Costs & Taxes
for Buying Real Estate in the Republic of Cyprus
When purchasing real estate in the Republic of Cyprus, additional taxes and government fees apply alongside the agreed purchase price. The following overview outlines the currently applicable cost structure.
Individual circumstances, property type and legal status may influence the final calculation.
Stamp Duty
Stamp Duty is a mandatory government tax payable upon signing the Contract of Sale.
∙ Rate:
– 0% on the first €5,000
– 0.15% from € 5.001 to € 170.000
– 0.20% above € 170.000
∙ Payment deadline: within 30 days of signing the contract
∙ Required for contract registration at the Land Registry
Value Added Tax (VAT)
VAT applies primarily to new properties and first-time sales.
New Properties:
∙ Standard rate: 19%
∙ Reduced rate: 5% (subject to eligibility)
– Applies to primary residence
– Limited to first 200 m² of living space
Resale Properties:
∙ VAT is generally not applicable
All VAT information is based on currently applicable regulations. Individual eligibility and legal updates may affect the final rate.
Transfer Fees
Transfer fees are payable upon the transfer of the Title Deed at the Land Registry.
Rates are calculated progressively:
∙ 3% on the first €85,000
∙ 5% on €85,001 – €170,000
∙ 8% on amounts above €170,000
Important:
∙ If VAT has been paid on the property → no transfer fees apply
∙ In certain cases, transfer fees may be reduced by 50% (depending on regulations)
Legal Fees
Buyers typically appoint an independent lawyer to manage the legal process.
Legal fees generally range between:
∙ Approximately 1% – 1.5% of the purchase price
These typically include:
∙ Due diligence
∙ Contract preparation and review
∙ Registration of the contract
Additional administrative costs may apply depending on the transaction.
Additional Costs
Depending on the property and transaction structure, further costs may arise:
∙ Land Registry and administrative fees
∙ Utility connection fees (electricity, water, sewage)
∙ Property insurance
∙ Maintenance fees (for complexes or developments)
∙ Bank transfer or currency exchange costs
Property Taxes
There is currently:
∙ No annual immovable property tax in Cyprus
However:
∙ Local municipal charges may apply
∙ Sewage and refuse collection fees are typically charged annually
Tax Benefits – Non-Dom Status
The Republic of Cyprus offers a highly attractive Non-Domiciled (Non-Dom) tax regime.
Qualifying residents may benefit from:
∙ 0% tax on dividends
∙ 0% tax on interest income
∙ No inheritance tax
This framework makes Cyprus one of the most tax-efficient jurisdictions in Europe for international investors and high-net-worth individuals.
Eligibility depends on residency status and individual circumstances.
Important Note
All information provided reflects the current legal and tax framework in the Republic of Cyprus at the time of publication. Rates, regulations and administrative procedures may change, and individual circumstances can influence the final calculation of purchase-related costs.
Some cost components may already be specified within the respective property listing. A detailed breakdown of all applicable costs is typically discussed during the individual consultation process.
In the Republic of Cyprus, it is customary that the buyer may pay a brokerage commission depending on the agreement and market practice.