Wealth Management · Cyprus
Wealth Management in Cyprus
Global Investments has been advising clients in Cyprus for over 32 years — providing independent wealth management, tax planning, pension advice, and citizenship services to residents and international clients across the Mediterranean and beyond.
Why Cyprus
Why Cyprus is a wealth management hub
15% Corporation Tax
Raised from 12.5% on 1 January 2026, still among the lowest corporation tax rates in the EU — relevant for business owners holding companies and investment structures through Cyprus.
No Inheritance Tax
Cyprus abolished inheritance tax in 2000. Estates in Cyprus — including investment portfolios and property — pass free of IHT at the local level.
Non-Dom SDC Exemption
Non-domiciled Cyprus residents pay no Special Defence Contribution on dividend, interest, or rental income from abroad — for up to 17 years.
5% Pension Tax Rate
UK pension income is taxed at a flat 5% in Cyprus (above €5,000/year) under the UK–Cyprus DTT — versus 20–45% in the UK.
60-Day Residency Rule
Tax residency requires only 60 days in Cyprus (not spending more than 183 days elsewhere) — one of the most flexible rules in the EU.
Extensive DTT Network
60+ double taxation treaties, covering the UK, USA, Germany, France, UAE, India, Russia, China, and most major trading partners.
English Language
English is widely spoken in business and professional services. Legal documents, court proceedings, and financial services operate routinely in English.
EU Membership
Full EU membership since 2004. Schengen-area access, freedom of movement within the EU, and EU regulatory standards for financial services.
Non-dom regime
The Cyprus non-domicile regime — explained
Cyprus taxes investment income — dividends, interest, and rental income from abroad — via a levy called the Special Defence Contribution (SDC). For domiciled residents, SDC on dividends was reduced from 17% to 5% on post-2026 profits under the 1 January 2026 tax reform; SDC on interest and 3% on rental income also apply. However, Cyprus tax residents who are classified as "non-domiciled" are exempt from SDC entirely.
Who qualifies as non-domiciled? Any individual who has not been a Cyprus tax resident for more than 17 of the last 20 years, and who was not born in Cyprus with domicile of origin there. In practice, most UK nationals and international clients moving to Cyprus will qualify as non-domiciled.
The benefit: A non-domiciled Cyprus tax resident pays zero SDC on dividend income, zero SDC on interest income, and zero SDC on rental income from abroad. They also benefit from the flat 5% rate on UK pension income (on income above €5,000/year) under the DTT. For an investor drawing dividends from an offshore portfolio, this can represent a very significant reduction in overall tax burden compared to the UK or most other EU jurisdictions.
Duration: Non-dom status lasts for up to 17 years from the date of first becoming Cyprus tax resident (for those who were not previously Cyprus domiciled). After 17 years, SDC applies to investment income in the normal way.
The 60-day rule: From 2017, Cyprus allows individuals to establish tax residency by spending as few as 60 days in Cyprus in a tax year — without needing to be present for a majority of the year. This makes Cyprus one of the most flexible tax residency options in the EU for internationally mobile individuals.
What we provide
Services for Cyprus residents and international clients
Wealth Management
Independent portfolio management, asset allocation, and investment advice for Cyprus residents and international clients. No provider ties.
Learn more →UK Pension Advice
SIPP management, NT code applications, drawdown planning, and QROPS assessment for British nationals living in Cyprus and across the Mediterranean.
Learn more →Citizenship & Residency
Caribbean CBI programmes, Portugal Golden Visa, Greece Golden Visa, UAE Golden Visa — end-to-end management of the application process.
Learn more →International Investments
Offshore investment bonds, international fund portfolios, and multi-currency investment structures. Providers include Isle of Man and Dublin-based insurers.
Learn more →Protection Insurance
International life insurance, income protection, critical illness, and private medical insurance for expats and non-residents in Cyprus and abroad.
Learn more →Estate Planning
Cross-border estate planning coordinating UK and Cyprus succession law. Wills, trusts, and international probate for multi-jurisdictional estates.
Learn more →Client profiles
Who we serve from Cyprus
UK nationals in Cyprus
British expats who have relocated or retired to Cyprus — pension management, NT code applications, UK tax obligations, estate planning.
Middle Eastern clients
High-net-worth individuals from Lebanon, UAE, Egypt, and the broader region — international portfolio management, property, citizenship.
European and international business owners
Entrepreneurs using Cyprus as an EU holding company base — tax structuring, wealth management, succession planning.
Globally mobile individuals
Clients who move between countries and need a stable, well-structured financial framework that works across jurisdictions.
Life in Cyprus
Living in Cyprus — the practical picture
Quality of life
- 320+ days of sunshine per year
- Low crime rate and high personal safety
- Excellent private healthcare; GESY for state cover
- Strong international school network
- English widely spoken in business and daily life
- Short flights to UK, Middle East, and mainland Europe
- Large, established British and international expat community
Financial and practical
- Cost of living broadly lower than the UK
- Property prices lower than comparable EU markets
- EU banking, Eurozone currency
- No wealth tax
- Well-developed professional services sector
- Company formation straightforward and cost-effective
- 50+ double taxation treaties plus EU directives
Frequently asked questions
Wealth management in Cyprus — common questions
What are the tax advantages of living in Cyprus?
Cyprus offers one of the most favourable tax regimes in the EU. Corporation tax is 15% (raised from 12.5% on 1 January 2026 under the global minimum tax reform), still among the lowest in Europe. There is no inheritance tax in Cyprus. Non-domiciled residents pay no Special Defence Contribution (SDC) on dividend, interest, or rental income from abroad — potentially for up to 17 years. The non-dom 60-day rule allows individuals to establish Cyprus tax residency with just 60 days of presence, without needing to spend more than 60 days in any other country. UK pension income is taxed at a flat 5% rate (above a €5,000 threshold, raised from €3,420 in the 2026 tax reform) under the UK–Cyprus double taxation treaty.
What is the Cyprus 60-day non-dom tax residency rule?
Cyprus allows individuals to become tax resident by spending at least 60 days in Cyprus in a tax year, provided they do not spend more than 183 days in any other single country in that year, maintain a permanent home in Cyprus (owned or rented), and have some economic activity in Cyprus. This "60-day rule" was introduced in 2017 to attract internationally mobile individuals. Combined with non-dom status (for those who have not been Cyprus tax resident in the preceding 20 years), it means zero SDC on investment income from abroad for up to 17 years.
How does the UK–Cyprus double taxation treaty work for UK pension income?
Under the UK–Cyprus Double Taxation Agreement, UK pension income is generally taxed at source in Cyprus rather than the UK. Cyprus imposes a flat 5% rate on UK pension income above a €5,000 per year threshold (raised from €3,420 in the 2026 tax reform). This is substantially lower than UK income tax rates for most retirees. To benefit, you must be Cyprus tax resident and apply to HMRC for a Nil Tax (NT) code so that UK income tax is not deducted at source from your pension payments. Your adviser handles the NT code application. UK state pension income is also subject to the treaty and is typically taxed in Cyprus only.
Is Cyprus a good place for wealth management as an international client?
Yes. Cyprus combines EU membership with a well-developed financial services sector, English common law heritage, an extensive double taxation treaty network (60+ treaties), and a geographic location that makes it accessible from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean. The regulatory environment — CySEC for investment services — is EU-standard. The combination of low tax rates, no IHT, and the non-dom regime makes Cyprus one of the most attractive jurisdictions in the EU for internationally mobile high-net-worth individuals.
Can UK expats retire to Cyprus and receive their UK pension tax-efficiently?
Yes. Cyprus is one of the most tax-efficient destinations in the world for UK pension income. The flat 5% rate under the UK–Cyprus DTT (on income above €5,000 per year) compares favourably with UK income tax rates of 20–45%. The State Pension is also covered by the treaty and is not frozen in Cyprus — it is uprated annually in line with the UK triple lock. Combined with the non-dom regime exempting investment income from SDC, Cyprus is consistently one of the most recommended destinations for UK retirees from a purely financial perspective.
What is the GESY healthcare system in Cyprus?
GESY (the General Healthcare System) is Cyprus's universal public healthcare system, introduced in 2019. It is funded by contributions from employees, employers, and the self-employed. Individuals who become Cyprus tax residents are required to register and make contributions (a percentage of income). GESY provides access to a wide range of medical services through registered GPs, specialists, and hospitals. Most expats supplement GESY with private medical insurance for quicker access and private hospital care. The healthcare standard in Cyprus is generally good, particularly in major cities.
What services does Global Investments provide from Cyprus?
For clients in Cyprus we provide: wealth management and international portfolio advice; UK pension advice for British nationals in Cyprus (including NT code applications, SIPP management, and drawdown planning); citizenship and residency planning (Caribbean CBI, Portugal, Greece, and UAE Golden Visa programmes); international protection insurance (life, income protection, private medical); offshore investment bonds and international investment structures; estate planning across UK and Cyprus law; and tax planning for Cyprus residents including the non-dom regime and DTT applications.
How do I establish Cyprus tax residency?
To establish Cyprus tax residency under the 60-day rule, you must: (1) spend at least 60 days in Cyprus during the tax year; (2) not be resident in any other single country for more than 183 days; (3) have a permanent residence in Cyprus (owned or rented — a hotel does not count); and (4) have some economic activity in Cyprus (employment, self-employment, directorship of a Cyprus company, or investment activity). Once resident, you should register with the Cyprus Tax Department and obtain a Tax Identification Code (TIC). We advise clients through this process and coordinate with local tax specialists.
Important notice
The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invest. Tax rules in Cyprus and the UK are subject to change. The information on this page reflects our understanding as of 2026 and does not constitute personal financial or tax advice. Always seek professional advice tailored to your individual circumstances before making any financial decisions.
Global Investments is an independent international financial advisory firm. We coordinate with qualified local tax professionals in each jurisdiction where specialist tax or legal advice is required.
Speak to our Cyprus team
Whether you are considering moving to Cyprus, already resident, or an international client looking for Cyprus-based wealth management, we provide a free initial consultation to assess your situation and explain what we can do.
Speak to our wealth management team
Whether you are considering a move to Cyprus, already resident, or looking to benefit from the non-dom regime, our advisers can assess your position and explain what is possible — with no commitment required.