How inheritance tax works in Cyprus
Cyprus does not impose inheritance tax on a deceased person’s estate if the date of death is after 1 January 2000. There is also no broad estate duty or standalone gift tax regime for ordinary family transfers.
{ "The tax issue is usually not the transfer itself, but the legal steps around it": "wills, probate, title transfer, bank releases, company shares and the personal law that applies to the family." }
The estate administrator must submit a statement of assets and liabilities within six months of death, so paperwork still matters even when the tax bill is zero.
Tax rates at a glance
- Inheritance tax
- 0%Zero
- Estate duty
- 0%
- Gift tax
- 0%
- Probate tax
- 0%
Who benefits most
These profiles tend to benefit most when the rules match their real residence, payroll and business setup.
FamiliesExpatsInvestorsHigh earnersBusiness owners
Watch out for
- No inheritance tax does not remove the need for a will, especially for expats with Cyprus bank accounts, property or company interests.
- Property transfers can still trigger capital gains tax or other transfer costs depending on the facts.
- Heirs may still face tax reporting in their home country even if Cyprus charges no inheritance tax.
Frequently asked questions
Does Cyprus have inheritance tax?
No. Cyprus does not impose inheritance tax on estates where death occurred after 1 January 2000.
Does Cyprus have estate duty?
No broad estate duty applies in Cyprus, but the estate administrator still has filing and administration duties.
Do expats need a will in Cyprus?
Yes. Expats should still have a will and a clear asset list because banks, land registries and company transfers can otherwise be slow.