STAMP DUTIES – CYPRUS
Certify Every Deal, Comply with Confidence.
Stamp duty in Cyprus applies to written agreements, contracts, and instruments executed in Cyprus or relating to property or matters situated in Cyprus. It is a nominal, one-time tax based on the value of the transaction, ensuring legal enforceability of documents.
At a Glance
| Document Type | Duty Rate | Cap / Limit | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agreements up to €5,000 | 0% | — | Exempt |
| €5,001 – €170,000 | 0.15% | — | Payable on excess above €5,000 |
| Over €170,000 | 0.20% | Maximum €20,000 | Statutory cap applies |
| Deeds of Gift, Inheritance, Corporate Restructures | Exempt | — | Subject to conditions |
| Loan Agreements / Promissory Notes | €2 – €35 | Fixed | Based on value & duration |
Stamp duty gives your agreements legal validity under Cyprus law — without excessive cost or bureaucracy.
Request a Contract Stamp Duty Review
We ensure all your contracts and transactions are correctly stamped, compliant, and enforceable.
1. Overview
Stamp duty in Cyprus is governed by the Stamp Duty Law, Cap.340, and applies to documents executed in Cyprus or relating to any property or matter in Cyprus, regardless of where executed. It is payable to the Tax Department (Inland Revenue) and serves as a document validation tax, required before a contract can be relied upon in legal proceedings.
2. Rate Structure
| Contract or Document Value (€) | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 5,000 | 0% | No stamp duty |
| 5,001 – 170,000 | 0.15% | On amount exceeding €5,000 |
| Above 170,000 | 0.20% | On amount exceeding €170,000 |
| Maximum Duty | €20,000 | Per document |
Example Calculation
A sale agreement worth €200,000 incurs:
- €165,000 × 0.15% = €247.50
- €30,000 × 0.20% = €60.00
Total stamp duty = €307.50
3. Documents Subject to Stamp Duty
Stamp duty applies to a wide range of legal and commercial documents, including:
- Sale and purchase agreements for property, shares, or assets
- Lease agreements and tenancy contracts
- Loan or credit agreements
- Deeds of assignment and settlement
- Powers of attorney (where valuable consideration exists)
- Partnership or shareholder agreements
- Agency, franchise, and service contracts
Any document with monetary or contractual consideration is generally subject to stamp duty unless exempt.
4. Exempt Documents
Certain documents are exempt from stamp duty under Schedule 2 of the Stamp Duty Law:
- Wills and probate documents
- Marriage settlements
- Deeds of gift (without consideration)
- Corporate reorganizations under Section 30 of the Income Tax Law
- Share transfers and issue of share certificates
- Contracts executed outside Cyprus that relate to foreign assets or business
- Loan or facility agreements governed and used entirely abroad
These exemptions make Cyprus ideal for international holding and restructuring entities.
5. When and How to Pay
Timeline
Stamp duty must be paid within 30 days from the date of execution of the document in Cyprus.
Payment Methods
- Electronically via JCCSmart or Tax Department portal
- At local Tax Department offices (physical stamps or e-stamping)
Late Payment Penalties
| Delay Period | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 months | 10% surcharge |
| Over 6 months | 20% surcharge |
Documents not duly stamped may not be admissible in court, and penalties must be settled before validation.
6. Stamp Duty for Property Transactions
- Stamp duty applies to the purchase agreement, not the property itself.
- Buyer’s obligation: the buyer typically bears the stamp duty cost.
- Filing requirement: a duly stamped agreement is required for Lands Registry filing and subsequent title deed issuance.
- Combination with other taxes: stamp duty is distinct from transfer fees, VAT, or capital gains tax.
7. Fixed Duty Documents
| Document Type | Fixed Duty (€) |
|---|---|
| Power of Attorney | 6 |
| Certified Copy | 2 |
| Company Memorandum & Articles | 105 |
| Company Certificate (from Registrar) | 17 |
| Loan Agreement / Promissory Note | 2–35 |
| Lease Agreement (short-term) | 2 per page |
| Agency Agreement | 34 |
8. Stamp Duty for Company Instruments
- Share transfers and share certificates are exempt.
- Loan or guarantee agreements executed in Cyprus are subject to duty.
- Corporate reorganizations and intra-group transfers are fully exempt when approved under the Income Tax Law.
- Electronic stamping is now standard for ROC submissions and corporate documentation.
9. Responsibility for Payment
- Buyer or recipient of the right or benefit pays stamp duty, unless the contract specifies otherwise.
- Both parties may be jointly liable under law for unpaid duty.
- Lawyers and auditors must verify stamping before filing or registering the document.
10. Why Clients Choose Our Firm
- Accurate assessment of stamp duty for all document types
- Electronic payment and submission through TAXISnet and JCCSmart
- Review of contracts for applicable exemptions
- Certification and validation for legal enforceability
- Coordination with property, corporate, and notarial transactions
We ensure every agreement you sign in Cyprus is compliant, enforceable, and perfectly documented — with no hidden liabilities.