Tax & Accounting
New residents and companies in Cyprus have specific tax registration and reporting obligations. We coordinate introductions to licensed accountants and keep registration and reporting deadlines on track.
Tax residency: the basics
Cyprus tax residency is assessed under specific rules, most commonly based on the number of days spent on the island in a tax year, alongside other tests relating to your centre of business or vital interests. Meeting a day-count threshold does not automatically apply the same way to every individual.
This is general information rather than tax advice. Tax residency, applicable rates and any available treatment depend on your personal circumstances and should be confirmed with a licensed accountant before you rely on them.
Registering with the Cyprus Tax Department
Both individuals and companies generally need a tax identification number once they become tax resident or begin operating in Cyprus. Registration requires identification documents, proof of address and, for companies, incorporation documents.
We coordinate the paperwork and scheduling around registration, working alongside your accountant to make sure nothing is submitted out of sequence.
VAT registration
VAT registration becomes relevant once turnover or the nature of your activity crosses defined thresholds, or in some cases from the first transaction depending on the type of supply. Rules differ for goods, services and cross-border activity within the EU.
This is general information rather than tax advice. Tax residency, applicable rates and any available treatment depend on your personal circumstances and should be confirmed with a licensed accountant before you rely on them.
Personal income tax: an overview
Cyprus applies progressive personal income tax bands to Cyprus-source and, depending on residency status, worldwide income. Certain exemptions and allowances may apply depending on your circumstances, employment type and prior tax residency.
We do not publish specific rates or thresholds here, since they change and depend on individual circumstances — your accountant will confirm the figures relevant to your case.
Corporate tax: an overview
Cyprus companies are subject to corporate tax on their taxable profits, alongside special contribution and other levies that may apply depending on company activity. Available deductions, exemptions and any double tax treaty relief depend on the specific company and its transactions.
This is general information rather than tax advice. Tax residency, applicable rates and any available treatment depend on your personal circumstances and should be confirmed with a licensed accountant before you rely on them.
Social insurance and other contributions
Employees and self-employed individuals in Cyprus generally contribute to the social insurance scheme, alongside the General Healthcare System (GESY) contribution. Rates and categories differ between employed, self-employed and certain other statuses.
We help you understand which category applies before your accountant registers you, so your first payslip or invoice is not a surprise.
Choosing and onboarding an accountant
Your accountant handles registration, ongoing bookkeeping, payroll where relevant, VAT returns and annual filings. re-LOCATE's role is to introduce you to a suitable accountant from our network and manage the handover of your information and documents.
We do not calculate your tax liability, file returns or provide tax advice — those responsibilities sit with your licensed accountant.
Bookkeeping and reporting obligations
Cyprus companies must maintain proper accounting records and, in most cases, prepare audited financial statements annually. Individuals with certain income types also have annual filing obligations.
- Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping, depending on activity
- VAT returns on the applicable filing cycle
- Annual financial statements and audit, for most companies
- Annual personal tax return, where required
Common misconceptions about Cyprus tax
Cyprus is often described online as a "low-tax" destination in ways that oversimplify a system with real conditions and exceptions. Residency status, source of income, company structure and timing all affect the outcome, and no route applies automatically to everyone who moves.
This is general information rather than tax advice. Tax residency, applicable rates and any available treatment depend on your personal circumstances and should be confirmed with a licensed accountant before you rely on them.
Where our coordination ends
re-LOCATE introduces you to a licensed accountant, manages scheduling and keeps a calendar of your recurring deadlines. We do not prepare returns, calculate liabilities or represent you before the Tax Department — that is your accountant's role.
re-LOCATE provides relocation coordination only. We are not a law firm, accounting practice or estate agency. Legal, tax and property matters are handled by independently licensed professionals from our network.
How re-LOCATE helps
Your dedicated coordinator manages timelines, introduces licensed professionals and keeps every workstream aligned.
- Accountant introduction matched to your situation
- Tax and VAT registration coordination
- Document handover and information gathering
- Ongoing filing-deadline calendar and reminders
- Coordination with your immigration lawyer or corporate provider where relevant
Frequently asked questions
Professional coordination, without blurred boundaries.
We coordinate your relocation. Licensed professionals provide regulated advice in their fields.
re-LOCATE
Planning, coordination, timeline management and client communication.
Lawyers
Legal and immigration advice, application preparation and representation.
Accountants
Tax registration, accounting, payroll and ongoing compliance.
Licensed estate agents
Regulated property search, viewings and tenancy agreements.
Authorities
Government bodies make final decisions on permits and approvals.
Need clarity on Cyprus tax registration?
We introduce you to qualified accountants who can assess your obligations. re-LOCATE manages the coordination and timeline around them.