AVafeas Law

Tax & International Tax Planning

Legal clarity for online businesses operating across the European Union

Cyprus remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions in Europe for tax-efficient corporate structuring, international investments, and cross-border business operations. We provide strategic, substance-driven tax planning built on Cyprus’ competitive framework, its extensive double-tax treaty network, and internationally aligned rules. Our goal is simple: to help companies grow confidently, manage tax exposure, and maintain strong compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

With experience in international group structures, digital and e-commerce operations, financing arrangements, and treaty-based planning, we offer clarity in an environment where tax rules evolve quickly. Our approach combines rigorous legal analysis with practical implementation, ensuring that every structure is defensible, operational, and aligned with your business objectives. By working closely with trusted tax advisors and auditors in Cyprus and abroad, we turn complex tax landscapes into predictable, strategic advantages.

Whether you are establishing a Cyprus holding company, restructuring cross-border cash flows, relocating business activities, or planning efficient asset ownership, we support you with tailored solutions that respect both Cyprus legislation and international standards—including BEPS, ATAD, transfer-pricing principles and economic-substance requirements. Your organisation benefits from precise guidance, transparent execution, and ongoing support that keeps your operations compliant and future-proof.

Why Cyprus for International Tax Planning?

Cyprus offers a combination of low corporate tax, EU-compliant legislation, broad double-tax treaties, and robust professional infrastructure. These elements make it a preferred jurisdiction for holding companies, financing vehicles, intellectual property structures, and cross-border investments. Its legal system—rooted in English common law—provides predictability, while its regulatory environment supports businesses seeking substance and long-term stability.

In this environment, our firm helps clients navigate every layer of the Cyprus tax landscape, ensuring proper planning, documentation, and compliance.

With experience in international group structures, digital and e-commerce operations, financing arrangements, and treaty-based planning, we offer clarity in an environment where tax rules evolve quickly. Our approach combines rigorous legal analysis with practical implementation, ensuring that every structure is defensible, operational, and aligned with your business objectives. By working closely with trusted tax advisors and auditors in Cyprus and abroad, we turn complex tax landscapes into predictable, strategic advantages.

Whether you are establishing a Cyprus holding company, restructuring cross-border cash flows, relocating business activities, or planning efficient asset ownership, we support you with tailored solutions that respect both Cyprus legislation and international standards—including BEPS, ATAD, transfer-pricing principles and economic-substance requirements. Your organisation benefits from precise guidance, transparent execution, and ongoing support that keeps your operations compliant and future-proof.

What we do

Holding & Financing Structures (Inbound/Outbound)

We design and implement efficient group structures using Cyprus as a jurisdiction for international holdings, treasury functions, and investment flows. This includes:

  • tax-efficient acquisition and divestment strategies

  • dividend, interest and royalty flow analysis

  • optimisation through Cyprus’ extensive network of double-tax treaties

  • structuring for private equity, investment funds and multinational groups

Each structure is built to meet substance, governance and long-term operational requirements.

Corporate Tax and VAT for Operations & E-commerce

Modern business models—particularly digital platforms and cross-border e-commerce—must navigate complex direct and indirect tax rules. We assist with:

  • VAT registration and compliance for EU and non-EU operators

  • chain-supply analysis for goods and digital services

  • platform liability and VAT collection obligations (OSS/IOSS)

  • classification of digital products and services

  • permanent establishment considerations for remote or hybrid activities

Our guidance ensures your tax footprint is compliant, predictable and aligned with real-world operations.

Cross-Border Withholding and Treaty Analysis

We help clients leverage Cyprus’ wide double-tax treaty network and EU directives to minimise withholding tax exposure on dividends, interest, royalties and service fees. Our services include:

  • treaty eligibility reviews and documentation

  • application of Parent-Subsidiary and Interest & Royalties Directives

  • analysis of beneficial ownership and substance

  • planning for repatriation of profits and group financing

This ensures efficient, legally compliant movement of funds across jurisdictions.

Management & Control, Substance and Governance

Economic substance is critical for any international structure. We advise and assist on:

  • board composition and governance standards

  • director duties, decision-making procedures and board minutes

  • real presence requirements (employees, offices, local operations)

  • management and control assessments for tax residency

  • risk reviews connected with BEPS and ATAD compliance

Our approach ensures your Cyprus entities are not only tax-efficient but fully defensible.

Rulings, Compliance Calendars and Ongoing Support

Predictability is essential in international tax planning. We support clients with:

  • advance tax rulings for certainty on key transactions

  • ongoing coordination with accountants and auditors

  • annual filings, substance documentation, and statutory compliance

  • monitoring of legislative changes and EU/OECD developments

You receive a clear compliance roadmap that keeps your structure aligned with Cyprus and international standards year-round.

Become our client

Join our esteemed legal firm and experience dedicated representation tailored to your needs. We offer expert guidance across various legal matters, ensuring that your rights are protected and your voice is heard. With a commitment to excellence and personalized service, we strive to exceed your expectations at every turn.

Trust our experienced team to navigate the complexities of the law on your behalf. Partner with us to achieve your legal goals and benefit from our unwavering support. Reach out today to discover how we can assist you effectively.

500

Successful Cases

558

Satisfied Client

20Y

Years of Experience

18

Qualified lawyer

Located in Limassol and connected through the EURONOMOS network in Paris, we deliver clear, cross-border counsel. From Corporate & Commercial and EU e-business matters to Intellectual Property, Real Estate, and International Tax Planning, our team turns complex rules into practical, actionable advice.

Becoming our client means personal attention and steady guidance. You’ll work with a dedicated lawyer who keeps you informed, anticipates risks, and moves your matter forward—efficiently and discreetly—so you can focus on your goals while we handle the law.

Move Forward with Confidence

Tax planning is no longer just about reducing exposure—it is about building sustainable, transparent, and compliant structures that support international growth. With cross-border expertise, multilingual communication, and robust coordination with the EURONOMOS network, we help businesses navigate global rules with clarity and precision.