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.

* Although we use the terms "Dubai Free Trade Zone" and "Dubai Mainland" above, the content statements also apply to various free trade zones and mainlands of other emirates. The above comparison of various aspects serves only as your orientation and therefore in no way replaces expert advice.

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.

* Although we use the terms "Dubai Free Trade Zone" and "Dubai Mainland" above, the content statements also apply to various free trade zones and mainlands of other emirates. The above comparison of various aspects serves only as your orientation and therefore in no way replaces expert advice.

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Cyprus has one of the most reliable Mediterranean climates in Europe. The table below shows what you can expect in each month of the year.

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

Here are some practical tips to make your start in Cyprus easier.

Outdoor Parks and Playgrounds:

Gardiano Café, Larnaca
A café in Larnaca with a relaxed feel and a varied menu.

Municipal Park, Larnaca
A large park in Larnaca with a theatre, a library, a natural history museum, and a children's playground.

Musits Futsal Park Larnaca and Football Academy
A football and futsal park in Larnaca with training and games for all ages.

Skate Park and Roller Skate, Larnaca
A skate park in Larnaca with plenty of room for skating and rollerblading.

Rope Sparti Adventure Park, Platres
An adventure park in Platres with rope courses and climbing, set in nature.

CyHerbia Botanical Park & Labyrinth
A botanical garden and maze near Larnaca, good for walks and time outdoors.

Indoor Playgrounds:

Fun Factory
A play spot in Larnaca with games and activities for children and families.

Bubblepark Playground
An indoor playground in Limassol with slides, trampolines, bumper bikes, and party areas for children.

Bricks 4 Kidz
A learning centre that teaches children STEM ideas through LEGO® building projects.

Activities Adults and Children Will Both Enjoy:

Educational trips for kids with Ecophysis to Vavla, the bee paradise
A day out where children become beekeepers for a day and learn about bees and honey.

Riverland Dairy Bio Farm
A family day out at an organic dairy farm, with a taste of country life.

Mazotos Camel Park
A small zoo with a playground, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and camel rides.

Parko Paliatso Amusement Park
A large amusement park with rides and entertainment for all ages.

Combat Laser or Paintball
An outdoor activity with laser tag or paintball in a purpose-built arena.

Fasouri WaterPark
One of the largest water parks in Cyprus, with water slides, pools, and other attractions.

Aquarium
An aquarium in Protaras with a wide range of marine life, good for the whole family.

Paphos Zoo
A large zoo in Paphos with many animals and birds, plus animal shows.

If Your Children Love Sport, the Island Offers Plenty of Options:

AGO, Cyprus Sport Organisation for kids and adults
A programme that supports sport for all ages, to help fitness and social life.

AEL Basketball Limassol
A basketball club in Limassol with training and games for children and teenagers.

Tennis Academy in Limassol – IOANNIDES ACADEMY
A tennis academy in Limassol with training for players of all ages and levels.

MARTIAL ARTS Academy
An academy that teaches martial arts such as Aikido for children and adults.

Horse riding at George's Ranch
A ranch with riding lessons and trail rides in a pleasant setting.

Football Academy for Kids
A football academy in Larnaca with proper training for young players.

Diving courses for kids and adults
A diving school in Cyprus with courses for beginners and more experienced divers.

Educational Hobbies:

Education, Culture and Sport for Adults and Kids
A programme from the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth, with a wide range of courses and activities for adults and children.

Development Programme for Primary School Children in Cyprus – UCMAS
A well-known brain-development programme that teaches preschool and primary school children mental arithmetic and thinking skills.

Exploring new technologies for learning, fun, and innovation with Epiteugma Robotics
A learning centre that introduces children and teenagers to robotics and new technology through play.

Arthouse School for Art and Design
An art school with classes in painting, drawing, and design for all ages.

Drama Game Workshops
Workshops that build confidence and creativity in children and teenagers through drama games and theatre.

Visit Local Markets and Events to Get to Know the Culture Better.

Here are a few links so you do not miss any important events:

https://cy.events/events/list/

https://cyprus-magazine.com/top-cyprus-cultural-festivals-you-can-t-miss/

https://cyproplan.com/

It also helps to read up in advance on local matters, such as traffic rules, where to shop, and the best areas for families.

Why moving to Cyprus is straightforward

Moving your personal and tax residence to Cyprus is usually cost-effective and involves little red tape. EU citizens generally have three main routes for this, which we cover in detail later on this page.

Cyprus also offers incoming residents the Non-Dom status. The tax benefits of relocating to Cyprus and gaining Non-Dom status are among the most attractive in Europe.

As an owner or shareholder of a company, you have a right to a share in the profits. This payment is called a dividend, and it is normally subject to personal income tax. People with Cyprus Non-Dom status generally receive dividends tax-free. It does not matter whether the company is based in Cyprus or in another country.
A person with Cyprus Non-Dom status may also hold companies in low-tax jurisdictions. For entrepreneurs who run low-taxed companies and use international bank accounts, this can mean more flexibility and clear tax advantages on the profits they earn.
If you want to operate internationally from your new home in Cyprus, and you need an international VAT number and place of business, setting up a company in Cyprus is usually the best option.

A Cyprus limited company offers more than a low corporate tax rate

It is the simplest and fastest way to take up residence with Non-Dom status in Cyprus.
While Non-Dom status is active, dividends, interest income, and rental income from Cyprus and abroad generally stay tax-free in Cyprus. Since January 2026, the Special Defence Contribution on rental income has also been abolished completely.
Company owners (shareholders) in Cyprus can employ themselves and gain full social insurance cover. Through this route, they can generally take up to EUR 22,000 per year as employment income without paying any personal income tax.
If you want to draw a higher salary as a director, whether for pension, unemployment cover, or other reasons, you can usually do so with a 50 percent personal income tax discount for five years.

Non-Dom status in practice: how Cyprus differs from the UK, Malta and Ireland

Like Cyprus, jurisdictions such as the UK, Malta and Ireland offer Non-Dom status to international residents. This framework began in the UK and later spread to these other countries.

But there is one important difference. In Malta, Ireland, the UK and similar systems, Non-Dom status is tied to a more complicated tax rule: remittance basis taxation. Cyprus, an EU member state, does not work this way.

What does "remittance basis taxation" mean?

Income that is meant to stay tax-free must be paid into a bank account outside the Non-Dom country and kept there. It generally cannot be brought into the Non-Dom country or used there.

The income must also come from outside the country. If the Non-Dom does not follow these rules, the income is usually taxed under normal personal income tax, even with Non-Dom status.

The drawbacks

A few simple examples show how this can cause real problems in everyday business and personal life. It often turns out to be the opposite of a simple tax setup:

Less flexibility: A businessman relocates to Malta to use the Non-Dom tax benefits. Because of remittance basis taxation, several limits apply. If he also wants to base his company in Malta, to run it on the spot and benefit from low corporate tax, every dividend (his personal share of company profit) would generally face normal Maltese personal income tax.

Personal income tax: Even using a foreign credit card in Malta can be a problem. The foreign income drawn inside the country may be taxed at personal income tax rates of up to 35 percent.

Bottom line: Keeping these income and spending categories apart can become an accounting headache. The more practical question is simpler: how is a Non-Dom living in Malta supposed to pay for daily life, expenses, investments and purchases at home? Tax-free, it usually is not.

The Malta holding model

To work around the drawbacks of remittance basis taxation, online formation agencies often promote a Malta holding model. It is worth a quick look.

To stay flexible without losing the Non-Dom tax benefit in Malta, the Non-Dom sets up at least two companies in Malta: an operating company and a Malta holding company.

The Malta holding company is the sole shareholder of the operating company. The holding company itself is owned by either a company or a private individual outside Malta.

For this structure to hold up in practice, several points matter. For example, neither company can look like an unlawful intermediary. That suspicion usually arises if a company has no real substance (a letterbox company with no staff or place of business) or is run from abroad.

Looking at this Malta example, which appears in a similar form for the UK, Ireland and other locations, one question comes up: why make it complicated when a simple option exists?

Cyprus is a strong choice for businesspeople, freelancers, e-commerce operators, offshore entrepreneurs and many others. Thanks to the 60-day rule, anyone who is resident in Cyprus still has plenty of time to spend at their preferred locations elsewhere. Flexibly, and with confidence.

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