Cyprus vs Singapore
Cyprus has the lower headline tax (15%), and Cyprus is cheaper to set up (from $1,500).Which is better depends on where you live and where your customers are.
| CYCyprus | SGSingapore | |
|---|---|---|
| Entity | Private company limited by shares (Ltd) | Private limited company (Pte Ltd) |
| Corporate tax | 15% (from 2026), non-doms 0% tax on dividends | 17% headline, ~8.5% effective on first S$200k for new startups |
| Setup cost from | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Setup time | 1–3 weeks | 1–3 business days |
| Minimum capital | None (€1,000 typical) | S$1 |
| Local director | Not required | Required |
| Remote formation | Yes | Yes |
| Residency visa | Possible | Possible |
| Banking | Moderate | Moderate |
| Best for | Entrepreneurs relocating within the EU who want an EU company, non-dom dividend benefits and access to tax treaties. | Serious Asia-focused businesses, tech startups raising capital and holding structures that need a top-tier reputation. |
Choose Cyprus if
Entrepreneurs relocating within the EU who want an EU company, non-dom dividend benefits and access to tax treaties.
- EU company with a wide double-tax treaty network
- Non-dom residents pay 0% Special Defence Contribution on dividends for up to 17 years
- IP box regime with a low effective rate on qualifying IP profits
Choose Singapore if
Serious Asia-focused businesses, tech startups raising capital and holding structures that need a top-tier reputation.
- Incorporation often completed within one day, fully online
- World-class reputation, banking and treaty network
- Startup tax exemption on the first S$200,000 of profit for three years