Table of Contents
No Inheritance Tax, But Forced Heirship
Cyprus: zero inheritance tax, zero gift tax. But Cypriot inheritance law has forced heirship rules (Reserved Portion): spouse + children entitled to 75% minimum.
Forced Heirship vs Freedom
Spouse + children: 75% reserved. Only free: 25-50%. EU Succession Regulation rescue: choose German law in your will for more flexibility.
This was exactly our experience: But Cypriot inheritance law has forced heirship rules (Reserved Portion): spouse + children entitled to 75% minimum.
– Entrepreneur from Hamburg, in Larnaca since 2024
Making a Will
Handwritten (valid in Cyprus and Germany). Notarial: €200-500. Recommended: bilingual. Deposit at District Court: €5-10. If assets in both countries: coordinated will needed.
Inheriting Property and Company Shares
Cypriot property: transfer fee exempt. Ltd shares: tax-free inheritance. German property: German inheritance tax applies (€500k spouse, €400k child exemption).
Inheritance and Wills in Cyprus
Topics: No Inheritance Tax, But Forced Heirship, Forced Heirship vs Freedom, Making a Will
CMC Practical Tip
Recommended: bilingual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strongly recommended – especially with assets in both countries. Without: Cypriot forced heirship applies.
Zero. No inheritance tax, no gift tax. All assets transfer tax-free.
Yes – EU Succession Regulation allows choosing home country law. Write it in your will.
German inheritance law and tax apply regardless of residence. Exemptions: €500k spouse, €400k per child.
How CMC Supports You
At CMC Certus Management Consultants, we are here for you – not only for tax and legal questions, but also for all practical topics of everyday life in Cyprus. Our team in Larnaca and Pafos knows the local conditions first-hand.
As your local contact, we handle: company formation and management, tax advisory and Non-Dom applications, ongoing bookkeeping and tax returns, support with authorities, and referrals to estate agents, lawyers, doctors and tradespeople.