Moving to Cyprus from Austria

Why Austrian movers pick Cyprus

Austria taxes capital politely but persistently: 27.5% KESt on nearly everything your money earns, and one of Europe's highest top income tax rates on everything you earn yourself. For founders and investors the Cyprus non-dom maths works the same way it does for German neighbours — and, like Germany, Austria has an exit tax you must plan around rather than discover.

The tax comparison in plain numbers

Austrian dividends, interest and capital gains on securities carry 27.5% KESt as a final withholding tax, on top of 23% corporate tax when the profits come from your own GmbH. Employment income climbs to a 50% marginal rate at moderate levels, with a 55% top band. A Cyprus non-dom pays 0% on dividends and interest for 17 years plus the capped 2.65% GHS contribution, gains on securities are 0%, and Cyprus corporate tax is 15% from 2026.

The mechanics of the Cyprus side are in the non-dom guide; the running costs of the company most people pair with it are in the company cost guide.

Leaving Austria: what to check before you go

Austria's Wegzugsbesteuerung treats emigration as a deemed disposal of your shareholdings and capital assets, taxing the unrealised gain at departure. For moves within the EU — which Cyprus is — you can generally apply to pay in instalments or defer until an actual sale, which takes most of the sting out, but only if it's claimed properly in the departure-year return. Austria will also keep taxing Austrian-source income (property rents, local business) after you leave, and the tax office looks hard at whether your centre of vital interests actually moved.

The practical side

As an EU citizen you can arrive, then register for the yellow slip within four months. Vienna connects to Larnaca directly in about three hours. An EU car comes in free of duty and VAT, though it will be left-hand drive on left-driving roads.

Choosing where to land matters as much as the tax: see where to live in Cyprus and what living here costs.