Both islands offer non-dom regimes, but they work differently. Cyprus: Non-doms pay 0% on dividends and interest for 17 YEARS. Malta: Non-doms pay 0% on foreign income NOT remitted to Malta + €5,000 minimum tax. Cyprus has a generous €19,500 tax-free threshold; Malta starts taxing from €0. For employment income: Cyprus is cheaper at most levels. For investment income: Cyprus non-dom is unbeatable (17 years tax-free). For business owners: Malta's imputation system can reduce effective corporate+dividend tax to ~5%. Choose Cyprus if: you have dividend/interest income, want longer non-dom duration, or seek simpler rules. Choose Malta if: you're a business owner wanting 5% effective rate, can avoid remitting income, or want iGaming/crypto-friendly jurisdiction.

By Daniel, Founder of CountryTaxCalc

Daniel has spent 5+ years researching tax systems across 95+ countries and all US states to make tax comparison accessible to everyone. For corrections, contact us.

Last Updated: March 2026

The Big Picture

🇨🇾 Cyprus

35%

Top Rate

Non-dom: 17 years tax-free dividends

🇲🇹 Malta

35%

Top Rate

Non-dom: remittance basis

Typical Annual Savings

At €100,000 dividends income:

€10,000+

That is €833/month back in your pocket!

Tax Savings by Income Level

IncomeCY TaxMT TaxSavings10-Year
€50,000 salary €5,625 (after €19,500 exempt)€8,750Cyprus saves €3,125€31,250
€80,000 salary €13,000€17,500Cyprus saves €4,500€45,000
€100,000 dividends (non-dom) €0 (17 years!)€0 if not remittedBoth €0 under non-dom€0
€100,000 dividends remitted €0 (non-dom)€15,000 (15% flat on remittance)Cyprus saves €15,000€150,000
€200,000 via Malta company N/A~€10,000 (5% effective!)Malta company wins for business€1M+ vs standard
💡

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Cyprus Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • 17-year non-dom: Dividends and interest TAX-FREE for 17 years (longest in EU)
  • €19,500 tax-free threshold: Malta has €0 threshold—Cyprus starts with big advantage
  • 12.5% corporate tax: One of EU's lowest, stable for decades
  • No inheritance tax: Pass wealth tax-free (Malta has 5% duty)

❌ Cons

  • SDC (Special Defence Contribution): Non-doms exempt, but doms pay 17% on dividends
  • GESY health levy: 2.65% on income (small but adds up)
  • Less sophisticated financial services: Malta has stronger fund/iGaming infrastructure
  • Smaller island: Limited lifestyle/entertainment vs Malta

Malta Pros and Cons

✅ Pros

  • 5% effective corporate tax: Imputation system refunds 6/7ths of tax to shareholders
  • Remittance basis taxation: Foreign income NOT brought to Malta = €0 tax
  • iGaming/crypto hub: Best-regulated jurisdiction for digital businesses in EU
  • English-speaking: Former British colony, easier transition than Cyprus

❌ Cons

  • €5,000 minimum tax: Non-doms must pay at least €5,000/year regardless of income
  • No tax-free threshold: Taxed from first euro (Cyprus gives €19,500 free)
  • Remittance trap: Need to bring money to Malta = trigger tax on that amount
  • Higher cost of living: Malta property/rent now exceeds Cyprus significantly

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which non-dom regime is better: Cyprus or Malta?

Cyprus for investment income (17 years tax-free on dividends/interest, can remit freely). Malta for business owners (5% effective via company structure, but €5,000 minimum + can't remit without tax). Cyprus is simpler; Malta requires careful structuring but offers lower business rates.

Q: How does Malta's 5% corporate tax rate work?

Malta charges 35% corporate tax, BUT shareholders can claim 6/7ths refund when dividends are distributed. Net effect: 35% - 30% refund = 5% effective. This requires a Malta company with non-resident shareholders. Setup costs ~€5,000-10,000 but saves fortunes on business profits.

Q: Can I remit money to Cyprus without tax as a non-dom?

Yes! Cyprus non-doms can remit dividend and interest income freely—it remains tax-free. Malta non-doms trigger 15% flat tax on remitted foreign income. This makes Cyprus dramatically better for people who want to actually USE their investment income locally.

Q: Which country has lower tax on employment income?

Cyprus wins decisively. €80,000 salary: Cyprus ~€13,000 tax (€19,500 exempt, then 20-35%). Malta ~€17,500 tax (0% threshold, rates 0-35%). Cyprus's generous exemption gives a €4,500/year advantage at this level. Malta's €5,000 non-dom minimum also applies.

Q: Which is better for cryptocurrency and iGaming businesses?

Malta wins for crypto and iGaming. Malta has the world's first comprehensive crypto regulatory framework and is the EU's iGaming hub. Cyprus is catching up but lacks Malta's established ecosystem. If you're in these industries, Malta's infrastructure and talent pool justify the tax complexity.

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