Purpose of this article
To provide a solid, workable solution to the UK non domiciled persons, following the surprising move of the UK tax authorities to tax them on their worldwide income.

 

UK Non Domiciled Tax Status
Following the recent change of the UK non domiciled tax law, which probably dates back 200 years in the UK, in its effort to collect more taxes, the UK government is planning to tax UK non domiciled persons on their overseas income streams.

Prior to the legislation, UK non domiciled persons would only be taxed on income / revenue generated in the UK at the applicable tax laws and rates each year. Income from overseas sources such as dividends, passive income (rental income, dividend income, royalties) as well as active income (profits from overseas businesses) would not be subject to the UK tax as typically such income was taxed overseas.

The UK non domiciled status worked beautifully as businessmen in the UK felt comfortable having the UK as their primary tax place of residency and whilst being UK non domiciled trade everywhere in the world without having to stress about UK taxes. They were not concerned of paying UK taxes as the non dom tax status was protecting their overseas investments and activities; such overseas gains, profits and dividends were taxed abroad and declared in their UK tax return without any tax implications.

….this implies that it is likely they will be paying UK taxes over and above any taxes paid abroad

Following the change of the UK tax legislation, all UK non domiciled entrepreneurs and businessmen will be subject to UK tax on their worldwide income. This implies that it is likely they will be paying UK taxes over and above any taxes paid abroad, if overseas taxes are lower than the UK taxes, which is usually the case unless such investments and businesses are set up in very highly developed tax jurisdictions such as the USA, Germany, Luxembourg etc.

It is no wonder why so many high net worth individuals want to flee the UK and change their tax residency and this is the reason there is so much hype about it.

So what is the solution to this huge UK tax problem?

Solution for UK Non Domiciled Tax Persons
Switch to a Cyprus Non Domiciled Tax Resident!

Cyprus follows a different non dom tax status than the UK.

The Cyprus non dom requirement is as follows; anyone who relocates to Cyprus for at least 60 days can change their tax status to a Cyprus Tax Resident but non domiciled status. This opens huge new opportunities for such persons as they will be taxed on their worldwide income based on Cyprus personal and corporate tax rates which are amongst the lowest in Europe. Dividend income and passive income is usually tax free and Cyprus has a plethora of double tax treaties (with almost 70 countries) making it impossible for your active or passive income to be double taxed.

 

Some basic requirements for the Cyprus non domiciled tax status:

• Live in Cyprus at least 60 days in a calendar year (not consecutive)
• Have business ties with Cyprus (usually with the formation and trade of a Cyprus Company)
• Do not live anywhere else for more than 183 days (i.e do not be tax resident elsewhere)
• Proof that you spend at least 60 days in beautiful Cyprus (have some local bills, telephone, rent, electricity)

 

Watch detailed videos on Cyprus non domiciled tax status

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Read more articles on Cyprus non domiciled tax status

Important advantages of choosing Cyprus
Language
Everyone in Cyprus speaks fluently English and almost all government websites and governmental forms / applications are available in both languages, English and Cypriot. Same applies for the private sector which has the majority of its content in the English language.

 

International Community
There is a large international community living in all cities with the exception of the capital, Nicosia. Consequently, you will be able to feel comfortable enjoying luxury lifestyle, indulge yourself and enjoy high quality services; as you used to in the UK (ok this might be an exaggeration).

Limassol is currently the city with the most dense international community reaching appr. 120,000 of internationals, majority of which are former USSR citizens. Limassol is also the city with the most expensive office space and accommodation probably in the world together with the highest living standards; the result of this large international community who lives in the city, enjoys the city and of course invests in the city.

 

Business Centre
There is no need to mention to UK nationals and non domiciled businessmen how big the Cyprus international centre scene is, nor to brag about the quality of professional services of the local service providers; law firms with barristers from the United Kingdom, audit firms owned by london ICAEW chartered accountants, fiduciary service providers being graduates from the best UK universities.

In fact the owner of our firm, Mr Tramountanellis is also a UK, London Fellow Chartered Accountant, FCA!

Our firm has been dealing in the relocation of international clients to Cyprus for more than a decade and the process is truly seamless. Everything can be prepared remotely, before visiting the island. This is powerful and very useful for the busy UK Non Domiciled persons who want to relocate.

 

No need for physical visit
Cyprus has become technologically savvy but in a “siga siga” manner (siga siga means slow). Being an international financial centre ensures that you can conduct business remotely and your physical presence is not really required for any function.

The following services can be performed without the physical presence of the businessman:

- Banking
Bank account set up can be opened remotely without the physical presence of the bank signatory / owner of the bank account. A virtual meeting is conducted by the bank officer.

- Company formation
Company formation is provided remotely by accountants, lawyers and service providers. Just need to provide your KYC documentation and instructions about the composition of the company.

- Accounting Information / processing etc
The entire operation is performed remotely especially following the covid outbreak and time restraints everyone has these days. Records are shared with accountants / auditors who perform their work remotely.

- Consultation
Is usually performed over the phone or via zoom calls not all with international clients but also with local ones; unfortunately due to the time constraints we are all facing in this busy era we are living.

- Visa Requirements
There is no need for visa requirements for UK nationals or any other 3rd country nationals who want to use Cyprus for the non dom application. Our firm offers many solutions to our clients specifically designed for the non dom application. Visa requirements are needed when a UK national want to permanently relocate and work in Cyprus,

Contact us at kt@cyprusaccountants.com.cy | +357 99 428 543 and we will explain to you the visa requirements needed and the visa solutions for UK nationals.

More information click here.

 

Why UK Nationals need a visa?

If you want to become an employee of your Cyprus Company simply because the UK is not an EU member and as such special visa requirements are needed. Unlike the EU nationals which only require a yellow slip (more information here) UK nationals will require a special type of visa that would allow them to work / become registered as employees of their Cyprus companies. As these visa packages change from time to time or lapse in the middle of calendar years it is best to refer to this section (click here) of our website for up to date information.

 

Conclusion - Cyprus is the solution for UK Non Domiciled People wanting to escape the UK!
What are you waiting for? Cyprus has become a hot spot for high net worth individuals, investors, traders who all have 1 thing in common! They are all Cyprus Tax Residents and Non Domiciled. They are enjoying worldwide tax free dividends and if applicable they are paying Cyprus taxes on their worldwide income at the most attractive (if any) tax rates.

Lets not forget that trading of securities has always been outside the scope for tax purposes and dividend income to non Cyprus tax residents has always been tax free!

 

Become a non domicile this year
Feel free to conduct me directly at kt@cyprusaccountants.com.cy or give us a call at +357 22 336 321 for a consultation on the matter.

Learn more about Cyprus and how High Net Worth Individuals can take advantage of the unique Cyprus tax system

• About Cyprus and Cyprus Company formation
• Cyprus company tax benefits
• Cyprus Tax Calculators

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Please consult with a professional tax advisor for advice on your specific situation.

CYAUSE AUDIT SERVICES

About Us

CYAUSE Audit Services is a regulated audit and assurance firm offering relocation services to many high net worth individuals from all over the world. From immigration matters to group tax planning our group of experts ensure that we can accommodate your tax and relocation needs and offcourse secure you from the UKs aggressive taxation.

CYAUSE Audit Services is an Audit & Assurance firm with offices in Nicosia and Limassol. During 2015 we have been awarded by I.C.P.A.C and the A.C.C.A (local and international association of Chartered Certified Accountants) for the Quality of our Audit Services and our Office's Procedures.

Being a Truly International Audit & Assurance firm, we have associates from all over the world and we are constantly looking for new associates to expand our network further. At present, CYAUSE Audit Services operates internationally through its membership with BKR International amongst the largest American associations in the world, Accace Circle, a co-created business community of like-minded BPO providers and advisors who deliver outstanding services with elevated customer experience.

Our network covers almost 40 jurisdictions with over 2,000 professionals, it supports more than 10,000 customers, mostly mid-size and international Fortune 500 companies from various sectors, and processes at least 170,000 payslips globally.

CYAUSE Audit Services Ltd is also a member of the 3E Accounting Network, an international accounting network which originates from Hong Kong and has more than 80 members from all over the world.

Contact Us

If you would like us to assist you with your investment firm or fund please contact us at enquiries@cyprusaccountants.com.cy or call us at +357 22 336 309.

Learn More about Cyprus Corporate Environment

Information about CYAUSE Audit Services and the Cyprus Corporate & Tax System can be obtained from our Website or our YouTube channel which provides valuable information about the Corporate & Tax Environment of Cyprus.