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ACCOUNTING, AUDIT, PAYROLL, COMPLIANCE,
NON-DOMICILE, TAX ADVISORY, ASSURANCE
Frequently asked questions about Cyprus tax benefits

On this page we present short answers to frequently asked questions.
For more information, contact Relikor by email or call +357 22025795.

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WHY DO CLIENTS CHOOSE TO WORK WITH RELIKOR ? HERE ARE 8 REASONS WHY TO CHOOSE RELIKOR: 1. Our experienced professionals provide expert advice on book-keeping, accounting, auditing, tax advisory and compliance. 2. Our firm has a proven track record of delivering high-quality services to clients across various industries. 3. We have deep understanding of the regulatory environment and help clients navigate complex regulations and compliance requirements. 4. We use the latest technology and software tools to ensure that clients receive efficient and affordable services. 5. Our staff are trained to provide high quality personalized services tailored to meet the needs of each client. 6. Over the years we have established a reputation for integrity, reliability and professionalism. 7. We provide ongoing support and guidance to clients throughout their engagement with our firm. 8. We are dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients based on trust and mutual respect.

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WHY IS A SMALL AUDITING FIRM BETTER THAN A LARGE AUDITING FIRM? Here are 5 main reasons: 1. Flexibility: Smaller firms have fewer staff, so they are more flexible to schedule tasks and are quicker to adapt to changes in the industry. 2. Cost-effectiveness: Smaller firms are more cost-effective due to lower overhead costs and more efficient work procedures. 3. Personalized Service: Smaller firms are closer to clients and offer a more personalized service. 4. More Focus: Smaller firms focus on individual client needs and provide more tailored services. 5. Faster Service. Smaller firms can complete audits in less time because they are more efficient and have less bureaucratic procedures.

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SHOULD I DO BUSINESS AS A SOLE TRADER OR AS A LIMITED COMPANY? To decide whether to trade as a Sole Trader or as Limited Company you must consider the below: 1. Size Turnover is more than EUR70,000 then a Company is usually more appropriate. Also if you have high value assets, then a Company is commonly more appropriate. 2. Risk exposure your business is exposed to. If following are valid, then to minimise your personal risk a Company is a better fit - have more than 5 employees - perform risky services (for example exposed to accidents or high professional exposure etc) - possibility of lawsuits - VAT and tax complications 3. Prestige It is more prestigious when you trade under a Company than as a person. You look more professional and bigger to your clients, prospects and creditors. 4. Other Factors All factors must be considered in combination and with the assistance of an experienced accountant the solution will be clear.
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WHAT TYPES OF COMPANIES CAN BE SET UP IN CYPRUS ? The following 3 types of companies can be set up in Cyprus: 1. Company Limited by Shares (LTD) 2. Company Limited by Guarantee 3. Public Limited Company (PLC)

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ARE CYPRUS COMPANIES OBLIGED TO SUBMIT AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS EVERY YEAR? YES. The income tax office requires all Cyprus companies to prepare and submit audited financial statements by a licensed auditor firm.
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I HAVE INCOME FROM SEVERAL COUNTRIES. WHICH COUNTRY SHOULD I PAY TAX? It depends on which country you are considered tax resident. Usually the country where you reside for more than 183 days is considered your country of tax residency. Therefore this country is responsible to collect taxes on your worldwide income. There are exceptions to this rule which Relikor can advise in more detail.
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WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED TO DO BOOK-KEEPING AND AUDIT FOR MY COMPANY? We need the following information to prepare accounts and audited financial statements for companies: Bank statements; Cheque books; Sales invoices; Z readings; Purchases invoices; Payroll records; Contracts; Tax payment receipts

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DO I NEED TO SET UP A COMPANY IN ORDER TO DO BUSINESS IN CYPRUS? It is not necessary to set up a limited company. You can trade as a person and be called a Sole Trader. The difference between trading as a Limited Company or as a Sole Trader, has tax and VAT consequences. The correct decisison depends on the industry, and the expected sales and profits. The decision should to taken after seeking advice from licenced accountant or tax expert.
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WHAT ARE TYPES OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXES IN CYPRUS? The following taxes are imposed in Cyprus: > Income Tax - scaled from 0% to 19,500 to 35% > Corporation Tax 12.5% > Dividend Tax - 17% (0% for non-Cyprus tax residents) > Social Security - 12% ERs / 7.8% EEs GeSY (National Health System) - 2.9% employers , 1.7% employees > VAT - 19% standard rate

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WHY DO HIGH NET WORTH INDIVIDUALS AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES RELOCATE TO CYPRUS? 1. High Net Worth Individuals. With the application of the Non-Domicile Status, they can enjoy tax free worldwide dividends. 2. Shipping Companies. Favourable tonage tax system. 3. Forex & Investment Firm Industries. Fast process to get license and low cost operation. 4. Holding Companies. Tax free dividend income. 5. International trading business. A Cyprus company is a low cost jurisdiction with access to EU markets. 6. Satellite Businesses. Low set up and payroll costs enable companies to have satellite offices in Cyprus where they can attract high calibre personnel at low costs. 7. Headquarter Relocation. Low set up and payroll costs with high quality service providers and high calibre personnel makes Cyprus a very attractive jurisdiction.
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ARE THERE ANY OTHER REASONS WHY FAMILIES AND COMPANIES RELOCATE TO CYPRUS? Here are a few more reasons why companies, and families choose to work and/or live in Cyprus: 1. Lifestyle. Summers are 8 months a year with clean beaches, good weather, and easy pace of life. 2. Easy and convenient to work, raise a family, local transport, and do business 3. Most people speak English Language and are friendly with foreigners. 4. Attractive Tax Regime for Businesses, 12.5% Corporate Tax 5. Tax Free Dividends for Non-Domiciled persons 6. Incentives for Payroll (50% tax deduction for employees earning more than EUR100,000 7. Low Payroll Costs for middle level and lower level staff 8. Safe environment for businesses and families with low crime rate. 9. Strong Law System based on Anglo-Saxon laws which relies on the precedents of cases.
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IS CYPRUS A 'TAX HAVEN' ? For many years now, Cyprus is not considered a tax haven as because of the following reasons: 1. Member of the EU (Cyprus follows EU laws & directives) 2. Complies with the OECD directives 3. Corporate tax is 12.5% which is not the lowest in the world. 4. Annual audit is required for all Cyprus companies 5. There are strict banking requirements based on European Central Bank regulations.
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WHY SHOULD A UK REGISTERED COMPANY RELOCATE TO CYPRUS? 1. Attractive tax regime with low corporation tax of 12.5% , tax incentives and allowances. 2. An extensive network of double tax treaties. 3. Tax efficient regulations for holding company structures. 4. Attractive Intellectual Property Tax regime. 5. Highly respected reputation as an international financial center. 6. Well-developed infrastructure and financial services sector. 7. Cyprus is a member of the EU and Eurozone. 8. Cyprus has high calibre and experienced legal and accounting professionals.

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WHY SHOULD A COMPANY BASED IN SERBIA OR ANY OTHER NON-EU COUNTRY REGISTER A CYPRUS COMPANY? Here are 10 reasons: 1. One of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU and EEA zone. 2. Cyprus is in the EU, so Cyprus companies benefit from free movement of goods, services and capital within the EU. 3. Robust infrastructure and reliable financial services make doing business easy. 4. Double tax treaty network with more than 50 countries means there are tax savings for global trading companies. 5. Tax-efficient jurisdiction for holding companies, with no withholding taxes on dividends, interest and royalties. 6. Cyprus has an efficient legal system based on English common law. 7. There are no currency exchange restrictions. 8. Government offers incentives for foreign investors who invest in real estate, investment funds or other sectors. 9. Cyprus has a very skilled and cost-effective labour force. 10. The country is strategically located in the Eastern Mediterranean, close to Middle Eastern and African markets.
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WHY SHOULD A UK OR EUROPEAN RETIRED PERSON RELOCATE TO LIVE IN CYPRUS? Here are 12 reasons why: 1. Lower tax rates: Cyprus has low personal and corporate tax rates compared to UK and the EU. 2. Lower cost of living: Everyday costs in Cyprus are lower, which helps to 'stretch' one's fixed pension and other income. 3. Beautiful Weather: Average temperatures are around 20°C, with the sun shining for over 300 days a year. 4. Good healthcare system: Public healthcare system is free for residents and EU citizens, as well as private healthcare options. 5. Affordable housing: Property prices in Cyprus are much lower than the UK, meaning a retired person can get a lot more for their money. 6. Relaxed lifestyle: With its laidback atmosphere and slower pace of life, Cyprus is a great place to relax and enjoy retirement. 7. Access to the EU: As an EU member state, Cyprus offers easy access to the EU and its benefits. 8. Safety: Cyprus is a safe country with a low crime rate and no drugs problem. 9. Rich culture: With its diverse history, the island has many places to explore and experience. 10. Quality of life: With stunning scenery, friendly locals and great climate, Cyprus offers a very high quality of life. 11. Convenient travel: Cyprus is well connected to the rest of Europe and the world, with direct flights to major cities. 12. Variety of activities: With its beautiful beaches and mountains, traditional villages and vibrant cities, Cyprus has something to offer for everyone.

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WHY IS SETTING UP A CYPRUS FUND CHEAPER THAN OTHER JURISDICTIONS? A Cyprus fund has lower setup costs because it is possible to create the fund with 'external management' hosted under a regulated investment firm. This method reduces overhead expenses and personnel salaries for compliance purposes. The only fees this externally managed has to pay are: 1. Set-up fees 2. Annual fees to 3rd party providers, auditors, legal advisers, administrator, depository and compliance officer. 3. Performance fees to the external investment fund manager (if applicable).

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CAN A FOREIGNER AND HIS FAMILY ACQUIRE A CYPRUS PASSPORT ? The popular Cyprus Investment Programme (launched in 2007), which allowed HNWI to acquire a Cyprus passport with about €2.5 million investment has been cancelled since 1st November 2020. Today there are 3 legal ways to acquire a much desired Cyprus passport: 1. By naturalization based on the being legally resident in Cyprus 2. By marriage to a Cypriot citizen 3. By having Cypriot citizen ancestors Relikor can introduce clients to reliable legal offices who can advise foreigners about the procedures to acquire Cyprus citizenship.

Relikor is established well-known recommended reliable best financial services firm company advisory associates fiduciary legal attorneys CPA ACCA qualified experienced certified chartered accountants in Cyprus. 
We offer services such as accounting auditing tax advice financial services corporate finance  bookkeeping book-keeping business advisory compliance risk management business valuation mergers & acquisitions M&A revenue recognition financial reporting cost accounting management accounting cash flow analysis accounting software SAGE INTUIT corporate governance fraud detection AML KYC international taxation global taxation holding company subsidiaries company restructuring Cyprus Auditing Cyprus Accounting Firm Cyprus Audit Services Cyprus Accounting Services Cyprus Auditing and Accounting Cyprus Certified Accountants Cyprus Chartered Accountants UK qualified English Common Law English company law Global Auditing Specialists Financial Accounting Auditing Solutions Global Financial Auditing Solutions Multinational Business Auditing Services Regional Headquartering Head Offices Economic Substance Physical Presence
We are small auditing firm but we are better than a large auditing firm because Flexibility: Small auditing firms usually have fewer auditors, which allows them to be mo
re flexible when it comes to scheduling and adapting to changes in the industry. Cost-effectiveness: Small auditing firms are often more cost-effective than larger firms due to their lower overhead costs and smaller number of staff. Personalized Service: Small auditing firms are typically more personable and offer personalized service to each client. More Focus: Small auditing firms are able to focus more on the individual client’s needs and provide more tailored services. Quicker Turn-Around Time: Small auditing firms are often able to complete their audits more quickly due to fewer staff and lower overhead costs. Access to Resources: Small auditing firms usually have access to a wide range of resources and expertise, including experienced CPAs and auditors with specialized knowledge.

Disclaimer: All information on this page is provided by Relikor Serv Ltd and is correct at the time of publication. Readers are strongly advised to seek expert advice about tax and other issues because regulations can be revised at any time by governments and international regulators.

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