Also in the news...
Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT)
For visa or citizenship applications, you may need to prove your knowledge of English by passing a secure English language test (SELT).
UK and Nigeria Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership arrangement
The Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP) sets out the UK and Nigeria’s priorities for future discussion and cooperation.
Export to the UK: guidance for African businesses
Find out about UK markets and sectors, trade agreements, UK import regulations and taxes, and support for African businesses from the UK government.
Guidance Start exporting to Africa
Find out about market opportunities, trade partnership agreements, support from the UK government, and export regulations and taxes in African countries.
Guidance Start investing in African businesses
Find out about investment opportunities and support from the UK government. Learn how to manage risk, invest ethically, and access guidance on African countries.
Cyprus expands its Double Tax Treaty network with Lithuania & Guernsey
Cyprus, which has been long established as a solid economic and business centre worldwide, seeks to reinforce its title as a beneficial investment hub by expanding its double tax treaty network and creating stronger economic and trade relations with other Contracting States.
Double Taxation Agreement between Cyprus and Lithuania
In June 21st, 2013, Cyprus and Lithuania signed their first Double Tax Treaty. Since then, they ratified their Agreement and the new Agreement will enter into force on the 1st day of January 2015.
In summary the new provisions of the ratified agreement are:
- Dividends: No withholding tax (0%) where the recipient is a company and
- is the beneficial owner of the dividends
- owns at least (minimum) 10 % capital of the company; in a different case a 5% withholding tax shall be applicable
- Interest: No withholding tax (0%)
- Royalties: 5% withholding taxprovided that the recipient is be the beneficial owner
- Capital Gains: gains, resulting from the disposal of shares, are taxable in the country in which the alienator of the shares is tax resident
Double Taxation Agreement between Cyprus and Guernsey
On 15 July 2014 Cyprus and Guernsey signed a double taxation avoidance Agreement, which will enter into force upon the ratification of the Agreement by the two Contracting States. The Agreement is based on the OECD Model Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation on Income and on Capital.
Briefly the main provisions of the Agreement between the two Contracting States:
- Dividends: 0% withholding tax
- Interest: 0% withholding tax
- Royalties: 0% withholding tax
- Capital Gains: - gains, resulting by a resident of one of the two countries (ex. A), from the disposal of immovable property in the other country (ex. B), will be taxed in the country where immovable property is situated (ex. B).
– gains, resulting from the disposal of shares, are taxable in the country in which the alienator of the shares is tax resident.