highly recommend 93Tax.”
Cagdas Demirel
Founder, Litmused AI