Cyprus

Regulator

The National Betting Authority (NBA) regulates betting under the Betting Law (Law 37(I)/2019), and the Cyprus Gaming and Casino Supervision Commission oversees land-based casino gaming. Online, only sports betting can be licensed in Cyprus, and online casino games are prohibited for Cypriot players.

Why B2B suppliers choose Cyprus

Cyprus does not currently issue a licence to B2B gaming suppliers. Its appeal is as a corporate and operational base: game studios, platform providers and sportsbook suppliers hold their gaming licences in the markets they serve, such as Malta, the Isle of Man or Sweden, and run development, IP ownership and group functions from Cyprus. Limassol in particular has a large pool of experienced iGaming and technology professionals.

Tax position

Corporate income tax is 15% from 1 January 2026. Under the IP box, 80% of qualifying profit from copyrighted software and other qualifying IP is exempt, giving an effective rate of around 3% on that profit, provided the development work is carried out by the company itself. Special defence contribution on dividends paid to individuals has fallen to 5%, and non-domiciled residents are generally exempt. Groups within scope of the global 15% minimum tax rules may pay a top-up. We work alongside your tax advisers so the structure is set up and evidenced properly.

Costs

With no B2B gaming licence to obtain, the costs are those of running the Cyprus company: formation, registered office, local directors where needed, accounting, audit, office and staff. Gaming licence fees are paid in the jurisdictions where you hold your licences. We set out the full cost picture once the structure is agreed.

Our recommendation

A strong home for B2B suppliers with real development teams, particularly studios and platforms whose income comes mainly from software they build in-house. Cyprus is not a licensing jurisdiction in itself, so pair a Cyprus company with the supplier licences your target markets require. The IP box only works with genuine substance, so plan staffing, development and record-keeping from day one.

Important to know

• Cyprus does not license online casino, so a Cyprus company cannot offer casino games to Cypriot players.
• The National Betting Authority has proposed a first licensing regime for B2B suppliers. Conditions, fees and transition timings have not yet been set.
• The IP box applies to qualifying IP such as copyrighted software and patents, not trademarks or marketing intangibles, and only to the IP element of your income.
• The benefit is reduced where development is bought in from related parties or the IP is acquired rather than developed, so in-house R&D matters.
• Large groups may face top-up tax under the global minimum tax rules.
• Substance is expected, with management, staff and key decisions genuinely in Cyprus.

Benefits

• EU member state with access to the single market and a wide network of double tax treaties.
• 15% corporate tax, with an effective rate of around 3% on qualifying IP profit.
• An established iGaming and technology talent pool, centred on Limassol.
• English widely used in business, with a legal system based on English common law.
• A flexible base for groups holding licences in Malta, the Isle of Man, Sweden and other regulated markets.

Requirements, fees, tax rates and timescales change. This page is general information rather than tax advice. Contact us to confirm the current position before making any decisions.