Moving to Cyprus: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Cyprus: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 8 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Cyprus the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 2.65% and companies pay 15% corporate tax. Newcomers may use a special regime (0%): Non-dom (17 yrs): 0% on dividends and interest (no SDC).
How to move and become tax resident
To become tax resident in Cyprus you need at least 60 days a year (60 days + Cyprus home + Cyprus job/business/directorship, no other tax residence, ≤183 days in any other state). The typical route is EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient): Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required There are 8 open residence programmes in Cyprus — see the list below.
Living there
Limassol has a hot semi-arid climate with winter highs around 17.5 °C and summer highs around 32 °C. The economy grew +3.2% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 3% for 2026. Its passport opens about 158 countries without a visa in advance. Security: Divided island; drone hit RAF Akrotiri & Iranian missiles intercepted Mar 2026.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 35% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 2.65% |
| Corporate tax | 15% |
| Special regime for newcomers | 0% — Non-dom (17 yrs): 0% on dividends and interest (no SDC). |
| Φορολογική κατοικία | μετά από 60 ημέρες — 60 days + Cyprus home + Cyprus job/business/directorship, no other tax residence, ≤183 days in any other state |
| Η διαδρομή σας | EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient) — Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required |
| Διαβατήριο | χωρίς visa ή κατά την άφιξη σε 158 χώρες |
| Economic growth | +3.2% (2025), forecast 3% (2026) |
| Τύπος κλίματος | hot semi-arid · 17.5° / 32° (Limassol) |
| Πόλεμος & συγκρούσεις | tension — Divided island; drone hit RAF Akrotiri & Iranian missiles intercepted Mar 2026 |
| Όλοι οι φυσικοί κίνδυνοι | 5/10 |
| Ισχύς τραπεζών | 6.5/10 · A- |
| Προστασία ιδιοκτησίας | 6.5/10 |
| Ζεστά σπίτια τον χειμώνα | 3.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Cyprus
- Permanent Residence Permit by Investment (Regulation 6(2)) — Επένδυση CHF 282'000 · open · 2026-10
- Visitor residence permit (Category F, financially independent) — Εισόδημα / έτος CHF 8'994 · open · 2026-10
- Digital Nomad Visa — Εισόδημα / έτος CHF 39'480 · open · 2026-10
- Business Facilitation Unit — company of foreign interest (key personnel) — Επένδυση CHF 188'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work permit (employment / EU Blue Card) — employment · open · 2026-10
- EU/EEA/Swiss free movement (MEU1 registration) — freeMovement · open · 2026-10
- Non-domiciled tax status — specialTax · open · 2026-10
- Family Reunification — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Cyprus to become tax resident?
μετά από 60 ημέρες. 60 days + Cyprus home + Cyprus job/business/directorship, no other tax residence, ≤183 days in any other state Non-dom: no SDC on foreign dividends/interest 17 of 20 yrs; residence assessed per calendar year
How much tax will I pay in Cyprus?
In Cyprus the top income tax rate is 35%, dividends are taxed at up to 2.65% and companies pay 15% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Cyprus offer?
Permanent Residence Permit by Investment (Regulation 6(2)) (CHF 282'000); Visitor residence permit (Category F, financially independent); Digital Nomad Visa; Business Facilitation Unit — company of foreign interest (key personnel) (CHF 188'000); Work permit (employment / EU Blue Card)
What is the usual way to move to Cyprus?
EU/EFTA free movement (Swiss citizens: register as self-sufficient). Sufficient resources + comprehensive health insurance; register within ~3 months; clean record not formally required
Compare with nearby countries
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