In a globalized economy where multinational companies receive pressure to reduce costs and maximize profits, while improving quality to meet increasingly higher client expectations, there are good reasons why investing in Cyprus might be the first step in the right direction:
General :
- Cyprus suppressed the economic crisis which affected Europe within 3years time due to its modern, free-market, serviced-based economy with a long record of successful economic performance
- Cyprus offers the fastest and easiest citizenship by investment programs internationally.
- The property market throughout Cyprus is one of the fastest growing in the EU and prices in some areas are increasing by an annual average of 20%;
- Cyprus is currently one of the most attractive locations for Foreign Direct Investment, ranking among the frontrunners of the world indicating both high FDI performance as well as high FDI potential;
- Cyprus is a highly reputable international shipping center, ranking among the 10 leading maritime nations in the world; Led by its geostrategic position, the island has been a pioneer in the development of purpose-built container terminals in the Eastern Mediterranean;
- Efficient and effective banking and professional services sectors. The banking sector offers a wide range of services, to individuals and corporations. The cornerstone of Cyprus banking policy is safeguarding the confidentiality of clients and their transactions.
- Very low crime rate in Cyprus, while its friendly people make it a desirable place to visit or live;
- A very efficient land registry with straightforward and well administered procedures makes property purchase a safe option;
- Visa free travel to over 157 countries.
- Excellent medical facilities, education and offshore business advantages;
- The island’s strategic position makes it an ideal investment gateway to the EU, a haven for modern business, as well as a portal for investment outside the EU, particularly into the Middle East, Africa and Asia;
- 340 days of sunshine a year make it a comfortable and enjoyable place to live;
- Cyprus enjoys a high standard of living;
- Family friendly with the lowest crime rate;
Taxation:
Cyprus offers an attractive and transparent tax regime, fully compliant with EU, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development and international laws and regulations. Its main features are:
- One of the lowest corporate income tax rates in the EU at 12.5%
- Dividend participation exemption
- Foreign Exchange gains or losses are tax exempt
- Exemption on disposal of securities (e.g. shares, bonds, debentures)
- No withholding taxes on dividend, interest and royalty payments abroad
- No capital gains tax (except for disposal of real estate in Cyprus or shares of company holding real estate in Cyprus to the extent gains are attributable to the real estate holding)
- No succession taxes
- Attractive IP regime
- Tonnage tax for shipping companies
- Notional interest deduction for investments into Cyprus companies
- Personal tax exemptions for new residents and non-domiciled individuals. Foreign residents permanently residing in Cyprus pay only a 5% flat rate of income tax.
- More than 60 double tax treaties.
EU Member State:
- As a member of the European Union since 2004 and the European Monetary Union since 2008, Cyprus is committed quality, efficiency and transparency in all business transactions.
- Its EU membership ensures safety and stability for investors, also offering them market access to more than 500 million EU citizens.
- Member of international organizations including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the World Trade Organization, the Commonwealth, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund, and is represented through diplomatic missions in over 40 countries.
- Cyprus passport holders are entitled to live, work, study and travel in any country in EU without applying for visa.
- Cyprus passports provide access to the best educational & health care institutions within the EU.
Citizenship Program Benefits:
- Citizenship is granted to the applicant, the spouse and all financial dependants up to the age of 28 with only EUR 2 m investment.
- No donation to the country is required. The investment required remains ownership of the applicant at all times and can be resold in 3 years’ time.
- The applicant is free to choose from a variety of great investments with high returns.
- No requirement for permanent residence in Cyprus.
- Approval is granted within 6 months, the fastest in EU.
- Visa free travel to over 157 countries.
- Lower University tuition fees to EU countries like the UK.
- Free movement of goods, services and capital within the EU.
- Protection by the diplomatic authorities of any EU member country.
- Dual citizenship allowed.
- Citizenship can be passed to descendants.
- All nationalities eligible.
- Applicant does not become a tax resident unless he chooses so.
- Investor’s parents are also entitled for Cyprus Citizenship by Exception as long as they have purchased a permanent residence of €500,000 plus VAT or more.
- Investors only needs to visit Cyprus once every 7 years to maintain citizenship
