Inheritance and estate planning in Cyprus

No inheritance tax in Cyprus

Cyprus abolished estate duty for deaths from 1 January 2000. There is no capital gains tax on inheriting property, and transferring inherited property to heirs at the Land Registry carries only nominal fees.

Forced heirship

Cyprus succession law reserves part of an estate for close family. The share you can leave freely depends on who survives you:

A will that gives away more than the free share is reduced, not cancelled.

Choosing the law of your nationality

Under the EU Succession Regulation, you can choose the law of your nationality to govern your estate, but your will must say so clearly. Lawyers disagree on how this applies to property in Cyprus, and on the position of British nationals since Brexit, so take specialist advice before relying on it.

Making a Cyprus will

• Make a will that covers your Cyprus assets, in writing, signed and initialled on every page.
• Sign it in front of two witnesses who are present together.
• State the governing law clearly.
• Review it after marriage, the birth of a child, a purchase or a move: marriage or a first child can revoke a will.

Probate

Executors apply to the District Court for a grant of probate (with a will) or letters of administration (without). A grant is usually issued within one to two months. A statement of the estate's assets must go to the Tax Department within six months of death. A grant from the UK can be resealed by a Cyprus court.

For British owners: UK inheritance tax

Since 6 April 2025, the UK has taxed the worldwide estate of anyone who has been UK resident for 10 of the previous 20 tax years. After you leave, UK inheritance tax can continue to apply for between three and ten years, depending on how long you lived in the UK, and UK assets remain within UK inheritance tax wherever you live. Moving to Cyprus does not end UK exposure straight away, so plan with advisers in both countries.

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