The Republic of Cyprus has recently concluded a Double Tax Treaty with the Federal Democratic
Republic of Ethiopia. The treaty was signed on the 30th of December 2015.
The new treaty shall enter into force upon ratification and the provisions of the treaty will apply
in the case of Cyprus on or after the 1st of January following the date upon which the Convention
enters into force and in the case of Ethiopia on or after the 8th of July 2017.
The new treaty is based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD) Model Tax Convention framework and will contribute to the expansion of Cyprus’ trade
and economic relations between the two countries as well as with other African developing
countries which became a magnet for new investments.
Permanent Establishment
The permanent establishment definition included in the treaty is in line with the meaning
provided in the OECD model tax convention. In particular, any building site or construction or
installation project or any supervisory activities in connection with such site or project constitutes
a permanent establishment only if it lasts more than 6 months.
Withholding tax rate on dividend payments
• 5% withholding tax
Withholding tax rate on interest payments
• 5% withholding tax
Withholding tax rate on royalties payments
• 5% withholding tax
Capital Gains Tax
• Gains from the disposal of immovable property are taxed in the country where the immovable
property is situated.
• Gains from the disposal of shares are taxable in the country of which the seller is located.
