The pitfalls of changing tax residency

Moving to Cyprus for tax optimization is a popular strategy among entrepreneurs, investors, and high-income professionals. At first glance, it seems simple: change your country of residence, become a tax resident of Cyprus, and enjoy the benefits. However, in practice, the procedure involves many legal and tax nuances, and mistakes can cost you more than you save.

Main risks and challenges:

1. Double taxation:
If you fail to complete the formalities in your country of origin or choose the wrong moment to change your residence, you may find yourself in a situation where two countries simultaneously consider you their tax resident. This is particularly relevant for CIS and EU countries, where local tax authorities closely monitor the “flight” of taxpayers.

2. Recognition of a “fictitious” change of residence:
The Cypriot authorities require not only formal residence for 60 (or 183) days, but also proof of a “center of vital interests” — the presence of housing, family, business, real expenses, and social activity. In the absence of substance, there is a risk of a dispute with the tax authorities, up to and including refusal of residency.

3. Interaction with banks and data exchange (CRS):
Since 2017, Cyprus has participated in the automatic exchange of tax information under the CRS standard. Banks and tax authorities exchange information about accounts, transfers, and asset movements. Any inconsistency between your “old” accounts is a reason for verification and temporary blocking of accounts.

4. Failure to account for tax obligations in your home country:
When moving, many people forget that a change of residence does not automatically exempt them from tax reporting and closing tax issues in their country of origin. It is important to obtain an official document confirming the termination of tax residency and to “sever” fiscal ties (for example, close an individual business, terminate employment contracts, and deregister).

5. Risks of “breaking the chain” when owning a business or investments:
If you still have shares in companies, real estate, or securities in your country of origin, there may be unpleasant consequences: double taxation of dividends, withholding taxes at source, restrictions on cross-border transfers.

6. Changes in legislation:
Cyprus’ tax regimes (non-dom, preferential rates on dividends and interest, no inheritance tax) are constantly evolving. The 2024–2025 reforms affected, in particular, the tax residency rules for “60-dayers” and the substance criteria.

Examples of successful and unsuccessful cases

Success story: “60-day diary” – individual entrepreneur

Andrey, an IT entrepreneur from Russia, decided to move to Cyprus in 2023. Together with Almanova Law lawyers, he took the following steps in advance:

• signed a long-term lease for an apartment in Limassol and opened an account with a Cypriot bank;
• notified the Russian tax authorities of his departure and deregistration as an individual entrepreneur;
• obtained a certificate of residence in Cyprus under the “60-day rule” (subject to the existence of a business and other conditions);
• structured his foreign income so as not to be subject to double taxation;
• prepared a Cypriot company in advance to receive dividends.

As a result, Andrey avoided all penalties, successfully optimized the taxation of dividends, and his accounts were not blocked as part of CRS checks.

Unsuccessful case: “Formal” relocation without substance

Ekaterina, an investment portfolio owner, decided to “get out from under” taxation in her country of origin without completing a number of procedures. She:

• did not formally deregister from the tax authorities in her home country;
• used only a tourist visa to stay in Cyprus;
• rented accommodation through Airbnb for a month without opening local accounts;
• did not notify banks of the change in tax status.

Six months later, Ekaterina ran into problems: her country of origin assessed tax on her worldwide income for the entire year, and the Cypriot tax authorities refused to issue a certificate of residence due to the lack of evidence of permanent residence and vital interests on the island. The result was double taxation and temporary freezing of foreign accounts.

Case of “under-reported income” – taxation of old assets

A couple from Ukraine after moving to Cyprus did not take into account that part of the income from the sale of real estate in their native country was received after the acquisition of Cypriot residency. The Cyprus tax office recognized the income as taxable, while the Ukrainian tax office withheld tax at source. The legal team was able to offset the tax paid, but the process took 9 months and required a strong evidentiary basis.

Checklist for preparatory steps

1. Analyze your tax obligations in your home country

• Get advice on the tax laws of the country of origin.
• Formally deregister or obtain a certificate of cessation of residency.
• Close all business structures, sole proprietorships, accounts and employment contracts, if required.
• Check if there are any outstanding tax or social contribution debts.

2. Research and confirm the possibility of residency in Cyprus

• Familiarize yourself with the 60-day and 183-day rule (companies.gov.cy):
  • Spend at least 60 days in Cyprus without being a tax resident of another country if you have business or employment ties.
  • Or reside at least 183 days per year in Cyprus.
• Make a long-term lease or purchase of a home.
• Open a Cypriot bank account and use it for daily expenses.
• Move “center of life interests” to Cyprus: moving family, children, insurance, local contracts.

3. Prepare documentation to prove residency

• Collect and keep: rental/purchase agreement, bank statements, utility bills, receipts for local purchases, documents of employment or business in Cyprus.
• Request a certificate of residency from the Cyprus Tax Office at the end of the first year of residency.

4. Check the tax regime in Cyprus

• Explore tax optimization opportunities: non-dom regime, dividend and interest exemptions, no inheritance tax, peculiarities of foreign income taxation (taxsummaries.pwc.com).
• If you have a business – consider opening a Cyprus company with substance and beneficiary requirements.

5. Notify banks and counterparties of status change

• Update tax status information with banks (CRS/FACTA).
• Verify correctness of data in automatic exchange systems.

6. Keep records of all transactions and retain documents for at least 5 years

• Confirm sources of income, especially for large receipts.
• For asset sales, record the date and residency status at the time the income is received.

7. Keep up to date with changes in legislation

• Consult regularly with tax and legal experts in Cyprus.
• Subscribe to updates on substance rules, income taxation and non-dom status.

Professional perspective of Almanova Law

At Almanova Law we have dealt with dozens of real stories of change of residency – from “perfect” moves to complicated disputes with tax authorities of different countries. Our experience shows that the earlier you start preparing for the move, the less risks and the higher the benefits of the Cyprus tax regime.
We accompany our clients not only in the process of obtaining residency, but also at all subsequent stages – from banking procedures to protection of interests in disputes with foreign fiscal authorities.
If you are planning to relocate, contact our experts and find out how to make this process safe and as efficient as possible.

Find out more or get an individual consultation at www.almanovalaw.cy