93 TAX

Pay 2.5% Tax. Legally.

Relocate to Cyprus and reduce your IP-based tax burden to 2.5% in less than 30 days.

2.5% corporate tax
0% tax on dividends
0% capital gains tax
Full setup in 30 days
Tier-1 banks & payment processors

Free consultation

Trusted by 100+ companies

Jonas Strambach

Founder, Leadjourney.io

“We were paying 45% in Germany. Now we're at 2.5% in Cyprus with better weather, amazing health insurance, great food, and the SAME EU benefits as in Germany. The setup took 3 weeks and 93Tax handled everything.”

Karina Fehl

Founder, Happyoclock.de

“The math was simple: pay 35% or relocate and pay 2.5%. Best business decision we made this year. I thought relocating would be a nightmare with endless paperwork. They got our company set up, banking sorted, and residency approved while I kept building. Worth every penny!”

Tax savings calculator

Cyprus vs.

Pre-tax profit €4,000,000

€100k €10m+

€360,000

9% tax rate

€100,000

2.5% IP Box rate

€260,000

72% savings

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 difference of +€101,046 (+54% more).

+€0 more in your pocket in 10 years

Assumes reinvesting yearly after-tax dividends at 10% annual growth.

Cyprus €0 Selected country €0

Work with the best

93Tax was founded by lawyers and tech founders running their own SaaS and IP ventures from Cyprus. We understand your needs because we build and operate businesses ourselves. Our clients save 93% on taxes on average—hence our name—and benefit from modern, tech-driven processes instead of having to deal with outdated paperwork or manual clunky systems.

Photo of the 93Tax relocation team based in Cyprus

From left to right: Andreas Papadopoulos (Partner, Corporate Lawyer), Cagdas Demirel (CEO), Eleni Georgiou (Lead Accountant).

“As a tech founder, Cyprus is hands down the best place on earth for SaaS, AI, and IP companies. No other location combines this level of tax efficiency, talent pool, weather, and lifestyle.”
Cagdas Demirel headshot — Cagdas Demirel, Co-Founder 93Tax & Huminloop

From left to right: Andreas Papadopoulos (Partner, Corporate Lawyer), Cagdas Demirel (CEO), Eleni Georgiou (Lead Accountant).

Cyprus flag Cyprus vs.

Factor	Cyprus	UK
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25% Main rate since April 2023; 19% only for profits ≤£50k with marginal relief up to £250k
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% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	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 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal NHS coverage World-class specialists in London/Cambridge Long NHS waiting lists Private insurance needed for faster access
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 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Global finance + tech hub Elite universities + culture Excellent public transport in major cities Gray weather High personal taxes & NI Expensive housing / childcare

Factor	Cyprus	Netherlands
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	19% / 25.8% 19% up to €200k profit, 25.8% thereafter (9% innovation box for qualifying IP)
Dividend tax	0%	15%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	26.9% Substantial shareholders taxed at 26.9%; other wealth taxed via Box 3 deemed returns
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium IND highly-skilled migrant or self-employed visas take 3–6 months
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Easy ING/Rabobank/ABN plus bunq/Adyen, but require local director + KvK registration
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Registration with the municipality + BSN triggers full residency
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Mandatory private coverage ensures high standards Excellent hospitals Family doctor gatekeeping Waitlists in Randstad
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.500–3.800 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Naturalisation after 5 years continuous stay + Dutch civic exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 English-friendly business culture World-class logistics hub Rule of law Severe housing shortage High payroll and social charges

Factor	Cyprus	Germany
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	30%+ effective 15% corporate + 5.5% solidarity surcharge plus 14–17% trade tax depending on municipality
Dividend tax	0%	26.375% WHT Flat rate incl. solidarity; treaty filings needed for reductions
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	26.375% Abgeltungsteuer on share disposals; only active shareholdings get partial exemptions
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium EU Blue Card / GmbH residency requires local managing director, health insurance, and notarised capital
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Tier-1 banks plus Stripe/Adyen available but onboarding takes weeks and needs €25k paid-in capital proof
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Worldwide tax triggered if you keep a German home or spend >183 days
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Universal statutory insurance (GKV) Top-tier university hospitals High employer social contributions Appointments slower without private plan
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.300–4.000 € (Berlin/Munich)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Naturalisation possible after 5 years residency (3 with integration) plus B1 German exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Largest EU economy & R&D incentives Deep engineering and startup talent pools Reliable infrastructure & public transit Complex bureaucracy primarily in German High payroll taxes and social charges Long, dark winters

Factor	Cyprus	Portugal
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	21% headline Can reach 31.5% once municipal and state surtaxes apply
Dividend tax	0%	28% WHT Participation exemption limited to EU holdings with substance
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	28% 50% of gains taxed at progressive rates for residents
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Digital Nomad/D7 permits require stable remote income and 183-day presence
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Easy Solid SEPA access but onboarding can take weeks of paperwork
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days New NHR replacement still needs habitual residence and social contributions
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal SNS coverage Affordable private clinics Long waiting lists in Lisbon/Porto Need private plan for faster care
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.000–3.000 € (Lisbon coastal)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship available after 5 years plus Portuguese A2 exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Surf and outdoor lifestyle Large expat hubs (Lisbon, Porto) Mild winters Heavy bureaucracy Frequent tax-rule changes Rising rents in hotspots

Factor	Cyprus	Dubai / UAE
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	9% 0% only for qualifying Free Zone activities (manufacturing, logistics + distribution, HQ/treasury, aircraft leasing, holding shares, fund management).
Dividend tax	0%	0%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Free-zone visa (2-3 yrs) but must re-enter roughly every 183 days to keep it active
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Hard
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 World-class private clinics Premium insurance mandatory High out-of-pocket costs
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.000+ €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	No Citizenship path only via multi-million AED investments and rare approvals
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	6/10 Ultra-modern amenities 30%+ expat community Best-connected airport worldwide Extreme summers reach 55°C Primarily car-dependent living Desert with not a lot of nature / hikes etc

Factor	Cyprus	Singapore
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	17% headline
Dividend tax	0%	Up to 22%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0% on global gains unless sourced in Singapore
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult Quota-based employment passes that take months
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Easy
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Strict employment link
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Tier-1 hospitals Efficient specialists Expensive without private insurance
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.000+ € (SGD 4k+)
Path to passport	Yes Passport application after ~7 years	No Approvals extremely limited without lifetime employment
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 World-class transit + safety Insanely clean city Global private banking hub Humidity year-round High rents for families

Factor	Cyprus	Other EU hubs
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	12.5–25%
Dividend tax	0%	5–28%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	15–28% depending on the country
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Varies by country, usually months of paperwork
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium
EU market access	Full EU member	Depends on country
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Most EU hubs require full physical presence
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Strong public systems (Germany, NL, etc.) Appointments can be slow in big cities
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.500–3.500 €
Path to passport	Yes Apply for Cypriot passport after ~7 years	Yes Typically 8-10 years plus language exams
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Large ecosystems (Berlin, Lisbon, Amsterdam) Long winters Gray, rainy seasons High bureaucracy

Factor	Cyprus	Malta
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	35% headline 5–10% effective only after refund claims plus payroll + substance in Malta
Dividend tax	0%	0% WHT Full imputation lets shareholders reclaim most tax but paperwork heavy
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0–12% Foreign share sales untaxed; 12% applies to Maltese property
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium GVRP/MPRP demand €100k+ assets, €15k minimum tax, and private health coverage
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Local banks run strict compliance; fintech options limited
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Remittance basis only if you keep Malta as habitual home
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Public + private hospitals run in English Fast links to Italy/UK if needed Limited specialists on-island Advanced care usually abroad
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.000–3.000 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Naturalisation in 12–36 months but needs €750k+ contribution plus property
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 English-first island Schengen mobility Strong fintech and iGaming scene High population density and traffic Limited green space Humid summers

Factor	Cyprus	Ireland
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	12.5% 15% global minimum for large multinationals from 2025
Dividend tax	0%	25% WHT Reductions only with EU parent + treaty filings
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	33%
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult Non-EU founders need Critical Skills permits or €1m IIP investment
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Only two retail banks remain; onboarding needs Irish proof of address
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Or 280 days over 2 years with min 30 days per year
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 High-quality specialists Public HSE + private options Multi-month waiting lists Private insurance premiums high
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.000–4.000 € (Dublin)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Naturalisation after 5 years of lawful residence
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 English-speaking tech hub Easy access to US and EU flights Gray, rainy winters Highest housing and childcare costs in eurozone

Factor	Cyprus	Georgia
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	15% Estonian-style: due only when profits are distributed
Dividend tax	0%	5%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0–20% Crypto/securities tax-free after 1 year; real estate gains 5–20%
Residency + visa	Easy	Easy 365-day visa-free stay for most Western passports
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Fast local onboarding but Western partners scrutinise Georgian flows
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (DCFTA only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days HNWI tax residency available with GEL 750k+ personal income
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Low-cost private clinics Medical tourism links to Turkey Limited advanced care Recommended to hold evacuation insurance
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.200–1.800 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship typically after 10+ years plus Georgian language + history exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Vibrant Tbilisi/Batumi scenes Mountains and wine country Visa-free one-year stays Air pollution in Tbilisi Developing infrastructure Language barrier outside cities

Factor	Cyprus	Estonia
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	20% on distributed profits 0% while reinvested; 14% for regularly distributed profits after 3 years
Dividend tax	0%	7–20% 7% withholding on regularly distributed profits, 20% on ad-hoc payouts
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	20% Taxed as regular corporate or individual income
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium EU residency requires 183+ days in-country; e-Residency alone is not a tax residency
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium LHV/Swedbank require in-person onboarding and local substance
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Needed for both corporate management and personal residency
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Digital e-health records EU reciprocal coverage Long specialist waitlists outside Tallinn
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.300–2.200 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Eligibility after 8 years of residence plus Estonian language exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Paperless government services Strong startup ecosystem Euro + EU law Long, dark winters Small domestic market for hiring

Factor	Cyprus	Bulgaria
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	10% flat Applies to worldwide profits; no innovation-box relief
Dividend tax	0%	5%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0–10% Listed securities exempt; otherwise taxed at 10%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium EU residency but requires physical presence and monthly social-security filings
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Local banks onboard slowly and often insist on Bulgarian directors
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Needed to maintain both company management and personal residency
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Low-cost private clinics Public hospitals underfunded outside Sofia
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	900–1.500 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Permanent residency after 5 years; citizenship after language + civics exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 EU & Schengen access Low cost base Mountain + Black Sea lifestyles Higher corruption perception Limited English-speaking bureaucracy

Factor	Cyprus	Romania
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	16% (1% micro) Micro tax 1% applies below €500k turnover with one local employee
Dividend tax	0%	8%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	10% Listed shares withheld at 1–3%; other gains taxed at 10%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium EU residency but requires 183-day presence and tax-center tests
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium OTP/Banca Transilvania support tech but require on-site directors
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also triggered if Romania is the center of vital interests
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Competitive private hospitals in Bucharest & Cluj Public system underfunded Rural coverage gaps
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.100–1.800 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 8 years (5 if married) plus Romanian language exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Large tech talent pool Fast internet EU market access Bureaucracy heavy Infrastructure outside major cities still developing

Factor	Cyprus	Switzerland
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	14–18% effective Federal 8.5% plus cantonal rates (e.g., Zug 11.9%, Zurich 19.7%)
Dividend tax	0%	35% withholding Reduced via treaties or participation exemption
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0% for individuals Private capital gains tax-free; classified traders pay up to 18%
Residency + visa	Easy	Hard Quota-based permits; high minimum salaries and cantonal approvals
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Top-tier banks but expect high balances and on-site directors
EU market access	Full EU member	Not EU (EFTA bilaterals)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Cantonal settlement tied to permanent presence
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 World-class hospitals Universal private insurance Cross-border specialists €400+ monthly insurance premiums High deductibles
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.500–5.500 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship eligible after 10 years plus integration and language exams
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	9/10 Top infrastructure Alpine outdoors Political stability Highest living costs in Europe Strict municipal rules

Factor	Cyprus	Luxembourg
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	24.9% effective 17% CIT + 7% solidarity + 6–12% municipal tax
Dividend tax	0%	15% 0% for qualifying EU parent/subsidiary structures
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0–19% Long-term holdings (>6 yrs) taxed up to 19%; lifetime €50k exemption
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Residence permits issued within ~4 months but require local lease + director
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Easy Global private-banking hub with fintech sandboxes, but demands substance
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Plus proof Luxembourg is your principal home and economic center
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Universal CNS coverage Easy referrals to Belgium/France hospitals Limited specialist availability inside Luxembourg
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.800–4.000 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years plus Luxembourgish language & civics exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Multilingual workforce AAA-rated stability Daily flights to major hubs High housing costs Small hiring pool inside the country

Factor	Cyprus	Italy
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	27.9% effective 24% IRES + 3.9% IRAP (higher for banks/regions)
Dividend tax	0%	26%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	26%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Elective residency or lavoro autonomo visas require €31k+ income and Comune registration
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Banks demand in-person onboarding, Italian-speaking directors, and lengthy KYC
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Plus registration with the Anagrafe and primary home in Italy
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Servizio Sanitario Nazionale is universal Centers of excellence in Milan/Bologna Regional disparities Long waits in the south
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.500–2.800 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Naturalisation after 10 years (4 if EU) plus B1 Italian exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Lifestyle, cuisine, design talent pools Heavy bureaucracy High social security on payroll

Factor	Cyprus	Spain
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25% standard 15% for the first two profitable years of new companies
Dividend tax	0%	19–28% Progressive withholding: 19% up to €6k, 28% above €300k
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	19–28% Same progressive bands as dividend income
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Digital-nomad, entrepreneur, and golden visas require NIE plus Spanish social security
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Traditional banks (Caixa, BBVA, Santander) insist on in-person directors and NIE numbers
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also triggered if Spain is your primary economic center or family home
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 World-ranked public healthcare Extensive hospital network Regional waitlists Paperwork handled in Spanish
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.600–2.900 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 10 years (2 for many Latin American nationals)
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	9/10 Mediterranean climate High-speed rail links Thriving Barcelona/Madrid tech hubs High payroll taxes Bureaucracy mostly in Spanish only

Factor	Cyprus	Croatia
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	10–18% 10% if revenue < €1M, 18% standard rate
Dividend tax	0%	10%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	0–10% 10% on sale within 2 years; exempt afterward or for EU-listed shares
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium EU but enforces 183-day stay; digital-nomad permit capped at 12 months
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Conservative banks (PBZ, Zagrebačka) require Croatian directors & proof of activity
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU & Schengen member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Plus proof Croatia is your habitual abode
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 Solid care in Zagreb/Split Supplemental private clinics growing Limited specialists on islands Legacy infrastructure
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.200–2.100 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship possible after 8 years + Croatian language & culture exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Adriatic coastline Euro + Schengen membership Growing IT scene in Zagreb/Split Smaller talent pool Bureaucracy still paper-heavy

Factor	Cyprus	Austria
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	23% Headline CIT lowered to 23% in 2024; no preferential IP box
Dividend tax	0%	27.5% WHT KESt on distributions; exemption only with EU parent plus participation filings
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	27.5% Share disposals taxed via KESt; exit tax if management/employees relocate
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Red-White-Red card or self-employed key worker permits require German proficiency, business plan, and €40k+ income
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Raiffeisen/Erste expect Austrian director + share capital; onboarding still paper-heavy though Stripe/Adyen available
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Centre of vital interests test applies even with fewer days if family/home in Austria
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Universal e-card coverage Vienna ranked among best medical systems High compulsory social security contributions Private plans needed for VIP access
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.200–3.500 € (Vienna)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship usually after 10 years residence (6 with integration exams and C1 German)
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	9/10 Stable politics & rule of law Central EU logistics hub Alpine lifestyle with clean cities German-language bureaucracy High wage costs & payroll taxes Strict residency enforcement

Factor	Cyprus	Sweden
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	20.6% Flat CIT since 2021; no preferential IP regime
Dividend tax	0%	30% Standard capital-income tax; 0–5% only for qualifying EU parent companies
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	30% Capital income taxed at 30%; closely held rules can push effective rates higher
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Work/startup permits require Swedish employment contracts, high salaries, and union-reviewed benefits
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Nordic banks demand Swedish board members and AML reporting; Stripe/Klarna require Swedish entity filings
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also resident if you keep a permanent home and stay 6+ months (even with short trips abroad)
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal taxpayer-funded care English widely spoken by medical staff Long wait times for specialists Limited private fast-track options outside Stockholm
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.500–3.800 € (Stockholm/Göteborg)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years permanent residence (3 if married to a Swede) plus language/civics
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Digitised public services Thriving Stockholm startup scene Strong social safety net and childcare Total tax wedge >50% on payroll Long dark winters Rigid employment protection rules

Factor	Cyprus	Finland
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	20% Flat CIT; no preferential IP deduction beyond 20% R&D super-deduction
Dividend tax	0%	20–28% Capital income taxed at 30% up to €30k, 34% above; unlisted dividends partly tax-exempt
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	30–34% Capital gains taxed at same 30%/34% brackets; rollover relief limited
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Startup and digital nomad permits require €1.22k–€1.5k monthly income, business plan, and Kela registration
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Nordea/OP demand Finnish resident director plus share capital; EMI options limited beyond Paytrail/Nets
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Presumed resident after 6 months stay even with short trips abroad; rebuttable but difficult
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal system with high-quality maternal care Private clinics common in Helsinki/Espoo Queues in regional hospitals Need Kela contributions/private insurance for faster access
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.000–3.000 € (Helsinki/Espoo)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship available after 5 years continuous residence plus Finnish/Swedish language exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 World-leading education & governance Clean air and access to nature Highly digital public services Small domestic market & language barrier Harsh winters and low daylight High payroll & social contributions

Factor	Cyprus	France
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25% Headline CIT 25% (15% reduced rate applies only to first €42k of profit)
Dividend tax	0%	30% PFU 12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions; reductions require PEA/participation exemption
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	30% PFU Flat prélèvement forfaitaire unique on share disposals; taper relief only for older holdings
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium French Tech / Talent Passport requires €38k salary or VC funding plus URSSAF payroll setup
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium BNP/Société Générale plus Stripe, Checkout.com available but demand French director + local compliance
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also resident if France is your household or main economic interest centre
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Universal Sécurité Sociale coverage Top specialists in Paris/Lyon High employer social charges Paperwork-heavy reimbursements
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.500–4.500 € (Paris)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years residency plus B1 French test and integration interview
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Large domestic market and Schengen reach TGV/airport network connects EU Renowned culture & cuisine Rigid labour code and payroll taxes Frequent regulatory changes Administrative complexity

Factor	Cyprus	Thailand
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	20% Flat CIT; BOI incentives can lower to 10% but require heavy substance
Dividend tax	0%	10% WHT Withholding on payments to individuals/non-residents; remitting foreign dividends taxed if brought into Thailand same year
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	20% Capital gains treated as ordinary corporate income (20%); listed share trades often exempt for individuals
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium LTR/SMART visas need $80k salary or sizeable investments plus 180-day reporting and Thai health insurance
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Kasikorn/Bangkok Bank require Thai director + minimum capital; Stripe limited so most use Omise, 2C2P, or local gateways
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	180+ days Tax resident if present 180+ days even without permanent residency
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Bangkok/Phuket private hospitals are world-class Affordable elective procedures Need private insurance for quality care Rural hospitals limited
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.200–2.000 € (Bangkok/Phuket)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	No Citizenship only after 10+ years PR, Thai language exam, and quotas; dual citizenship discouraged
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Tropical weather & beaches Large expat + digital nomad community Low cost of living and service staff Political instability & coups Foreign ownership limits Seasonal air pollution (Bangkok/Chiang Mai)

Factor	Cyprus	Indonesia
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	22% Headline CIT 22%; 17% for SMEs under IDR 50B but requires domestic shareholding
Dividend tax	0%	10% WHT Withheld on outbound dividends; reduced rates only with tax treaty + investment plan
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	22% Capital gains treated as ordinary income (22%); land/building sales subject to 2.5% final tax
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Second-home, KITAS, or Bali digital nomad visas require high bank balances (IDR 2B+) and local sponsor reporting
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Need PT PMA with Indonesian shareholder/resident director; rely on Xendit, Midtrans as Stripe not available
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also deemed resident if present >120 days and maintain a permanent home
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Private hospitals improving in Jakarta/Bali Regional medical tourism on the rise Need evacuation insurance for serious care Public system underfunded outside major cities
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	900–1.800 € (Bali/Jakarta)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	No Citizenship extremely rare, dual citizenship banned for adults
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Tropical lifestyle and surf/diving hotspots Access to ASEAN growth markets Bali startup and creator hubs growing fast Infrastructure gaps & power outages Visas tied to local sponsors with frequent reporting Capital controls and FX restrictions

Factor	Cyprus	Canada
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	26.5% average 15% federal + ~11.5% provincial (Ontario baseline)
Dividend tax	0%	Up to 25% Non-resident withholding 25%; treaties bring it down to 5–15%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	Up to 26.5% 50% of the gain is taxable at the combined federal/provincial rate
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult Express Entry / Start-up Visa points system, proof of funds, and 6–18 month processing
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Tier-1 banks and Stripe/Adyen available but require in-person directors & deep compliance files
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (USMCA market instead)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Deemed resident if present 183+ days or if Canada is your primary home base
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal public coverage (Medicare) Global research hospitals in Toronto/Montreal Months-long waitlists outside major cities Private insurance needed for faster care
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.500–4.000 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5+ years of PR with 1,095 physical days
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 G7 economy with deep capital markets Large English-speaking talent pool Excellent infrastructure Harsh winters in most hubs High payroll + social security burden Time zone misaligned with EU clients

Factor	Cyprus	Australia
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25–30% 25% for base-rate entities (< AUD 50M turnover), 30% standard companies
Dividend tax	0%	0–30% Franking credits eliminate local tax; non-residents see 0–15% withholding if treaty applies
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	Up to 47% Taxed as income, with only a 50% discount after 12 months of holding
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult Points-based skilled visas + business visas demand high investment, English tests, and multi-year processing
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Big 4 banks, Stripe, Adyen present but onboarding requires in-country directors & strict AML proofs
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (serves APAC/Oceania primarily)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Residency determined by domicile and 183+ day physical presence tests
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Universal Medicare coverage High-quality private hospitals in Sydney/Melbourne Extra levy for high earners without private cover Regional specialists in short supply
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.400–4.200 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 4 years (1 year as PR) with residency & language tests
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 English-speaking workforce Outdoor/beach lifestyle Overlap with APAC tech markets Long-haul travel to Europe Rigid labor laws and payroll costs High compliance/fringe benefits tax

Factor	Cyprus	New Zealand
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	28% Flat rate with no preferential IP regime
Dividend tax	0%	0–33% Fully imputed dividends are tax-free domestically; non-resident withholding up to 33% if no DTA
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	Generally 0% No broad CGT but property 'bright-line' tax and crypto treated as income
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Points-based Skilled Migrant + investor visas with strict salary thresholds
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Four major banks but onboarding needs onshore directors; Stripe/Wise available with NZ entity
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (serves ANZ market)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also triggered with 325+ days over 2 years or if you maintain a permanent home in NZ
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 Publicly funded hospital care ACC scheme covers workplace & accident injuries Limited specialists outside Auckland/Wellington Travel abroad for complex procedures
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.200–3.500 €
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years of residence with 240+ days physically present each year
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Incredible nature & outdoor sports English-language legal + business environment Stable politics Remote from EU clients Small domestic market & talent pool Regular seismic activity

Factor	Cyprus	United States
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25–30% effective 21% federal rate plus 0–12% state + city taxes (28%+ common in CA/NY)
Dividend tax	0%	Up to 37% 20% federal + 3.8% NIIT plus 0–13.3% state (e.g. California, New York)
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	23.8%+state Long-term gains taxed at 20% + 3.8% NIIT plus state income tax (0–13.3%)
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult E-2/L-1/EB visas require $800k+ investment or employer sponsorship, onshore payroll, and long adjudication times
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Easy Tier-1 banks plus Stripe, Adyen, Braintree, Mercury, Ramp—best-in-class rails but strict KYC for foreigners
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (access via local entity only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	Citizenship + 183-day test Citizens + green-card holders taxed worldwide even abroad; substantial presence = 183-day weighted test
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 World-class hospitals and specialists Top-tier private insurance options No universal coverage, employer premiums very high Medical debt risk for founders
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.000–5.000 € (SF/NYC)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency (3 if married) plus civics & English tests
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Access to deep capital markets Massive consumer base Top universities + ecosystems (SF, NYC, Austin) Car-centric cities with limited public transport options Visible homelessness in major hubs Violent crime rates significantly higher than most EU cities Healthcare + liability overheads

Factor	Cyprus	South Africa
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	27% Headline CIT reduced to 27% in 2023 but no IP incentives; plus 1–2% skills levies
Dividend tax	0%	20% WHT
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	21.6% effective 80% inclusion rate x 27% corporate tax; individuals pay up to 18%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Business visas require R5m capital + job creation; emigration triggers exit tax and SARS clearance
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Big 4 banks solid but foreign currency transfers heavily regulated; Stripe absent (Yoco/Paystack used)
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (SADC / AfCFTA focused)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also tax resident if "ordinarily resident" even under 183 days; expatriation requires SARS approval
Crime rate	Low	High
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Private hospitals (Discovery, Netcare) excellent Medical tourism inbound Public system strained Private insurance mandatory for quality care
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.200–2.200 € (Cape Town/JHB)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 5 years PR but dual citizenship requires retention permission
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 GMT+2 overlap with EU Great weather and nature English-first service sector Load-shedding & infrastructure risk Currency volatility + exchange controls Personal safety concerns

Factor	Cyprus	Brazil
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	34% 25% IRPJ + 9% CSLL nationwide; no preferential IP box
Dividend tax	0%	0% (changing soon) Currently exempt but 15% WHT approved in tax reform from 2025 onward
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	15–22.5% Progressive rates for individuals; corporations taxed at 34% on gains
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Investor visas need R$500k (reduced to R$150k for tech) plus Brazilian employees; heavy bureaucracy
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium PIX + Nubank/Itau advanced but FX controls and tax on remittances; Stripe only via beta/local entity
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (Mercosur)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also resident if you enter on permanent visa or have a home available in Brazil
Crime rate	Low	High
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	6/10 Private hospitals (Albert Einstein, Sírio-Libanês) top-class SUS covers emergencies nationwide Public system overcrowded Private plans necessary for quality care in São Paulo/Rio
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.500–3.000 € (São Paulo/Rio)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 4 years PR (1 year if married or with Brazilian child); Portuguese language exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Huge domestic market + GMT-3 overlap with US/EU Vibrant startup scene in São Paulo Year-round warm weather High taxes on payroll + turnover Currency volatility & import taxes Complex bureaucracy in Portuguese only

Factor	Cyprus	Argentina
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	30–35% 25% corporate plus 7% dividend WHT + 2–5% provincial gross-income taxes
Dividend tax	0%	7% withholding
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	15% Individuals pay 15% on securities; corporations taxed at standard income rates
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Rentista/investor visas require USD 2.000+ passive income or USD 80k+ investments plus AFIP registration
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Difficult Capital controls, dual FX rates, import restrictions; Stripe unavailable (use MercadoPago, Nubi)
EU market access	Full EU member	Outside EU (Mercosur)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also resident if your center of vital interests is Argentina even with fewer days
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	7/10 Public hospitals are free Private prepago networks high-quality in Buenos Aires Public system overcrowded Need USD-denominated coverage for top clinics
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	900–1.800 € (Buenos Aires)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship in as little as 2 years of residency via courts; Spanish proficiency required
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 European-style cities, culture, and food Great talent pool for Spanish-speaking support Favorable time zone for Americas Triple-digit inflation + currency restrictions Heavy tax on foreign-currency inflows Policy uncertainty

Factor	Cyprus	Turkey
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25% Standard CIT 25% in 2024 (30% for banks); limited incentives for tech exports
Dividend tax	0%	10% WHT
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	Up to 40% Individuals taxed at progressive 15–40%; companies pay 25% (75% exemption after 2 years on shares)
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Residency requires property >$200k or TRC renewals; citizenship by investment $400k property or $500k deposit
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Ziraat/Garanti strong but FX controls + export repatriation rules; Stripe unavailable (use Iyzico/PayTR)
EU market access	Full EU member	Limited (EU–Turkey customs union only)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also tax resident if you have permanent residence + continuous stay exceeding 6 months
Crime rate	Low	Medium
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	8/10 Affordable top-tier private hospitals in Istanbul/Ankara Medical tourism hub for surgeries Public hospitals crowded Need private insurance for English-language care
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	1.100–2.000 € (Istanbul)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship via $400k property or 5 years residency + Turkish language test
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	7/10 Bridge between EU and Middle East Large, young workforce Vibrant culture + cuisine Lira volatility & inflation Regulatory uncertainty Earthquake and geopolitical risk

Factor	Cyprus	Norway
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	22% Flat CIT across mainland Norway; petroleum firms pay extra 56% special tax
Dividend tax	0%	37.8% effective Dividends grossed up by 1.72 factor then taxed at 22%
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	37.8% Same 1.72 gross-up applied to gains on shares for individuals
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult Non-EU founders need high salaries (>€60k), NAV-approved job offers, and strict police registration
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Nordic banks (DNB, Nordea) robust but require Norwegian board + accountant; Vipps widespread, Stripe available
EU market access	Full EU member	EEA/Schengen access but not EU legislative vote
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also tax resident if 270 days over 3 years or maintain a Norwegian home that's available year-round
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Universal coverage funded by oil wealth Outstanding life expectancy Wait lists for elective care Need private membership for fast-track specialists
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	3.000–4.500 € (Oslo)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship typically after 8 years residence (shorter if married) since dual citizenship allowed in 2020
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Top happiness + safety rankings Hydropower + EV infrastructure Highly educated English-speaking workforce Total tax wedge >55% on salaries Long, dark winters High labour costs reduce founder runway

Factor	Cyprus	Denmark
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	22% CIT 22% (dropping to 21.3% in 2026); no preferential IP box but high R&D credits
Dividend tax	0%	27–42% 27% WHT up to DKK 58,900, 42% thereafter unless EU parent exemption applies
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	27–42% Progressive tax on share gains for individuals; companies taxed at 22%
Residency + visa	Easy	Difficult SIRI work/startup permits require high minimum salaries (~DKK 480k) and Danish labour-market tests
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium Banks demand NemID, Danish board members, and audited accounts; Stripe/Klarna available but onboarding strict
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member (Schengen + Nordic council)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Also tax resident if you acquire a Danish home and stay even briefly (habitual abode test)
Crime rate	Low	Very low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Tax-funded universal care High physician-to-population ratio Waiting times for non-urgent surgeries Need private insurance for VIP clinics
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.700–4.000 € (Copenhagen)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship after 9 years (can drop to 8 with integration tests) + Danish language exam
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 Top happiness index, bike-friendly cities English widely spoken Strong design & cleantech ecosystem Total payroll tax >55% High VAT (25%) Dark winters + smaller talent pool

Factor	Cyprus	Belgium
Effective corporate tax	2.5% with IP Box 12.5% for everything else	25% Flat CIT 25% plus 3% crisis prelevy for some companies; strict substance rules for any deductions
Dividend tax	0%	30% WHT 30% standard withholding; reduced only via RDT participation exemption or treaties
Capital gains tax	0% Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate	Up to 33% Individuals pay 33% on speculative gains; entrepreneurs taxed at progressive 25–50%
Residency + visa	Easy	Medium Professional card/residence permits demand business plan, high salary, and NSSO social contributions
Banking & payment processors	Easy	Medium KBC/Belfius require Belgian director + UBO register; Stripe, Mollie and Adyen available but heavy AML
EU market access	Full EU member	Full EU member (Eurozone + Schengen)
Tax residency requirement (days / year)	60 days	183+ days Center-of-life test applies (family home or economic interests in Belgium triggers residency)
Crime rate	Low	Low
Healthcare	9/10 Free national coverage Modern EU-standard hospitals Usable across the EU	9/10 Compulsory mutualité coverage + extensive hospital network Private top-ups inexpensive Heavy social security contributions Three-language bureaucracy
Cost of living (EUR / month)	1.000–2.000 €	2.200–3.500 € (Brussels)
Path to passport	Yes EU passport after ~7 years of residency	Yes Citizenship available after 5 years legal stay plus integration & language proofs
Quality of life	9/10 Mediterranean island lifestyle 330+ sunny days with great weather Walkable cities Freedom of speech / choice Low bureaucracy Subpar public transport system	8/10 EU + NATO capital with multilingual workforce Direct train access to Paris/Amsterdam/London Strong logistics hub Total payroll tax >55% Complex communal + federal bureaucracy Frequent tax audits of SMEs

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

25%

Main rate since April 2023; 19% only for profits ≤£50k with marginal relief up to £250k

Dividend tax

Cyprus

8.75–39.35%

Basic rate 8.75%, higher 33.75%, additional 39.35% plus £500 annual allowance

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

10–20%

10% basic-rate / BADR, 20% higher-rate (28% on residential property)

Residency + visa

Cyprus

Easy

Medium

Points-based Skilled Worker & Innovator visas require sponsorship, salary thresholds, and UK presence

Banking & payment processors

Cyprus

Easy

Global fintech hub (Wise, Revolut, Stripe UK) though strict AML for non-residents

EU market access

Cyprus

Full EU member

Outside EU (post-Brexit)

Tax residency requirement (days / year)

Cyprus

60 days

183+ days

Statutory Residence Test combines day count with UK ties

Crime rate

Cyprus

Low

Medium

Healthcare

Cyprus

9/10

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

8/10

Universal NHS coverage
World-class specialists in London/Cambridge
Long NHS waiting lists
Private insurance needed for faster access

Cost of living (EUR / month)

Cyprus

1.000–2.000 €

2.500–4.000 € (London & South East)

Path to passport

Cyprus

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

Cyprus

9/10

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

7/10

Global finance + tech hub
Elite universities + culture
Excellent public transport in major cities
Gray weather
High personal taxes & NI
Expensive housing / childcare

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Germany

30%+ effective

15% corporate + 5.5% solidarity surcharge plus 14–17% trade tax depending on municipality

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Germany

26.375% WHT

Flat rate incl. solidarity; treaty filings needed for reductions

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Germany

9/10

Universal statutory insurance (GKV)
Top-tier university hospitals
High employer social contributions
Appointments slower without private plan

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Germany

8/10

Largest EU economy & R&D incentives
Deep engineering and startup talent pools
Reliable infrastructure & public transit
Complex bureaucracy primarily in German
High payroll taxes and social charges
Long, dark winters

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Malta

35% headline

5–10% effective only after refund claims plus payroll + substance in Malta

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Malta

0% WHT

Full imputation lets shareholders reclaim most tax but paperwork heavy

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Malta

8/10

Public + private hospitals run in English
Fast links to Italy/UK if needed
Limited specialists on-island
Advanced care usually abroad

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Malta

8/10

English-first island
Schengen mobility
Strong fintech and iGaming scene
High population density and traffic
Limited green space
Humid summers

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Switzerland

14–18% effective

Federal 8.5% plus cantonal rates (e.g., Zug 11.9%, Zurich 19.7%)

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Switzerland

35% withholding

Reduced via treaties or participation exemption

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

Switzerland

0% for individuals

Private capital gains tax-free; classified traders pay up to 18%

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Switzerland

9/10

World-class hospitals
Universal private insurance
Cross-border specialists
€400+ monthly insurance premiums
High deductibles

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Switzerland

9/10

Top infrastructure
Alpine outdoors
Political stability
Highest living costs in Europe
Strict municipal rules

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Austria

23%

Headline CIT lowered to 23% in 2024; no preferential IP box

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Austria

27.5% WHT

KESt on distributions; exemption only with EU parent plus participation filings

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Austria

9/10

Universal e-card coverage
Vienna ranked among best medical systems
High compulsory social security contributions
Private plans needed for VIP access

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Austria

9/10

Stable politics & rule of law
Central EU logistics hub
Alpine lifestyle with clean cities
German-language bureaucracy
High wage costs & payroll taxes
Strict residency enforcement

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Sweden

20.6%

Flat CIT since 2021; no preferential IP regime

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Sweden

30%

Standard capital-income tax; 0–5% only for qualifying EU parent companies

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Sweden

8/10

Universal taxpayer-funded care
English widely spoken by medical staff
Long wait times for specialists
Limited private fast-track options outside Stockholm

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Sweden

8/10

Digitised public services
Thriving Stockholm startup scene
Strong social safety net and childcare
Total tax wedge >50% on payroll
Long dark winters
Rigid employment protection rules

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Finland

20%

Flat CIT; no preferential IP deduction beyond 20% R&D super-deduction

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Finland

20–28%

Capital income taxed at 30% up to €30k, 34% above; unlisted dividends partly tax-exempt

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Finland

8/10

Universal system with high-quality maternal care
Private clinics common in Helsinki/Espoo
Queues in regional hospitals
Need Kela contributions/private insurance for faster access

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Finland

8/10

World-leading education & governance
Clean air and access to nature
Highly digital public services
Small domestic market & language barrier
Harsh winters and low daylight
High payroll & social contributions

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

France

25%

Headline CIT 25% (15% reduced rate applies only to first €42k of profit)

Dividend tax

Cyprus

France

30% PFU

12.8% income tax + 17.2% social contributions; reductions require PEA/participation exemption

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

France

9/10

Universal Sécurité Sociale coverage
Top specialists in Paris/Lyon
High employer social charges
Paperwork-heavy reimbursements

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

France

8/10

Large domestic market and Schengen reach
TGV/airport network connects EU
Renowned culture & cuisine
Rigid labour code and payroll taxes
Frequent regulatory changes
Administrative complexity

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Thailand

20%

Flat CIT; BOI incentives can lower to 10% but require heavy substance

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Thailand

10% WHT

Withholding on payments to individuals/non-residents; remitting foreign dividends taxed if brought into Thailand same year

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Thailand

8/10

Bangkok/Phuket private hospitals are world-class
Affordable elective procedures
Need private insurance for quality care
Rural hospitals limited

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

Citizenship only after 10+ years PR, Thai language exam, and quotas; dual citizenship discouraged

Quality of life

Cyprus

9/10

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Thailand

8/10

Tropical weather & beaches
Large expat + digital nomad community
Low cost of living and service staff
Political instability & coups
Foreign ownership limits
Seasonal air pollution (Bangkok/Chiang Mai)

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Indonesia

22%

Headline CIT 22%; 17% for SMEs under IDR 50B but requires domestic shareholding

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Indonesia

10% WHT

Withheld on outbound dividends; reduced rates only with tax treaty + investment plan

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

Indonesia

22%

Capital gains treated as ordinary income (22%); land/building sales subject to 2.5% 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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Indonesia

6/10

Private hospitals improving in Jakarta/Bali
Regional medical tourism on the rise
Need evacuation insurance for serious care
Public system underfunded outside major cities

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

Citizenship extremely rare, dual citizenship banned for adults

Quality of life

Cyprus

9/10

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Indonesia

7/10

Tropical lifestyle and surf/diving hotspots
Access to ASEAN growth markets
Bali startup and creator hubs growing fast
Infrastructure gaps & power outages
Visas tied to local sponsors with frequent reporting
Capital controls and FX restrictions

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Canada

26.5% average

15% federal + ~11.5% provincial (Ontario baseline)

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Canada

Up to 25%

Non-resident withholding 25%; treaties bring it down to 5–15%

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Canada

8/10

Universal public coverage (Medicare)
Global research hospitals in Toronto/Montreal
Months-long waitlists outside major cities
Private insurance needed for faster care

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Canada

8/10

G7 economy with deep capital markets
Large English-speaking talent pool
Excellent infrastructure
Harsh winters in most hubs
High payroll + social security burden
Time zone misaligned with EU clients

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Australia

25–30%

25% for base-rate entities (< AUD 50M turnover), 30% standard companies

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Australia

0–30%

Franking credits eliminate local tax; non-residents see 0–15% withholding if treaty applies

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Australia

8/10

Universal Medicare coverage
High-quality private hospitals in Sydney/Melbourne
Extra levy for high earners without private cover
Regional specialists in short supply

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Australia

8/10

English-speaking workforce
Outdoor/beach lifestyle
Overlap with APAC tech markets
Long-haul travel to Europe
Rigid labor laws and payroll costs
High compliance/fringe benefits tax

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

New Zealand

28%

Flat rate with no preferential IP regime

Dividend tax

Cyprus

New Zealand

0–33%

Fully imputed dividends are tax-free domestically; non-resident withholding up to 33% if no DTA

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

New Zealand

7/10

Publicly funded hospital care
ACC scheme covers workplace & accident injuries
Limited specialists outside Auckland/Wellington
Travel abroad for complex procedures

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

New Zealand

8/10

Incredible nature & outdoor sports
English-language legal + business environment
Stable politics
Remote from EU clients
Small domestic market & talent pool
Regular seismic activity

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

United States

25–30% effective

21% federal rate plus 0–12% state + city taxes (28%+ common in CA/NY)

Dividend tax

Cyprus

United States

Up to 37%

20% federal + 3.8% NIIT plus 0–13.3% state (e.g. California, New York)

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

United States

7/10

World-class hospitals and specialists
Top-tier private insurance options
No universal coverage, employer premiums very high
Medical debt risk for founders

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

United States

7/10

Access to deep capital markets
Massive consumer base
Top universities + ecosystems (SF, NYC, Austin)
Car-centric cities with limited public transport options
Visible homelessness in major hubs
Violent crime rates significantly higher than most EU cities
Healthcare + liability overheads

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

South Africa

27%

Headline CIT reduced to 27% in 2023 but no IP incentives; plus 1–2% skills levies

Dividend tax

Cyprus

South Africa

20% WHT

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

South Africa

6/10

Private hospitals (Discovery, Netcare) excellent
Medical tourism inbound
Public system strained
Private insurance mandatory for quality care

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

South Africa

7/10

GMT+2 overlap with EU
Great weather and nature
English-first service sector
Load-shedding & infrastructure risk
Currency volatility + exchange controls
Personal safety concerns

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Brazil

34%

25% IRPJ + 9% CSLL nationwide; no preferential IP box

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Brazil

0% (changing soon)

Currently exempt but 15% WHT approved in tax reform from 2025 onward

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

Brazil

15–22.5%

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Brazil

6/10

Private hospitals (Albert Einstein, Sírio-Libanês) top-class
SUS covers emergencies nationwide
Public system overcrowded
Private plans necessary for quality care in São Paulo/Rio

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Brazil

7/10

Huge domestic market + GMT-3 overlap with US/EU
Vibrant startup scene in São Paulo
Year-round warm weather
High taxes on payroll + turnover
Currency volatility & import taxes
Complex bureaucracy in Portuguese only

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Argentina

30–35%

25% corporate plus 7% dividend WHT + 2–5% provincial gross-income taxes

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Argentina

7% withholding

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Argentina

7/10

Public hospitals are free
Private prepago networks high-quality in Buenos Aires
Public system overcrowded
Need USD-denominated coverage for top clinics

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Argentina

7/10

European-style cities, culture, and food
Great talent pool for Spanish-speaking support
Favorable time zone for Americas
Triple-digit inflation + currency restrictions
Heavy tax on foreign-currency inflows
Policy uncertainty

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Turkey

25%

Standard CIT 25% in 2024 (30% for banks); limited incentives for tech exports

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Turkey

10% WHT

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Turkey

8/10

Affordable top-tier private hospitals in Istanbul/Ankara
Medical tourism hub for surgeries
Public hospitals crowded
Need private insurance for English-language care

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Turkey

7/10

Bridge between EU and Middle East
Large, young workforce
Vibrant culture + cuisine
Lira volatility & inflation
Regulatory uncertainty
Earthquake and geopolitical risk

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Norway

22%

Flat CIT across mainland Norway; petroleum firms pay extra 56% special tax

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Norway

37.8% effective

Dividends grossed up by 1.72 factor then taxed at 22%

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Norway

9/10

Universal coverage funded by oil wealth
Outstanding life expectancy
Wait lists for elective care
Need private membership for fast-track specialists

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Norway

8/10

Top happiness + safety rankings
Hydropower + EV infrastructure
Highly educated English-speaking workforce
Total tax wedge >55% on salaries
Long, dark winters
High labour costs reduce founder runway

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Denmark

22%

CIT 22% (dropping to 21.3% in 2026); no preferential IP box but high R&D credits

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Denmark

27–42%

27% WHT up to DKK 58,900, 42% thereafter unless EU parent exemption applies

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Denmark

9/10

Tax-funded universal care
High physician-to-population ratio
Waiting times for non-urgent surgeries
Need private insurance for VIP clinics

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Denmark

8/10

Top happiness index, bike-friendly cities
English widely spoken
Strong design & cleantech ecosystem
Total payroll tax >55%
High VAT (25%)
Dark winters + smaller talent pool

Effective corporate tax

Cyprus

2.5% with IP Box

12.5% for everything else

Belgium

25%

Flat CIT 25% plus 3% crisis prelevy for some companies; strict substance rules for any deductions

Dividend tax

Cyprus

Belgium

30% WHT

30% standard withholding; reduced only via RDT participation exemption or treaties

Capital gains tax

Cyprus

Except 8% for crypto and 12.5% on Cypriot real estate

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

Free national coverage
Modern EU-standard hospitals
Usable across the EU

Belgium

9/10

Compulsory mutualité coverage + extensive hospital network
Private top-ups inexpensive
Heavy social security contributions
Three-language bureaucracy

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

Mediterranean island lifestyle
330+ sunny days with great weather
Walkable cities
Freedom of speech / choice
Low bureaucracy
Subpar public transport system

Belgium

8/10

EU + NATO capital with multilingual workforce
Direct train access to Paris/Amsterdam/London
Strong logistics hub
Total payroll tax >55%
Complex communal + federal bureaucracy
Frequent tax audits of SMEs

Why Cyprus works wonderfully for tech companies

Cyprus offers Mediterranean living with low taxes and fluent English speakers. The island has modern infrastructure, fast internet, international schools, and affordable private healthcare. Major tech companies like Wargaming, Nexters, eToro, Hostinger, Capital.com, Exness, and ePlan run their headquarters here, attracting global talent. From Cyprus, you can reach any major European city in 4 hours, with direct flights to Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Limassol waterfront at sunset showcasing Cyprus' modern skyline

Limassol waterfront, steps away from Cyprus' fintech, SaaS, and AI founders.

FAQs

I'm interested. What's the next step?

The next step is a free, no-obligation discovery call with our founding team. We'll assess your specific situation and give you a clear picture of your potential tax savings. Just enter your email in the form on this page, and you'll be directed to our calendar to book a time that works for you. It takes less than 60 seconds.

What if my business doesn't have IP? Can you still help?

Yes, absolutely. The IP Box is a powerful accelerator for tech companies, but it's just one of many reasons founders relocate to Cyprus. We help all types of businesses and individuals take advantage of the broader benefits, including:

A flat 12.5% corporate tax rate on profits—one of the lowest in the EU.
0% tax on dividend income for non-domiciled residents.
0% tax on profits from selling securities or entire companies.

Our core mission is to help you legally reduce your tax burden. Whether you are a consultant, e-commerce store, holding company, or tech founder, we build the optimal structure for your specific needs.

What exactly is the IP Box, and who is it for?

The IP Box is a special tax regime that allows your company to pay an effective corporate tax rate as low as 2.5% on profits generated from qualifying intellectual property. It’s specifically designed for tech-forward businesses—like SaaS platforms, AI/ML companies, patent holders, and software developers—that create and own their IP. It's Cyprus' way of attracting innovative companies to the EU.

Which business activities qualify for the 2.5% rate (and which don't)?

The regime is designed for businesses creating proprietary technology. The core idea is that the work must be R&D-focused and lead to the creation of valuable, novel IP.

Qualifying activities include:

Software development (SaaS, mobile apps, AI/ML)
Patents, utility models, and other protected inventions
Digital products and data analytics platforms

Non-qualifying assets primarily involve marketing and branding:

Trademarks, brand names, and image rights do not qualify.
Standard consulting or services without IP creation are also excluded.

How do I prove my R&D is 'substantial' and what records are needed?

This is the most critical part of compliance, and where we do the heavy lifting for you. "Substantial" means you're creating genuinely new technology, not just making minor tweaks. To prove it, tax authorities need a clear audit trail. We provide our clients with a "Compliance Vault" to meticulously track:

Detailed R&D Documentation: Sprint notes, technical specs, commit histories, and architectural diagrams.
Cost Tracking: Payroll for your Cyprus-based developers and invoices from any outsourced R&D.
Income Attribution: Clear records showing which revenue streams come directly from your qualifying IP.
Contracts: Agreements ensuring all IP rights are assigned back to the Cypriot company.

What happens during the “30-day setup”?

Week 1 (remote): We file incorporation, prep shareholder docs, and guide you through e-signing the IP move.
Week 2 (remote): Tax and VAT numbers arrive while we onboard directors and submit the bank KYC pack together.
Week 3 (in Cyprus): You fly in for biometrics; we escort you to payroll, social-insurance, SIM, and utility appointments.
Week 4 (in Cyprus + remote): Bank and fintech accounts activate, and we sit with you to switch on the bookkeeping stack and hand over the compliance binder.

Timeline assumes you send requested documents within 48 hours.

How does the 60-day tax residency rule work practically?

Spend at least 60 days on the island, avoid tax residency elsewhere, and keep a lease or owned home. We walk you through Gesy (national health insurance) signup, utilities, and a local SIM, then run your travel log with our tracking app so every border stamp is captured for you.

Which banks and payment processors can I actually use?

Local banks: Hellenic Bank, Bank of Cyprus, Alpha Bank.

Fintech accounts: Revolut, Wise, Juni, Qonto, Wamo.

Payment processors: Stripe, PayPal, Klarna, Shopify Payments, Adyen, Checkout.com.

This is a non-exhaustive list and is subject to change. Last updated October 2025.

Pay 2.5% Tax. Legally.

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🇨🇾 Cyprus flag Cyprus vs.

Why Cyprus works wonderfully for tech companies

FAQs

Qualifying activities include:

Non-qualifying assets primarily involve marketing and branding:

Cyprus flag Cyprus vs.