With more than 300 days of sunshine, a large variety of captivating sceneries, and a culture with a strong heritage; Cyprus is a natural film studio. Committed to boosting the Filming Sector, the government of Cyprus introduced a set of incentives encouraging producers from around the world to choose Cyprus as their next film destination.
More specifically, production companies that choose to film in Cyprus will benefit from tax discounts on investments made on equipment and infrastructure, receive VAT returns on expenditure in scope, and choose between a cash rebate or tax credit, among other benefits.
Benefits of The Cyprus Filming Scheme
Cash Rebate and Tax Credit Incentives
Foreign production companies that opt to film in Cyprus may be eligible to choose between cash rebate (up to 40%) or tax credit (up to 50%) .
Tax Discount for Investment in Infrastructure and Equipment
SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in Cyprus that invest in cinematographic infrastructure and technological equipment can deduct the investment amount from their taxable income.
The aid is capped at 20% of qualifying expenditures for small enterprises and 10% for medium-sized enterprises. Additionally, the equipment must remain in Cyprus for at least five years.
VAT refund on qualifying production expenditures
Foreign natural or legal persons incurring production expenditures in Cyprus can receive a VAT refund. Cyprus applies VAT rates of 19%, 9%, and 5% on products and services, and 19% and 5% on taxable imports.
VAT refunds are processed within 6 months after the VAT declaration deadline for the period during which the expense occurred or from the VAT return application date.
How can CX Financia help?
As a top-tier consulting group, we incorporate our industry knowledge, domestic network, and expertise to deliver a fully integrated approach to film production companies that consider Cyprus as their potential film destination.
Our full suite of corporate services includes:
- Assist your production company as an advisor to the Cyprus Filming Scheme
- Liaising with the competent authority during the application and assessment process
- Monitoring the application status and follow-up
- Identifying the documents and information required by the competent authority for the application
- Incorporating a Cyprus company (or structuring a group of companies) to carry out and manage the production of the film
- Administrative services and tax services to the Cyprus corporate entity
- Bookkeeping and accounting services
- Advising on financing options
- Assist with bank accounts opening at local banks
If you are considering Cyprus as a potential location for your filming,
To find out how we can help you.