Set up a company in Cyprus | Save tax legally | W-V Law Firm LLP
Tree
Avoid mistakes, proven solutions

Setting up a company in Cyprus?

Find out how to do it in full legal compliance:
International business activities via a Cyprus Ltd
Reducing the tax burden
Asset protection
Easier access to bank accounts
You can reduce your tax burden legally. We will be happy to advise you in detail and offer you a free initial consultation.
Watch video
Person
Ask a Question
(Response time under 24 hours):

Pros and cons of setting up a company abroad

If you relocate your residence:
  • The Non-Dom regime exempts foreign dividends and capital gains from tax for up to 17 years

  • Low income tax rates, no wealth tax and no inheritance tax

Without emigrating:
  • A Cyprus Ltd with no income from Cyprus and with management located outside the country can achieve an effective corporation tax rate of zero

  • Foreign tax authorities may still tax profits in the state of residence

  • If the shareholding exceeds 50 per cent, a tax attribution may apply

  • EU substance and transparency requirements still apply. Anonymous letterbox companies are not permitted

What makes Cyprus attractive as a business location?

Cyprus is an established EU jurisdiction for international company formations. Foreign-owned Cyprus Ltd companies with no income from Cypriot sources can, with the right structuring and with management run from abroad, achieve an effective corporation tax rate of zero. There is no withholding tax on dividends paid to shareholders who are not resident in Cyprus. Cyprus also offers full EU recognition, access to the international banking system and more than 60 double taxation treaties.

Incorporation is fast, the legal system is based on common law, and the professional infrastructure is well developed. This makes Cyprus a preferred option for EU-compliant holding structures, IP licensing or international consultancy businesses.

Cyprus combines a low tax burden with full EU compliance and a high level of legal certainty. A Cyprus Limited Company under the Cypriot Companies Law CAP 113 is an internationally recognised structure for holding companies, IP licensing, consultancy and global trade.

The corporation tax rate is 15 per cent. Foreign income is generally tax-free provided there is no Cypriot source of income. Dividends paid to non-resident shareholders are not subject to withholding tax. More than 60 double taxation treaties, together with integration into EU directives, create clear legal frameworks.

Incorporation typically takes around five working days. The legal system is based on English common law. Cyprus meets international standards on transparency, anti-money laundering and economic substance. The banking system provides access to local and European accounts, although clear business models and verifiable documentation are required.

With political stability, experienced service providers and an attractive Non-Dom regime for incoming individuals, Cyprus remains one of the most flexible and reliable EU locations.

Contact us for an individual analysis of your international structure and to check whether Cyprus is the right solution for you.

Which locations worldwide are best suited to paying as little tax as possible?
Tax Burden Banking Reputation Bureaucracy Legal Security Costs
Cyprus 15%
from EUR 1,900
USA 21-0%
from EUR 1,900
Singapore 0%
from EUR 2,950
Hong Kong 0%
from EUR 1,900
Malta 5%
from EUR 2,500
Ireland 12,5%
from EUR 1,950
Trust 0%
from EUR 4,900
England 25-19%
from EUR 1,000

Tax compliance in your country of residence

Your country of residence may impose tax and reporting obligations for foreign business activities and dividend income – in certain cases even when profits are not distributed.

Depending on your personal circumstances, a suitable holding structure may be required to comply with tax rules and to avoid unnecessary tax risks.

To determine which jurisdiction and structure best meet your requirements, please use the contact form and describe your plans in as much detail as possible.

Our advisers will be pleased to review your case and advise you accordingly.

1.
Analyse your needs
We assess your situation to define objectives, risk tolerance, tax exposure and asset-protection priorities.
2.
Carry out a location analysis
We compare potential jurisdictions based on tax law, banking access, compliance requirements and your country of residence.
3.
Incorporate the company and, if required, establish a foundation
Open accounts and custody accounts and, if needed, implement asset management

Our advantages

Tax optimisation
Tax optimisation
Reduce your tax burden legally by 50–85% domestically and internationally.
Sustainable asset protection
Sustainable asset protection
Protect your assets over the long term from economic and legal risks.
Cross-border business models
Cross-border business models
Develop international corporate structures for greater economic freedom.
Corporate structuring & company formation
Corporate structuring & company formation
Optimise your corporate and shareholding structures for growth and tax savings.
Foundations & wealth management
Foundations & wealth management
Use tailored foundation structures for future generations.
Emigration & exit taxation
Emigration & exit taxation
We support your change of residence and help you avoid exit taxation.
Personal advice & implementation
Personal advice & implementation
Bespoke solutions with personal support from analysis through to implementation.
Exclusive network of experts
Exclusive network of experts
Access to experienced tax advisers, solicitors and international business experts.

How our clients have successfully reduced their tax burden with our strategies

Comprehensive personal advice with a great result!
Conversation in Nice with our long-standing client Marco about our collaboration to date.
Marco V.
Marco V.
Conversation with Andreas Schneider
Andreas relocated to Switzerland many years ago and shares his experiences of Switzerland and of us as his trusted partner throughout the journey.
Andreas S.

W-V Law Firm LLP

Your partner for corporate law, foundations, banking and expansion
Successfully established in the market since 2013.
Advised and supported more than 2,000 clients
Advised and supported more than 2,000 clients
Leading law firm in the European region
Leading law firm in the European region
Always solution-focused and personally available
Always solution-focused and personally available