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Cyprus Tax Authority Eliminates Stamp Duty Fee For Post-2026 Documents

Exemption Effective January 1, 2026

The Cyprus Tax Authority has announced a significant overhaul in the application of stamp duty fees. According to the new directive, documents that are drafted and signed from January 1, 2026, onward will be entirely exempt from stamp duty, in accordance with the updated legislative framework that mandates the abolition of stamp duty stamps.

Existing Obligations for Pre-2026 Documents

It is important to note that documents prepared or signed by any contracting party up until December 31, 2025, will continue to be subject to the prevailing stamp duty regulations outlined in the 1963 to 2025 Stamp Duty Laws. These documents must be stamped following the established procedures, ensuring compliance with current legal requirements.

Operational Continuity and Administrative Measures

The Tax Authority also confirmed that Authorized Stamp Duty Sales Representatives are permitted to continue vending only the existing stock of stamp duty stamps. This measure is designed to service documents that remain under the remit of stamp duty fees under the old regulations.

Inter-Ministerial and Service Arrangements

Furthermore, fees under the jurisdiction of other ministries, services, or departments will continue to be paid using the currently circulating stamp duty stamps until new procedures are formally implemented by the competent authorities. This transitional period ensures a smooth update and maintains regulatory clarity across various governmental sectors.

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus Introduces Four-Day Workweek Under New Labour Agreement

The Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus has introduced a four-day workweek for employees during July and August under a renewed collective agreement with the banking union ETYK.

Setting A New Standard For Banking Institutions

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus employs around 100 staff members. The new agreement introduces a reduced working schedule during the summer months as part of the collective contract for 2023–2027.

ETYK supported the introduction of the four-day schedule during negotiations for the agreement. Other financial institutions, including Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), the Housing Finance Organization, the Bankers Association representing personnel, KEIDIPES and several insurance subsidiaries, signed separate agreements with ETYK that do not include a four-day workweek.

Key Provisions And Broader Implications

The collective agreement introduces a four-day workweek during July and August. Employees will work their regular daily hours across four days on a rotational basis while banking services continue throughout the week.

Additional provisions in the agreement include several benefits for employees. Staff will receive a one-time bonus of €1,500 upon signing the contract, a three-day increase in annual leave, adjustments to salary scales and higher contractual loan limits.

Comparative Analysis With Industry Peers

The agreement differs from arrangements negotiated between ETYK and the Banking Employers Association. Under those agreements, employees received an additional six days of annual leave. The Societe Generale Bank Cyprus agreement provides a three-day increase, bringing total annual leave to 36 days, excluding public holidays.

The bonus structure also differs. Agreements with the Banking Employers Association include a total bonus of €4,500 paid in three installments in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Societe Generale employees receive a single payment of €1,500.

Looking Forward

ETYK said the introduction of a four-day workweek during the summer months reflects discussions about working conditions in the banking sector. The arrangement may contribute to broader discussions about work schedules and employee benefits within the financial industry in Cyprus.

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