Cyprus Tax Reform introduced an alternative method of taxation in respect of the Special Defence Contribution (SDC), in line with Article 3D of the Special Contribution for the Defence of the Republic of Cyprus Law of 2022, as amended (the “SDC Law”). This regime allows eligible individuals who are not domiciled in Cyprus to extend their “non-dom” status for a maximum of two additional five-year periods. The first applications are due 30 June 2026, and recent guidance clarifies certain aspects of the regime.1

      For a comprehensive overview of the main provisions of the Cyprus Tax Reform, please refer to Tax Alert – Cyprus.


      WHY THIS MATTERS

      This alternative method of taxation has key implications for globally mobile employees and organizations with individuals who are considered deemed domiciled in Cyprus and do not have a Cyprus domicile of origin. The regime provides a clear, upfront cost structure for extending non-dom status, potentially affecting international assignment planning and long-term residency decisions. The ability to extend non-dom status may offer continued SDC exemptions for eligible individuals but requires careful consideration because of the irrevocable nature of the choice and the cost of the lump-sum payment. 


      Key Highlights

      Overview

      The Tax Department issued on 29 May 2026 Circular 2/2026 (the “Circular”), providing clarifications on the following key aspects:

      • The individuals eligible to apply for extension of the non-dom status.

      • The procedure to be followed for applying for extension of the non-dom status.

      • Practical considerations regarding the payment of the required lump-sum amount.

      • The application form to be completed by individuals.

      Application timeline

      It is important to note that the Circular further clarifies that individuals who became deemed domiciled in Cyprus in the 2024, 2025, or 2026 tax years, may apply for the extension of their non-dom status in Cyprus under this regime, by 30 June 2026.

      Eligibility criteria

      It is highlighted that the extension of the non-dom regime is available only to individuals who do not have a domicile of origin in Cyprus and are considered as deemed domiciled in Cyprus, in accordance with the provisions of Article 2(3) of the SDC Law.


      KPMG INSIGHTS

      This is a positive development, as the Circular issued by the Tax Department provides practical guidance on the application of this alternative method of taxation for SDC, for the extension of the non-dom status of eligible taxpayers. The Circular clarifies the eligibility criteria, application procedure and relevant deadlines for eligible individuals wishing to extend their non-dom status in Cyprus.

      It is important to note that an extensive range of practical examples are also included in the Circular, covering all key aspects of the regime and illustrating its application across a wide range of scenarios.

      Moreover, the Circular provides key considerations for eligible individuals who may benefit from this regime, enabling them to make an informed decision on whether to enroll in the regime and to understand the procedures that are required to be followed.

      Given the submission deadline for enrollment in this regime, for taxpayers who became deemed domiciled in Cyprus in 2024, 2025 and 2026, is 30 June 2026, eligible individuals wishing to benefit from this alternative method of taxation could proceed with the submission of their application to the Tax Department as soon as possible.

      Individuals electing to extend their non-dom status as per the provisions of this regime, will be required to pay an upfront lump sum of EUR 250,000, for each five-year period.  It is important to note that this election is irrevocable and under no circumstances will the Tax Department refund the EUR 250,000 lump-sum payment.

      If assignees and/or their programme managers are considering or are already implementing global mobility or workforce arrangements involving Cyprus, they might wish to consider the potential implications of these changes on individual tax positions, and internal policies, and seek professional advice as appropriate (see the Contacts section).


      RELATED RESOURCE

      This article is excerpted, with permission, from “Circular 2/2026 - Extension of the non-dom regime” in Tax Alert, a publication of the KPMG International member firm in Cyprus.

      Tax Services in Cyprus

      George Markides

      Board Member, Head of Tax Services george.markides@kpmg.com.cy

      Katia Papanicolaou

      Board Member, Direct Tax Services Katerina.Papanicolaou@kpmg.com.cy

      Costas Markides

      Board Member, International Tax services costas.markides@kpmg.com.cy

      Michael Halios

      Board Member, International Tax services michael.halios@kpmg.com.cy

      Michalis Loizides

      Board Member, Tax Services michalis.loizides@kpmg.com.cy

       

      Contacts

      George Markides

      Board Member, Head of Tax Services

      KPMG in Cyprus

      Costas Markides

      Board Member, GMS Country Leader

      KPMG in Cyprus

      Katia Papanicolaou

      Board Member

      KPMG in Cyprus

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      The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Cyprus.

      GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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