Destination guide
Moving to Cyprus
Mediterranean light, EU structure, a famously friendly tax regime.
Cyprus pairs an EU legal and monetary framework with one of Europe's most attractive tax systems, English as a near-universal business language, and more than 300 days of sunshine. It suits retirees, remote workers and entrepreneurs who want EU residency without northern winters.
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Greek & English
Residency routes
Pink Slip · Digital Nomad Visa · €300k PR
Tax highlight
Non-dom regime · first €22,000 tax-free
Cyprus taxes residents on worldwide income, but its rates are among the mildest in the EU. Since the 2026 tax reform, the first €22,000 of taxable income is entirely tax-free, and rates rise progressively to 35% only above €72,000. New deductions for children, rent or mortgage interest and green upgrades apply from 2026. Social insurance contributions are moderate and capped.
The real draw is the non-dom regime: anyone who becomes tax resident and does not hold Cypriot domicile of origin pays no tax on dividends and most interest for 17 years — and since 2026 this can be extended by up to two further five-year periods for a one-off €250,000 per period. Combined with the 60-day rule — residency with as little as 60 days of presence, a home and business ties on the island (since 2026 you may also be tax resident elsewhere) — it makes Cyprus a favourite base for internationally mobile professionals and investors.
- Personal income tax 0–35%, first €22,000 tax-free (2026)
- Non-dom regime: dividends and most interest exempt for 17 years
- Non-dom extendable from 2026: +5 years per €250,000 payment (max two)
- 60-day tax residency rule — dual residence elsewhere allowed since 2026
- Corporate tax 15% from 2026 (was 12.5%)
- No inheritance tax; no capital gains tax on securities
Residents join GESY, the national health system, which covers GP visits, hospital care, maternity and prescriptions through modest earnings-linked contributions. Permanent residents — including non-EU permit holders — can enrol, a rarity among popular relocation destinations.
Private healthcare is excellent and inexpensive by northern-European standards, with internationally accredited hospitals in Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos. Many residents combine GESY with a small private plan for faster specialist access.
- GESY universal system, open to permanent residents incl. non-EU
- Funded by contributions — 2.65% on pension, dividend, interest and rental income, capped at €180,000/year
- Private consultations typically €40–70
- Accredited private hospitals in the main cities
- EU visitors covered by EHIC
Cypriot social insurance pays a statutory pension after at least ten years of contributions, with the amount tied to your contribution record. Most arrivals instead keep pensions at home: UK state pensions can be paid — and uprated — in Cyprus, and since 2026 foreign pensions can be taxed at a flat 5% on the amount above €5,000 a year (up from €3,420), chosen year by year instead of normal rates. Note that GESY contributions of 2.65% still apply to pension income.
International private pension and savings plans are widely available through the island's life insurers, and the absence of tax on most investment income lets long-term savings compound efficiently.
- State pension after a minimum 10 years of contributions
- UK state pension payable and indexed in Cyprus
- Since 2026: optional 5% flat tax on foreign pensions above €5,000/year
- Non-dom regime keeps most foreign investment income tax-free
- No inheritance tax eases estate planning
EU and EEA nationals simply register and receive a residence certificate. Non-EU nationals have three main doors: the temporary residence permit known locally as the Pink Slip, the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa for remote employees earning above roughly €3,500 a month, and fast-track permanent residency granted for a €300,000 property purchase plus a secure income.
The investment route is one of the fastest in Europe — approval typically lands within a few months, and the status is held for life once granted.
- EU/EEA nationals: simple registration certificate
- Pink Slip: temporary residence, renewable annually
- Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers (~€3,500/month)
- Permanent residency from €300,000 property + secure income
- Fast-track PR usually approved within months
Also consider
Greece
Islands and mountains, Schengen access, Europe's boldest tax incentives.
Dubai
Zero income tax, year-round sun, residency routes for every profile.
These guides are general information, current to early 2026, and are not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change and personal circumstances matter — confirm the specifics with a licensed advisor before you act.
Next step
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