Cyprus

Cyprus or Dubai?

Come – Stay – Feel the Change

Table of Contents

Route One: Cyprus – the EU Alternative

Route Two: Dubai – the Zero-Tax Hub

Route One: Cyprus – the EU Alternative

For those who want to remain within the European Union, Cyprus offers what is widely regarded as the most compelling successor to the UK’s old regime – and, in important respects, a more generous one.

Cyprus operates its own non-dom regime that exempts qualifying residents from tax on dividends and interest, and applies no tax on foreign-sourced income of these types. Crucially, where the UK’s replacement regime lasts just four years, Cyprus non-dom status applies for up to 17 years – a horizon long enough for genuine, multi-decade financial planning.
No inheritance tax, no gift tax, and no wealth tax – a stable foundation for passing wealth between generations.
Flexible tax residency, available through either the standard 183-day rule or a 60-day route for those who meet specific conditions – well suited to globally mobile individuals.
A competitive 15% corporate income tax rate, among the lower headline rates in the EU, alongside an IP Box regime, a notional interest deduction, and the recent abolition of stamp duty.
A common-law legal system rooted in English law, offering reassuring familiarity to those leaving the UK.
EU membership, providing freedom of movement, market access, and the security of an established European jurisdiction.

For clients whose lives, businesses, or families remain tied to Europe, relocating to Cyprus preserves EU access while restoring much of the tax efficiency the UK has withdrawn.

Route Two: Dubai – the Zero-Tax Hub

For those whose priority is maximum tax efficiency and global connectivity, the United Arab Emirates – and Dubai in particular – has emerged as the world’s leading destination for relocating wealth. In 2025 the UAE recorded the highest net inflow of millionaires of any country globally.

The proposition is straightforward: the UAE levies no personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax. For an individual relocating from a worldwide-taxation system, the contrast is stark.

Dubai pairs this with a clear and accessible residency pathway. A qualifying property investment opens the door to the Dubai Golden Visa – a renewable ten-year residence permit with no minimum-stay requirement, allowing holders to maintain a Dubai base without relocating full-time and to sponsor immediate family.

Buying property in Dubai has additionally delivered strong capital growth and attractive rental yields through recent years, making the residency route an investment in its own right.

Beyond residency, Dubai offers a sophisticated environment for company formation, modern foundation and trust structures for asset protection, and a position as a global financial hub bridging East and West.

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Aspect	Dubai Freezone Company*
Jurisdiction	The free trade zones are independent economic zones with their own administration. Each zone has its own procedures for formation, licensing and supervision.
Ownership	100% foreign ownership is possible. A local sponsor is not required.
Scope of activities	The freezone is ideal for internationally active companies that operate outside the United Arab Emirates or maintain business relationships with other freezones. Direct trade on the local market is generally not provided for, but can be enabled through supplementary models (e.g. distribution partners or additional license).
License / Business purpose	Each freezone offers industry-specific licenses, e.g. for trade, services, technology or production. The granting is done directly by the respective freezone authority.
Office / Establishment	Each freezone company requires an establishment – e.g. Flex-Office, Shared Desk or an own office. We offer Full-Service packages that already contain a complete solution and enable immediate operational readiness.
Visa / Employees	Entrepreneurs and employees can obtain Residency visas. The number depends on license and office size.
Corporate tax (Corporate Tax)	Profits up to AED 375,000 per year remain tax-free. Only the profit exceeding this is taxed at 9%. Companies in a freezone that meet the legal requirements can continue to apply the tax rate of 0% on qualifying income. Small businesses with an annual turnover of up to AED 3,000,000 are completely exempt from corporate tax until the end of 2026.
Profit transfer / Withholding tax	Profits and capital can be transferred abroad without restriction. No withholding tax is levied.
Costs	Formation and ongoing costs are usually cheaper and clearly calculable. After individual consultation, we determine the optimal location and, upon request, submit a tailor-made offer that includes all services.
Conclusion	A Freezone company in Dubai is the ideal structure for entrepreneurs who are internationally active or want to conduct business with partners worldwide from Dubai. It offers full ownership rights, tax advantages and a modern, business-friendly environment.

Aspect	Dubai Mainland Company*
Jurisdiction	The mainland is subject to the state authority Department of Economy & Tourism (formerly DET) and other onshore authorities. These control all economic activities within the UAE.
Ownership	In many cases, 100% foreign ownership is also possible. In individual, regulated areas, special approvals may be required.
Scope of activities	Mainland companies may conduct business without restriction within the entire UAE. They are therefore the right choice for companies that want to be locally present and offer their products or services directly on site.
License / Business purpose	Licenses are granted centrally by the state onshore authorities. The procedures are more extensive and often subject to additional requirements.
Office / Establishment	On the mainland, a fixed business location is mandatory. As a rule, stricter area requirements and rental obligations apply here.
Visa / Employees	Mainland companies can also apply for visas for owners and employees.
Corporate tax (Corporate Tax)	For mainland companies, the same principle applies: profits up to AED 375,000 remain tax-free, above that the rate of 9% applies. This regulation ensures moderate tax burden and high planning security.
Profit transfer / Withholding tax	Mainland companies can also transfer profits freely. No withholding tax is levied either.
Costs	Formation is more complex and generally more cost-intensive. State fees, rental costs and administrative requirements are higher.
Conclusion	A Mainland company is suitable for entrepreneurs who want to be locally business active in the UAE – for example in trade, gastronomy or services for customers within the emirates.

Month	Average high (°C)	Average low (°C)	Average rainfall (mm)
January	17	7	80
February	17	7	60
March	19	9	40
April	22	12	20
May	26	16	10
June	30	20	2
July	33	23	0
August	33	23	0
September	31	21	5
October	27	17	20
November	22	12	40
December	18	8	80

Month	Average high (°C)	Average low (°C)	Average rainfall (mm)
January	17	7	80
February	17	7	60
March	19	9	40
April	22	12	20
May	26	16	10
June	30	20	2
July	33	23	0
August	33	23	0
September	31	21	5
October	27	17	20
November	22	12	40
December	18	8	80

Cyprus or Dubai?

Come – Stay – Feel the Change

Route One: Cyprus – the EU Alternative

Route Two: Dubai – the Zero-Tax Hub

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