Common Answers and Questions

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+Immovable Property Transfer Fees

Value €  Rate %  Fee €  Accumulative fees € 
 0-85.430  3  2.563  2.563
 85.431-170.860  5 4.272  6.835
 170.861 and over  8
As from 2 December of 2011 until 31 December of 2014, a transfer subject to VAT will be exempt from the above transfer fees and a transfer not subject to VAT will be eligible for 50% exemption from the above transfer fees.
No immovable property transfer fees are payable in the case of reorganization of companies.
In the situation of transferring of immovable property to a family company and provided the shareholders remain members of the same family, then after the passing of 5 years the immovable property transfer fees are being refunded. Specifically, for properties charged with VAT there will be no transfer fees payable and for properties that are not charged with VAT the transfer fees will be reduced by 50%.
In the case of property transferred from a company whose shareholders are spouses and/or their children, to one of the two spouses, or their children or to third degree of relation the transfer fees are calculated on the value of the property as follows:
  • if the transfer is to spouse – 8%
  • if the transfer is to child – 4%
  • if the transfer is to a relative – 8%

Also the following rates are applicable in the case of free transfers:

  • from parents to children – 4%
  • between spouses – 8%
  • between third degree relatives – 8%
  • to trustees – €8,54
Value in these cases is the one written on the title deed which refers to values of the year 1920.

+Property Buyers Checklist

1. Obtain reliable and professional local advice.

2. Before signing any agreement carry out a search at the District Lands office to check for encumbrances.

3. If the property to be purchased is a house or a flat, check whether there is a building permit and, if completed, whether a certificate or approval for the building has been obtained from the appropriate authority.

4. If the property to be purchased is a piece of land, check the following:
(a) Whether it has road access (without it, building is not possible);
(b) If the land is part of any zone or area where building is restricted; if so, find out the extent of the limitations;
(c) Whether the supply of water and electricity is possible and at what expense.

5. In all cases, check the availability of a telephone connection.

6. Do not enter into any contract before consulting a lawyer and being assured by the lawyer that the case is one in which the relevant permissions from the authorities would be granted.

7. When entering into a contract, check that there are proper securities and provisions ensuring:
(a) The eventual transfer of the property and the issue of a title deed free from any encumbrances;
(b) That the contract has provisions regarding the securing of relevant permissions from the authorities by the Vendor;
(c) That possession is delivered to the purchaser upon execution of the contract whre the building is completed and, if not completed, upon completion;
8. Ensure that the contract is signed by the seller in the presence of two witnesses and that are all competent to contract (including the witnesses);

9. If the seller is a company, ensure that all corporate actions have been properly taken for the valid execution of the contract.

10. As soon as practicable after the execution of the contract ensure that:
(a) An application is submitted to the local District Administration Office along with all necessary supporting documents for obtaining the permission of the Council of Ministers (where is required);
(b) A copy of the contract is lodged with the District Lands Office within two months of its execution, thus ensuring that the contract becomes a charge on the property and that it may be specifically performed.
11. Consult with your lawyer if any additional measures are necessary under the specific circumstances.

+EU Passport

Reduced Criteria
On 28th March 2014, the Cyprus Government announced changes to the legislation that enables foreign investors to become a Cypriot (EU) citizen and obtain a Cypriot passport through naturalization, making it more accessible and affordable than ever.

One of the key benefits of the Cyprus citizenship program is that it involves a secure investment, rather than a donation like in many countries. The new investment schemes are as follows:
Scheme 1.
A €2.5m investment in a single luxury property
Scheme 2.
A € 3 million (plus vat) – Real estate investment

• Out of which a property to be used as a permanent residence of a minimum value of € 500,000. The residence must be retained by the investor
• The remaining € 2.5 million can be invested in other properties, including residential, commercial and plots which may be resold after 3 years.

Conditions

• To maintain the citizenship, the investor must always keep in his possession a real estate property of minimum value €500,000 which will be declared as his permanent residence, whereas the remaining investment may be sold after 3 years.
• Any property purchased during the past three years will count towards the above mentioned investment figures. In such cases the purchaser must acquire additional real estate to reach the total required investment. However, a three year period must not have passed before the application submission.
• Applicants must hold a clear criminal record from the country of origin and or Cyprus.
• Applicants will be part of a collective real estate purchase scheme. A minimum of 7 applicants is required for scheme 1 and 5 applicants for scheme 2.

Key Points

Passports will be issued within a period of three months.
– No residency requirement.
– Passports will be issued to the investor, their spouse and dependent children up to age 28.

Benefits

Cyprus passport holders may enter, reside, study and work in the European Economic Area (European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) & Switzerland without a visa.
Same rights as any European Citizen
Cyprus allows multiple citizenship
You can travel, live, work and study anywhere in the European Economic
Area (European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland)
Travel to 170+ countries without a visa
Offers an effective tool for family and tax planning
Offers an additional insurance against political instability
Cyprus has zero inheritance tax
Enables access to some of the best healthcare and education in the world.

+EU Destinations Overview

Germany

– Education including university free of charge
– Healthcare through medical insurance
– Unemployment benefits & retraining
– Child benefits from 2nd child
– Pension entitlement

Sweden

– Education including university free of charge
– Healthcare free or very low cost
– Unemployment and disability benefits
– Housing benefit and child benefit from 1st child
– Pension entitlement

France

– Education free of charge
– University fees below €250p.a.
– Healthcare through government medical insurance
– Unemployment benefits & retraining
– Child benefit from 1st child
– Pension entitlement

UK

– Education free of charge
– University standard fees & loans available
– Healthcare free of charge
– Unemployment & housing benefit
– Child benefits from 1st child
– Pension entitlement.