Apply for a mandate
Why CyprusAboutServicesPackages & PricingClient StoriesInsightsApply for a mandate
JURISDICTION · APRIL 2026

Cyprus vs. Other EU Jurisdictions: What Founders Should Compare

Headline rates alone do not determine the right jurisdiction. Founders should compare personal residency, company substance, profit extraction, administration and lifestyle together.

Corporate taxation

Cyprus applies a 15% corporate income tax rate from the 2026 tax year. The result for a specific company still depends on taxable profits, exemptions, deductions and international rules.

Founder-level taxation

Qualifying Cyprus tax residents with Non-Dom status may be exempt from Special Defence Contribution on dividend income. Personal income tax, GESY and foreign-country obligations must still be assessed.

Legal and operational environment

Cyprus is an EU member state with a legal system strongly influenced by English Common Law. English is widely used in professional services, and local substance can be built through people, premises and governance.

The decision

Ireland, Malta, Estonia and Cyprus solve different problems. The correct choice depends on where the founder lives, where work is performed, the type of income and whether genuine operations can be established.