Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cyprus Non-Dom status, in plain terms?

You are tax resident in Cyprus but “non-domiciled” for tax purposes. As a result, dividends and interest, whether from Cyprus or abroad, are exempt from income tax and the Special Defence Contribution (SDC) for up to 17 years. The 2.65% GESY healthcare contribution still applies.

Do I need to live in Cyprus full-time to qualify?

No. Alongside the usual 183-day rule, Cyprus has a 60-day route to tax residency. Since 1 January 2026, you no longer need to show that you aren’t tax resident anywhere else. You do need:

• a permanent home in Cyprus, owned or rented
• genuine business, employment or directorship ties here
• no more than 183 days in any other single country

If I already pay tax somewhere else, will Cyprus tax me too?

Usually not twice. Cyprus has double tax treaties with more than 65 countries, and these decide which country taxes which income. If you end up resident in two countries, the treaty’s tie-breaker rules settle where you are treated as resident. We map this out for your situation before recommending any move.

How long does company formation take?

Once your documents are complete, registration with the Registrar of Companies takes a few working days. Including due diligence and advocate-certified documents, the whole process usually takes one to two weeks. Tax and VAT registration and bank introductions follow after that.

Do I need to be an EU citizen to register a Cyprus company?

No, company formation is open to EU and non-EU nationals alike. Residency is separate. EU citizens register with an MEU1 certificate, while non-EU citizens apply for a temporary residence permit.

Are there any costs beyond what’s listed on the fee pages?

No. The formation fee and ongoing service fees shown are the full cost, excluding VAT. Anything outside standard formation, such as a complex group structure, is quoted in writing before you commit.

What happens right after I submit an order?

A member of the PMG team checks your details and confirms them by email, together with next steps and payment instructions. Nothing is charged until you confirm.

Can I convert a Limited company into a Holding structure later?

Yes. A Cyprus Limited can be restructured into a holding arrangement as your group grows. It’s simpler and cheaper to plan this from the start, so mention it when you order if it’s on your mind.

Can I add subsidiaries to a Holding structure later?

Yes. A Cyprus Holding Company is designed to hold international shareholdings, and you can add new subsidiaries at any time.

The UK non-dom regime has ended. What does that mean for me?

Since 6 April 2025, the remittance basis has been replaced by a residence-based system. Long-term UK residents are now taxed on their worldwide income and gains as they arise. Once you become non-resident under the UK Statutory Residence Test, the UK generally stops taxing your foreign income. Temporary non-residence rules can still catch certain income and gains if you return within five years. We check your timeline against these rules.

Can I keep UK-based income streams after relocating?

Yes. UK-source income generally stays taxable in the UK wherever you live, subject to the UK–Cyprus tax treaty. What changes is the treatment of your non-UK income, which is where the Cyprus Non-Dom exemption applies.

Is 60 days enough to become Cyprus tax resident?

Yes, if you also have a permanent home in Cyprus, Cyprus business or employment ties, and don’t spend more than 183 days in any other single country. Since 2026, you don’t need to prove you’re non-resident everywhere else, but UK residence rules still apply on the UK side. We confirm both before you move.

What about UK inheritance tax after I move?

Inheritance tax is now residence-based. If you’ve been UK resident for at least 10 of the last 20 years, UK inheritance tax can continue to apply for between 3 and 10 years after you leave, depending on how long you lived there. We review this alongside your income tax position in the first consultation.

Doesn’t having a tax residence somewhere mean paying more tax?

Not necessarily. It means paying tax predictably, on rules you’ve chosen, in a country with favourable treatment for your situation. Without a residence, another country may decide you’re resident there on its own terms.

I don’t spend 183 days anywhere. Can I still become resident somewhere?

In Cyprus, yes. The 60-day rule is built for people who don’t meet the 183-day test, as long as you have a permanent home in Cyprus and qualifying business ties.

Will this affect how I travel or where I can go?

No. Tax residency doesn’t limit your movement. It gives you a solid base while you keep travelling as you do now.

What if I’ve already had a bank account closed or flagged?

That’s a common starting point for clients in your position, and nothing to be embarrassed about. Once a formal tax residence is in place, we can usually help you rebuild proper banking.

Do I need to choose between Cyprus and Dubai?

Not necessarily. Each offers different strengths: Dubai has zero personal income tax and a strong trading base, while Cyprus offers EU access and Non-Dom treatment of investment income. Some clients use both, and we advise in both locations.

I already use Wise or Revolut. Why would I need a real bank?

Electronic money institutions are excellent for moving money. They generally can’t offer credit history, mortgages or the full banking relationship you need for residency, buying property or growing a business.

How quickly can I be set up in each?

Dubai free zone companies are usually formed within days. In Cyprus, registration takes a few working days once documents are complete, and the full process, including due diligence, usually takes one to two weeks.

Can you handle everything without me travelling first?

Much of it, yes. Company formation, initial residency filings and Expat Plus onboarding can all start remotely. Some steps, such as biometrics or in-person bank appointments, need a visit, and we plan these to fit your schedule.

What happens in the first consultation?

You tell us where you are now and where you’d like to be. We explain which options realistically fit, what they involve and roughly what they cost. It takes about 30–45 minutes, by video call, phone or in person in Larnaca or Paphos. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.

Who will I speak to?

An experienced PMG adviser, not a salesperson. If your case needs tax or legal input, our in-house ICPAC-registered accountants and our own advocate are involved directly.

What does the whole move typically cost?

It depends on what you need, whether that’s a company, residency, banking or all three. Everything is quoted in writing before you commit, so there are no surprises.

Is what I share kept confidential?

Yes. Everything you tell us is handled confidentially and in line with EU data protection law (GDPR). See our Privacy Policy.

Is Cyprus well regarded by banks and tax authorities?

Yes. Cyprus is a full EU member state, applies EU rules on tax transparency and automatic exchange of information, and is not on the EU’s list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. A properly structured Cyprus setup with real substance is treated as a mainstream European arrangement.