投资塞浦路斯，你想了解的内容都在这里！

塞浦路斯是地中海第三大岛，其最早的文明可以追溯到公元前九千多年。根据传说，爱与美之神阿芙罗狄蒂就诞生于塞浦路斯西南海岸帕福斯古城之外的碧涛之中。

遍布全岛的数百处考古遗址和古迹无一不彰显出塞浦路斯的丰富文化底蕴，全方位地呈现了这座岛屿在不同历史时期的演变历程。分散于塞浦路斯各个城镇和村庄的大量博物馆亦收藏了不同时期的一系列考古发现和文化瑰宝。

此外，旖旎的自然风光、多种多样的珍稀动植物、迷人的海岸线、金色的沙滩、湛蓝的海水外加全年阳光明媚的天气令塞浦路斯成为了一个备受欢迎的旅游目的地。

塞浦路斯人以真诚、好客、友好著称。与塞浦路斯文化一样，塞浦路斯美食亦融合了希腊、地中海地区以及该岛更早征服者的不同烹饪风格。

位置和历史

北纬35°、东经33°的地理位置决定了塞浦路斯岛上历朝历代的命运。尽管塞浦路斯位于欧洲、亚洲和非洲（东方和西方）的十字路口，属于一个真正的国际贸易中心，但几个世纪以来，该岛屡屡被统治地中海的历代强国所征服。

因此，这个现代化的欧洲小国已发展出自己的独特个性，通过与不同邻国的多方位互动将不同的文化影响和谐交融，同时亦保持了自身的希腊特色。

在1959年脱离了英国统治之后，塞浦路斯共和国于1960年10月1日宣布独立。

1974年7月，希腊军人集团在塞策动政变，土耳其以“保证国”名义出兵塞岛，占领了塞浦路斯36.2%的主权领土。

气候

塞浦路斯拥有宜人的地中海气候，全年日照天数高达340天，冬季温和舒适（5-13摄氏度），夏季干燥且阳光充足（21-36摄氏度）。

面积和人口

塞浦路斯国土总面积为9,251平方公里，总人口为947,000（2016年），其中82%是塞浦路斯人，18%是非塞浦路斯人；人口密度为每平方公里128.7人；主要宗教信仰是希腊东正教，比例达89.1%。塞浦路斯岛一年有340天都是晴天。

塞浦路斯是地中海第三大岛，南距埃及300公里，东距黎巴嫩108公里，北距土耳其71公里，西北部距离内陆的希腊约800公里。

政治体系

塞浦路斯共和国是一个总统民主制国家。总统通过全民投票选举产生，任期五年；其行政权通过总统任命的部长会议行使。

塞浦路斯的立法权由众议院行使；众议院成员每五年通过全民投票选举产生。

司法权由独立的司法机构行使。塞浦路斯最高法院的成员由总统任命。

欧盟

塞浦路斯共和国于2004年5月1日成为欧盟的正式成员。对于塞浦路斯而言，加入欧盟是一个再自然不过的选择，因为塞浦路斯与欧盟国家有着相同的文化、文明和历史渊源，同时都坚定不移地坚守民主、自由和正义之道。

2008年初，凭借着强劲的经济表现，塞浦路斯成功加入了欧洲货币联盟，开始使用欧元作为其本国货币。

国际组织成员

塞浦路斯是以下国际组织的成员：

欧盟和欧元区（2004年）

世界贸易组织（1995年）

国际货币基金组织（1961年）

世界银行（1961年）

英联邦（1961年）

欧洲委员会（1961年）

联合国（1960年）

基础设施

塞浦路斯不断发展的先进和现代化基础设施体系令其有能力提供成熟的陆运、空运和海运解决方案和服务，为其吸引外商直接投资提供了重要的竞争优势。

塞浦路斯拥有两个多功能深海港口，可以同时处理客运和货运货物。同时，塞浦路斯亦通过各种先进的设施提供多种物流解决方案，实现经济高效的货物运输和处理。此外，塞浦路斯也是一个备受国际游轮青睐的“中途停留地”。

拉纳卡和帕福斯这两座现代化的国际机场每年接待大约1000万旅客，将塞浦路斯与全球一系列知名交通中枢紧密地连为一体。

凭借着先进的科技基础设施以及大量的熟练劳动力，塞浦路斯已成为该地区的一个优质商业和金融中心，以及一个重要的通信和运输中心，并正在迅速崛起成为东地中海地区的一个能源枢纽。

塞浦路斯已通过海底光缆和卫星接入了东地中海地区乃至更广阔地区的电信网络；这些重大投资将塞浦路斯转变为本地区的一个主要电信枢纽。

塞浦路斯营商环境

塞浦路斯一直以来都是一个繁荣的商业中心，在关键的经济增长领域提供了大量的投资机遇。绝佳的战略位置、先进的基础设施以及高品质的生活都为投资者在塞浦路斯投资和安家提供了充分的理由。

塞浦路斯不仅是投资者进入欧盟市场的理想门户，同时也是投资者进军欧盟以外市场的门户，尤其是中东、印度和中国市场。作为欧盟和欧元区的一员，塞浦路斯不仅为投资者提供了安全和稳定的保障，同时亦能帮助投资者轻松进入一个拥有逾5亿消费者的欧盟市场。

塞浦路斯基础设施完善，非常适合企业家在此大展宏图。得益于现代化的公路网络、丰富的港口设施以及两座全新的国际机场，塞浦路斯的境内外出行和运输不仅快捷、高效，而且极具成本优势。

人才是塞浦路斯最引人瞩目的优势；此外，塞浦路斯更提供有广泛、优质的专业服务。作为一个充满活力的商业中心，塞浦路斯云集了众多受过高等教育、掌握多种语言的熟练劳动力，随时可以满足任何企业的需求。

塞浦路斯拥有维持强劲且富有韧性的经济所需的一切必要元素，包括较小的国土面积、多产的劳动力，以及对商业友好且灵活的政府。

健全、透明的法律和监管框架以及极富吸引力的税收制度不仅为法人和自然人提供了广泛的激励政策和经营优势，同时也大大提升了塞浦路斯的竞争力。

对商业友好的塞浦路斯法律制度基于英国普通法体系，可以确保各种商业实践的透明度和可靠性。塞浦路斯的法律制度为外国企业提供了一个熟悉且可靠的法律框架，同时亦与欧盟、反洗钱金融行动特别工作组（FATF）、经合组织、海外账户税收合规法案（FATCA）和金融稳定论坛的相关法律法规以及欧盟的反洗钱指令高度契合。

此外，塞浦路斯亦拥有一个极富吸引力、高度透明并且与欧盟、经合组织和国际法律法规深入融合的税收制度。塞浦路斯已签署了60多项避免双重征税协定，并将企业所得税税率维持在12.5%的欧盟最低水平，大大增强了国际投资者和国内企业在塞浦路斯投资、发展和壮大的信心。

塞浦路斯税收制度的主要特点如下：

• 股息参股享受免税待遇；

• 各种证券（例如股票、债券、债权证）出售享受免税待遇；

• 免征各种预扣税；

• 免征继承税；

• 免征资本利得税（不适用于因出售塞浦路斯房地产或者因出售在塞浦路斯持有房地产的公司的股份而获得的收益——只要出售所得与房地产持有相关）；

• 极富吸引力的知识产权制度；

• 船运公司的吨位税。

在塞浦路斯居住的非定居个人和非居民人士亦可以享受以下税收优惠：

• 非定居个人的股息和利息收入可享受免税；

• 对于先前不在塞浦路斯居住的人士，其在塞浦路斯就业所得的收入可以免税50%。这项免税待遇的有效期为10年，前提是该等人士在塞浦路斯就业所得的收入超过10万欧元/年。

事实与数据

塞浦路斯的GDP总额为219亿欧元，2019年的增速达到3.2%。各行业GDP占比如下：

• 税收和补贴：13.1%

• 服务业：71.9%

• 建筑业：6.1%

• 采矿业、制造业、供电和供水：6.9%

• 农业、林业和渔业：2%

塞浦路斯在各类国际营商环境榜单上的排名如下：

• 第1名：根据世界卫生组织2017年的数据，塞浦路斯是全球184个国家当中对年轻人而言最为安全的国家，犯罪率低至0.9%；

• 第29名：在欧洲工商管理学院（INSEAD）和世界知识产权组织发布的2020年全球创新指数榜上，塞浦路斯在131个国家当中名列第29位；

• 第37名：在传统基金会发布2020年经济自由指数榜上，塞浦路斯在186个国家当中名列第37位；

• 第45名：在《2020年全球幸福指数报告》中，塞浦路斯在153个国家/地区中名列第45位；

• 第54名：在整体营商环境榜上，塞浦路斯在全球190个经济体中名列第54位；

• 第50名：开办企业

• 第125名：办理施工许可证

• 第75名：获得电力

• 第71名：登记财产

• 第80名：获得信贷

• 第21名：保护少数投资者

• 第29名：纳税

• 第50名：跨境贸易

• 第142名：执行合同

• 第31名：办理破产

新纪元

2021年10月15日，塞浦路斯部长会议通过了《吸引企业在塞浦路斯开展经营活动或者/以及扩大其经营活动的战略》。

该战略是塞浦路斯吸引国际投资和人才的一项重要举措，涵盖了多个领域的一系列行动和改革，旨在提升塞浦路斯作为一个高增长型国际商业中心的地位。

这项周密而细致的规划确保了《战略》在成功实施之后可以带来诸多裨益，从而有助于重新定义塞浦路斯的发展模式。

• 商业促进机构

2022年第一季度之内：将现有的“加快商业发展机制”转型为一个“商业促进机构”，以服务于在塞浦路斯经营或者有意在塞浦路斯经营的广大企业；

• 外国公司雇佣的第三国员工的就业许可证

2022年1月之前：对关于外资企业雇用第三国员工的现行政策进行审查（涉及那些将会加入商业促进机构的公司/企业）。

2022年1月之前：针对已加入商业促进机构的公司，向其第三国员工提供家庭团聚权。

2022年第一季度之内：简化和加快工作许可证（E类）的授予程序。

• 数字游民签证

2022年1月之前：发放数字游民签证（首次发放不超过100份）。

• 税收优惠

2022年第一季度之内：加大对创新公司投资的免税优惠（50%）。

2022年第一季度之内：扩大现行实施的50%免税额，免税期10年（从受雇之年起计算），主要涵盖新入境的、收入在55,000欧元或以上的非定居雇员。

2022年第一季度之内：加大研发支出的减税力度。

• 入籍

2022年第一季度之内：在塞浦路斯居住和工作满5年之后可以提交入籍申请（如果申请人持有公认的希腊语熟练证书，则这个年限可以缩短至4年）。

• 社会保险

2022年第一季度之内：保障公民享有社会保障的权利。

• 其他行动

在2024年前：升级信息和通信技术基础设施，以及宽带网络。

2022年第一季度之内：开展宣传活动以吸引在国外工作且符合条件的塞浦路斯人，并针对性地招募那些在政治不稳定国家就业的合格劳动力。

2022年第一季度之内：开展塞浦路斯品牌打造活动。

如需了解更多信息，欢迎联系：

欧阳路 先生

首席经济商务参赞

塞浦路斯贸易中心驻华代表

ctcbeijing@hotmail.com

英文版：

INTRODUCING CYPRUS

The first signs of civilization in Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, are traced back to the 9th millennium B.C. According to tradition, Aphrodite, the ancient goddess of love and beauty, was born from the foam of the sea on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, near the ancient city of Paphos.

The rich cultural landscape is reflected in the hundreds of archaeological sites and monuments located throughout the island, representing the numerous different historical periods in the island’s evolution. A large number of museums in the towns and villages of Cyprus showcase abroad array of archaeological collections and cultural treasures from different time periods.

Moreover, the island boasts great natural beauty with rare flora and fauna, a stunning coastline with golden sandy beaches, clear blue waters and year-round sunny weather, making it a popular tourist destination.

Cypriots are known worldwide for their genuine and sincere hospitality and friendliness. Like Cypriot culture, Cypriot cuisine is an amalgamation of different influences from Greece, the Mediterranean region and the island’s previous conquerors.

LOCATION and HISTOTY

The geographic position of the island coordinates at 35°N and 33°E, determined its destiny through the ages. While Cyprus functioned as the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa (the East and the West) and as a true international trade centre, it was also conquered by successive powers dominating the Mediterranean through the centuries.

As a result, this small, modern European state has developed its own unique character, harmoniously blending various cultural influences through its multifaceted interaction with neighbouring countries, but maintaining its Greek character.

Independence from British rule in 1959 led to the declaration of Independence of the Republic of Cyprus at 1st October 1960.

On 20 July 1974, Turkey, using the coup as a pretext and in violation of international codes of conduct established under treaties to which it is a signatory, invaded Cyprus purportedly to restore constitutional order. Instead, it seized 36,2% of the sovereign territory of the Republic of Cyprus in violation of the UN Charter and fundamental principles of international law. The invasion and occupation had disastrous consequences: Thousands were killed and about 180.000 Greek Cypriots living in the north – over a third of the total population – were displaced from their homes.

CLIMATE

Cyprus has a pleasant Mediterranean climate, enjoying year-round sunshine of total 340 days, with mild winters (5°C - 13°C) and sunny, dry summers (21°C - 36°C)

AREA and POPULATION

Cyprus has total area of Cyprus is 9,251 km² and population of 947,000 (2016) out of which 82% are Cypriots and 18% Non-Cypriots, the population density is 128.7 persons per km², the main religion is Greek Orthodox with 89.1%, the island of Cyprus enjoys a 340 days sunshine.

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea and shares a maritime border with: Egypt 300 km to the south, Lebanon 108 km to the east and Turkey 71 km to the north, while inland Greece lies 800 km to the north-west.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

The Republic of Cyprus is a Presidential Democratic State. The Executive authority is vested in the President who is elected for a five-year term by universal vote, and exercised by a Council of Ministers appointed by the President.

The Legislative authority of the Republic is exercised by the House of Representatives, whose Members are elected by universal vote every five years.

The administration of Justice is exercised by the Judiciary, which is a separate and independent body. The Members of the Cyprus Supreme Court are appointed by the President.

EUROPEAN UNION

The Republic of Cyprus became a full member of the European Union on May 1, 2004. Accession to the EU was a natural choice for Cyprus, driven by its culture, civilization and history, as well as its unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, freedom and justice.

With the dawn of 2008, Cyprus joined the European Monetary Union leveraging a robust economic performance marked by banner key indicators, thus adopting the Euro as its national currency.

INTERNATIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

Cyprus is a member of the following international organisations:

European Union and Eurozone （2004）

The World Trade Organization （1995）

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)（1961）

The World Bank （1961）

The Commonwealth （1961）

The Council of Europe（1961）

The United Nations （1960）

INFRASTRUCTURE

With a constantly evolving system of advanced and modern infrastructure, Cyprus offers sophisticated road, air and sea transport solutions and services, which are widely recognised as an important competitive advantage in attracting foreign direct investment.

Cyprus has two multi-purpose deep sea ports, handling both passenger and freight cargo while offering logistics solutions through advanced facilities for cost-effective transport and processing. In addition, Cyprus is a popular “stop-over” for international cruise ships.

Two modern international airports in Larnaca and Paphos, offer their services to approximately 10 million visitors per year, connecting the island to the most popular transit hubs throughout the world.

With its advanced technical infrastructure and skilled human talent, Cyprus has become a regional quality business and financial centre, as well as a major communications and transport centre, and is also fast developing into an energy hub in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Considerable investment has also been made to transform the island into a major telecommunications hub in the region, connecting Cyprus via submarine fibre optic cable and satellite to other networks in the Eastern Mediterranean basin and beyond.

DOING BUSINESS IN CYPRUS

Cyprus has long established itself as a thriving business hub, with a vast array of investment opportunities in key growth sectors of the economy. The island’s ideal strategic location, advanced infrastructure and high quality of life do not only represent key reasons to relocate and live on the island, but are also at the heart of an investor’s choice to invest in Cyprus.

The island is an ideal investment gateway to the European Union, as well as a portal for investment outside the EU, particularly into the Middle East, India and China. As a member of the wider EU and Eurozone community, Cyprus ensures safety and stability for investors, while also offering them market access to more than 500 million EU citizens.

The local infrastructure is ideally suited for business people who need to get things done. Thanks to its modern road network, extensive port facilities and two new international airports, travel and transport in and beyond Cyprus is fast, efficient and cost-effective.

Human talent constitutes Cyprus’ most compelling advantage, complemented by a broad range of high quality professional services. As a dynamic business centre, Cyprus offers an abundance of highly educated and skilled individuals, multilingual in their majority, ready to serve the needs of any business.

Cyprus, indeed, has all the right ingredients to maintain a strong and resilient economy, due to its small size, productive labour force, business friendly and flexible government.

Our country’s competitive advantages are significantly enriched by a robust and transparent legal and regulatory framework and an attractive tax regime, which offers a wide range of incentives and advantages both for legal and natural persons.

Cyprus’ legal system, based on English Common Law principles, is widely recognised as a business-friendly and effective system that ensures transparency and reliability in business practices. Offering foreign businesses a familiar and reliable framework within which to operate, Cyprus’ legal system is also fully compliant with the EU, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF), OECD, FATCA, the Financial Stability Forum laws and regulations and EU AML directives.

Moreover, Cyprus offers an attractive and transparent tax regime, fully compliant with EU, OECD and international laws and regulations. Providing access to an extensive network of more than 60 Double Tax Treaties, and maintaining a corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU, Cyprus offers international investors and domestic businesses confidence to invest, grow and prosper.

Some of the main features of the Cyprus tax system include:

• Dividend participation exemption

• Exemption on disposal of securities (e.g. shares, bonds, debentures)

• No withholding taxes

• No succession taxes

• No capital gains tax (except for disposal of real estate in Cyprus or shares of company holding real estate in Cyprus to the extent gains are attributable to the real estate holding)

• Attractive IP regime

• Tonnage tax for shipping companies

Significant exemptions are also in place for non-domiciled individuals and non-resident persons who take up residence in Cyprus:

• No tax on dividends and interest for non-domiciled individuals

• 50% exemption on income from employment in Cyprus of a person who was not previously resident in Cyprus. The exemption applies for ten years, provided that the income from employment in Cyprus exceeds €100,000 per annum

BUSINESS FACTS & FIGURES

Cyprus total GDP is 21.9 billion Euros, the growth in 2019 was 3.2% and it is analyzed by sector below:

• Taxes & subsidies - 13.1%

• Services - 71.9%

• Construction - 6.1%

• Mining, manufacturing, Electricity & Water - 6.9%

• Agriculture, forestry & fishing - 2%

Cyprus holds various positions in International Business Rankings as follow:

• 1st,Cyprus is the safest country in the world for young people out of 184 countries across the globe with crime rate 0.9% by World Health Organization WHO 2017

• 29th out of 131 countries in Global Innovation Index 2020 by INSEAD and the World Intellectual Property Organization

• 37th out of 186 countries in Economic Freedom Index 2020 by Heritage Foundation

• 45th out of 153 countries in World Happiness Report 2020

• 54th out of 190 economies in Overall Doing Business ranking

• 50th in Starting a Business

• 125th in Dealing with Construction Permits

• 75th in Getting Electricity

• 71st in Registering Property

• 80th in Getting Credit

• 21st in Protecting Minority Investors

• 29th in Paying Taxes

• 50th in Trading across Borders

• 142nd in Enforcing Contracts

• 31st in Resolving Insolvency

NEW ERA

The Council of Ministers approved on October 15th 2021, the “Strategy for Attracting Businesses for Activities or/and Expansion of their Activities in Cyprus”.

The Strategy is a very important initiative towards attracting both international investments and talent. It includes a series of actions and reforms in several areas of intervention, aiming to enhance Cyprus position as an international high-growth business center.

The careful and thorough planning ensures that the benefits derived from the successful implementation of the Strategy will significantly contribute to redefining the Cyprus growth model.

• BUSINESS FACILITATION UNIT

Transform the existing Fast-Track Business Activation Mechanism into a Business Facilitation Unit for companies operating or wishing to operate in Cyprus, within Q1 2022

• EMPLOYMENT LICENSES FOR STAFF FROM THIRD COUNTRIES EMPLOYED BY FOREIGN COMPANIES

Review of the existing policy for employment of staff from third countries, employed by companies / enterprises of foreign interests (concerns companies / enterprises that will join the Business Facilitation Unit) , by January 2022

Right for Family reunification of third-country nationals working for companies joining the Business Facilitation Unit, by January 2022

Simplification and speeding up of the procedure for granting work permits (Category E), within Q1 2022

• DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Digital Nomad Visa (With a maximum initial ceiling of 100 beneficiaries), by January 2022

• TAX INCENTIVES

Extension and expansion of tax exemption (50%) for investment in innovative companies, within Q1 2022

Expand the existing tax exemption of 50% for 10 years from the year of employment, to cover new entrance in the Republic who are non-domicile employees with income from employment of €55,000 and above, within Q1 2022

Incremental (compared to the actual) tax deduction for research and development expenditure, within Q1 2022

• NATURALIZATION

Right to submit an application for naturalization after 5 years of residence and work in the Republic or after 4 years if they fulfill the criteria for holding a recognised certificate of Success in very good knowledge of Greek language, within Q1 2022

• SOCIAL INSURANCE

Securing the right to social security, within Q1 2022

• OTHER ACTIONS

Upgrading of the infrastructure for information and communication technologies and broadband connectivity, by 2024

Awareness campaign for attracting qualified Cypriots working abroad and a targeted campaign for qualified work force employed in countries with political instability, within Q1 2022

Promotion of a complete and right branding, within Q1 2022

For more information feel free to contact

Mr. Petros Petrou

Commercial counsellor

Head of the Cyprus Trade center in P.R. of China

ctcbeijing@hotmail.com