Cyprus Economy: Strong Growth Ahead Despite Structural Challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 17, 2025

Cyprus is poised to sustain strong economic growth in the coming years, according to a recent report from the Canadian rating agency Morningstar DBRS. The agency also predicts a steady decline in unemployment, which is expected to bolster the nation’s fiscal performance.

Despite these positive projections, the report highlights persistent hurdles facing the Cypriot economy. As a small, service-driven market, Cyprus remains highly susceptible to external shocks. Additionally, while strides have been made to reduce non-performing loans (NPLs), their levels still exceed the Eurozone average. Challenges in labour market productivity further restrict the nation’s economic potential.

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On a brighter note, progress in addressing NPLs has been significant. Data from the Central Bank of Cyprus show that NPL ratios in approved credit institutions dropped to 6.8% in August 2024, a dramatic reduction from 43.7% at the end of 2017. This improvement represents an €18.9 billion decrease in absolute terms.

Morningstar DBRS anticipates this downward trajectory to persist but acknowledges that eliminating the remaining NPLs will require time. By mid-2024, credit acquisition companies managed exposures of approximately €21 billion, with 94% classified as non-performing.

The report also notes delays faced by KEDIPES, the state-owned asset management company. Challenges such as foreclosure moratoriums, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions have pushed the company’s operational deadline to 2030.

Housing prices, meanwhile, have shown sustained growth. As of Q2 2024, property prices in Cyprus rose by an annual rate of 8.0%, with house prices increasing by 6.2% and apartment prices surging by 12.0%. Most of the real estate collateral tied to NPLs consists of residential properties, with Nicosia and Limassol identified as the most stable markets on the island.

While structural vulnerabilities persist, Morningstar DBRS’s analysis underscores Cyprus’ resilience and ability to adapt. Continued efforts to address NPLs, coupled with a robust housing market and improved employment metrics, suggest the nation is on a steady path toward economic stability and growth.

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Cyprus Introduces 8% Crypto Tax As European Rules Diverge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 16, 2026

Fragmented Crypto Tax Rules Across Europe

Although the European Union has introduced a common regulatory framework for digital assets through the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), taxation remains under the jurisdiction of individual member states. As a result, crypto investors face a wide range of tax regimes across Europe.

Cyprus Introduces Dedicated Crypto Tax Framework

Beginning January 1, 2026, Cyprus will implement a dedicated taxation regime for digital assets. The new framework imposes an 8% flat tax on net gains from cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, making it one of the lowest rates within the European Union. Taxable events will include the sale, exchange, or use of cryptocurrencies for payments and donations. Losses will only be offset against gains generated from crypto transactions within the same tax year, with no provision allowing losses to be carried forward.

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Diverging Approaches Across Europe

Several European countries have adopted markedly different policies. Greece is preparing legislation that would introduce a 15% capital gains tax on cryptocurrency profits, with the first €500 of gains exempt from taxation. Germany classifies cryptocurrencies as private assets. Gains are generally exempt from tax if the assets have been held for more than one year, distinguishing the country from many other European jurisdictions.

Other Key Jurisdictions

Portugal continues to offer favorable conditions for long-term investors, with private individuals generally exempt from taxation if digital assets are held for more than 12 months. Switzerland treats cryptocurrencies as part of personal wealth, subject to annual cantonal wealth taxes, while capital gains realized by individual investors are typically exempt. France applies a flat tax of 31.4% on cryptocurrency gains, combining income tax and social contributions. Italy recently increased the tax rate on crypto gains for individuals to 33%, up from 26%, while Spain applies progressive rates ranging from 19% to 30%, depending on the amount of profit realized.

The Netherlands And The Baltic States

The Netherlands uses a different model, taxing presumed returns on assets regardless of whether they have actually been sold. Tax treatment in the Baltic region varies. Lithuania generally imposes a 15% rate, rising to 20% for very high non-salary income. Latvia applies a 25.5% capital gains tax, while Estonia taxes cryptocurrency gains at the standard personal income tax rate of 22%, without exemptions for long-term holdings.

A Diverse Tax Landscape

Approaches to cryptocurrency taxation continue to differ significantly across Europe. Cyprus’ upcoming framework places the country among jurisdictions offering relatively low rates and dedicated rules for digital assets, while investors operating across borders continue to navigate a patchwork of national tax regimes.

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