A Cyprus International Trust (CIT), governed by the Cyprus International Trusts Law of 1992, allows a settlor to transfer assets to a trustee for the benefit of chosen beneficiaries. To qualify, the settlor and beneficiaries must be non-Cyprus residents in the year preceding the trust's establishment, and at least one trustee must be a Cyprus resident throughout its duration.

The structure offers two standout advantages: robust asset protection (shielded from creditor claims, bankruptcy, and legal disputes, with a strict 2-year challenge window) and significant tax efficiency (foreign-sourced income is not taxed in Cyprus for non-resident beneficiaries, plus no inheritance or estate tax). Settlors can also retain meaningful powers, including the ability to revoke the trust, appoint/remove trustees, and direct distributions.

A CIT is an attractive vehicle for international families seeking secure, private, and tax-friendly cross-generational wealth planning.

The 2026 Cyprus Tax Reform marks a significant shift toward global compliance and modernization. Key updates include an increase in the corporate tax rate to 15% and a new residency test based on incorporation. The reform introduces a highly competitive 8% flat tax on crypto-assets and a reduced 5% SDC on dividends for residents. To bolster innovation, the IP Box regime offers an effective rate of 3%, while stricter transfer pricing thresholds and anti-avoidance rules (GAAR) ensure transparency. Real estate taxation is also tightened, applying Capital Gains Tax when 20% of a company's value comes from Cyprus property.

• Residency & Rates: Moving to a 15% Corporate Tax and incorporation-based residency.

• The Innovation Edge: Choosing between 3% IP Box gains or 120% R&D super-deductions.

• Digital Assets & Dividends: Implementation of the 8% crypto tax and 5% dividend SDC.

• Compliance & Anti-Avoidance: Lowered thresholds for transfer pricing and stricter property tax rules.

The proposed amendment to Cyprus’ Private Schools Law, which seeks to abolish the equivalence of private school leaving certificates, raises significant concerns حول equality, constitutional rights, and access to public sector opportunities. This change could create disparities between private and public school graduates, while also introducing inconsistencies in the recognition of foreign qualifications. As the debate unfolds, the need for a balanced and unified approach to education policy becomes increasingly critical.

Following the financial crisis, Greece introduced significant reforms to reduce its high levels of non-performing loans (NPLs), enabling banks to clear balance sheets and revive the real estate market. A key measure has been the expansion of electronic property auctions through the national e-auction platform, which ensures transparency, legal certainty, and remote participation.

Governed by the Greek Code of Civil Procedure and recent legislative reforms, the process allows creditors to auction collateralised properties in a structured and regulated manner. Foreign investors can legally participate by obtaining a Greek tax identification number, appointing local legal representation, and completing due diligence before bidding.

As more properties enter the market through NPL resolution programs, Greece’s auction system is attracting institutional and private invest

Cyprus has taken a bold step forward in cementing its position as a credible fund jurisdiction with the adoption of the new Investment Fund Administrators (IFA) Law. Passed quietly in July 2024, this new framework may not have made international headlines, but it closes a longstanding gap in the country’s financial services ecosystem and signals a more mature, forward-looking approach to fund regulation.

In this article, we unpack what the law does, why it matters, and how it completes a puzzle that’s been slowly coming together over the past decade.