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Client Update: Legal actions against Bank of Cyprus & Laiki Bank (“Popular Bank”)

On the 23.04.2013 the Supreme Court of Cyprus began reviewing the first administrative recourses filed against the decree issued on the 29.03.2013. The decree implemented the Eurogroup’s decision to wind down Laiki Bank and impose massive losses (“haircuts”) on all deposits in excess of €100.000 at both Laiki and the Bank of Cyprus.  The recourses…

News: Tax Changes approved by House of Representatives

As part of the agreement concluded with the European Stability Mechanism and the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, the Cypriot House of Representatives approved a number of tax law amendments on the 18th of April 2013. The numerous advantages which Cyprus holding have over competing jurisdictions, such as the tax free flow of dividends…

Gaming Law Update: Cyprus National Betting Authority orders ISP`s to block online gambling domains or face fines

Cyprus’ National Betting Authority (NBA) has issued a blacklist of some 270 online gambling sites to the country’s internet service providers (ISPs) have been ordered to block. The ISP`s have been given 72 hours notice to block access to the black listed sites, which under the new provisions of the law, are considered as offering…

Cyprus Energy Law Update: Total awarded two offshore exploration blocks in Cyprus

US Noble Energy reported discovering between 141 billion to 226 billion cubic metres  in Cyprus’s first attempt to find natural resources offshore in December 2011. Noble`s find was after being granted the country`s first offshore exploration license. As part of the second offshore exploration licensing round, launched by the Cypriot government in 2012,  Italy`s ENI…

Tax Law Update: Changes in Cyprus VAT rates

On the 6.12.2012, the House of Representatives passed legislation (Law.167(I)/2012) increasing VAT rates in Cyprus. In accordance with the new law: (a) from the 14.01.2013 until the 12.01.2014, the standard VAT rate increases to 18%; (b) from the 13.01.2014 the standard VAT rate will be 19%; (c) from 01.01.2014 the reduced VAT rate of 8%…

Cyprus Tax Law Update: New Cyprus Tax Incentives Introduced

Cyprus parliament has approved a range of tax amendments. These amendmentds form part of a package of measures to improve the attractiveness of Cyprus to foreign investors and foreign businesses. The government hopes that these changes will maintain Cyprus, as the EU member state with the lowest tax rates, business friendly and open to further…