The location of Cyprus in the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, the safe and protective legal system, the perfect infrastructure, coupled with regular communication with all parts of the world, the relatively low cost of living, its excellent climate and the friendliness and hospitality of its people, are just some of the reasons that have made Cyprus attractive to foreign investors for over 20 years now.

Foreigners who seek to invest in immovable property in Cyprus may be classified in the following four main categories:

(a) Retired residents

These are people who settle permanently in Cyprus upon retirement. A series of incentives is given by the Cyprus Government to retired people, including duty-free facilities and very low taxation of their income which emanates from abroad. These people may also enjoy, under certain circumstances, the benefits of the Double Taxation Treaty of their country of origin with Cyprus, if there is one. Cyprus has signed 26 such treaties, regulating in effect tax relations with over 40 countries.

(b) Employed residents

This category includes foreigners who live indefinitely or for a fixed period of time in Cyprus as employees, either of their own offshore company or of a local or offshore firm, and who choose to purchase their own property in Cyprus rather than live in rented premises.

In this category are also included offshore companies purchasing houses for their Directors.

(c) Holiday Makers - Speculators

These people purchase properties in Cyprus as holiday homes or for possible permanent places of abode upon retirement, or for the sale thereof with a reasonable profit at a later stage.

Profits realised by foreigners from the sale of immovable property may be expatriated under certain restrictions.

(d) Business investors

These are foreign individuals and companies who acquire property in Cyprus for touristic or industrial purposes, making use of the location and climate of Cyprus, the excellent infrastructure and the various incentives offered for these purposes, especially in the area of taxation. To this end, the Free Trade Zone structure of Cyprus offers great inducements ranging from the provision of all modern facilities to low tax or tax incentive status.

CAUTION: The information in this article is subject to change without notice. Application of the information to specific circumstances requires the advice of lawyers who must rely upon their own sources of information before providing advice. The information in this article is intended only as a general guide and is not to be relied upon as the sole basis for any decision without verification from reliable professional sources familiar with the particular circumstances and the applicable laws in force at that time.

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