Updated
GL-C-04
Glossary · Cyprus PR
Cyprus tax identification code (TIC) - why you need it and how to get it
Tax Identification Code - a taxpayer number at the Cyprus Tax Department
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- Tax Identification Code - a taxpayer number at the Cyprus Tax Department
- In Greek
- Αριθμός Φορολογικής Ταυτότητας, ΑΦΤ
- Where to get it
- The Tax Department Tax For All (TFA) portal, usually through a lawyer
- Why for PR
- Needed for the contract, its deposit, VAT and the Lands Department
02 / In plain words
What Cyprus tax identification code means
The Cyprus tax identification code (TIC, in Greek ΑΦΤ) identifies a person or company at the Tax Department. It is not only for island residents: a foreigner buying property in Cyprus needs one too.
A buyer needs the number from the very first steps: it goes into the sale contract, the contract deposit at the Department of Lands and Surveys, the 5% VAT declaration and the transfer of title. It is issued through the Tax For All portal.
In practice the number is issued within 48-72 hours and there is no state fee. If you are not in Cyprus, the lawyer obtains it under a power of attorney - which is why the power of attorney is arranged in the first days of the project.
A simple example
A client chose a flat and signed a power of attorney before a notary with an apostille. The lawyer filed the request in Tax For All, the number arrived in 3 days, and then the contract was signed and deposited with the Lands Department.
Where you will need the tax number
- Sale contract
- Contract deposit at the Lands Department
- 5% VAT declaration
- Opening a Cyprus bank account
- Tax return on rental income or a sale
03 / What it covers
What to know about the TIC
Who gets one
- The buyer
- Spouse buying a share
- Investing company
How to get it
- Tax For All portal
- Through a lawyer
- Under a power of attorney
What you need
- Passport
- Address
- Power of attorney for the lawyer
Where it is used
- Contract
- Lands Department
- Tax Department
04 / How it works
How the tax number is obtained
Power of attorney
Notary and apostille or a Cyprus consulate.
Documents
Passport and buyer details to the lawyer.
Tax For All request
The lawyer files it on the tax portal.
Number
Usually 48-72 hours, no state fee.
Deal
The number goes into the contract and the deposit.
05 / Key facts
What matters
01Where
Tax For All
The Cyprus tax portal: the number, tax returns, the 5% VAT application.
02Timing
48-72 hours
A guide from practice, no state fee. The exact time depends on the Tax Department.
03No trip needed
Power of attorney
The lawyer gets the number for you. Without a power of attorney they cannot obtain it or deposit the contract.
04For PR
Before the contract
The number is needed before the contract is signed and deposited - the first weeks of the project.
Common mistakes
Delaying the power of attorney
Without it the lawyer cannot get the number or deposit the contract. Arrange it in the first days.
Confusing the TIC with the ARC
The TIC is a tax number. The ARC is the registration of a foreigner with the migration service.
Thinking the number makes you tax resident
Non-residents have one too. Residency depends on days spent in Cyprus.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
As soon as you choose a property, sign a power of attorney for the lawyer: with it we obtain the tax number without you travelling.
What we do for you. We prepare the power of attorney, obtain the tax number via Tax For All and use it for the contract, the deposit and tax filings.
Dmitry NagyTax consultant, international taxation and compliance (ex-Big4)
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
A tax number at the Cyprus Tax Department, in Greek ΑΦΤ.
Yes. It is needed for the contract, the deposit, VAT and the transfer of title.
On the Tax For All portal, usually through a lawyer.
There is no state fee.
In practice 48-72 hours, depending on the Tax Department.
Yes, the lawyer obtains it under a power of attorney.
Cyprus PR glossary
- Cyprus PR programme →
- Cyprus PR
- ARC (Cyprus alien registration)
- Form MIP2
- Cyprus residence card
- Cyprus PR criteria
- Cyprus Migration Department
- Secure annual income
- Dependent students 18-25
- Cyprus PR monitoring
- Cyprus Department of Lands and Surveys
- Title deed in Cyprus
- DLS search certificate
- Encumbrance in Cyprus
- Separate title deed in Cyprus
- Developer mortgage in Cyprus
- Reservation agreement in Cyprus
- Sale contract in Cyprus
- Specific performance law
- Direct title issue to the buyer
- Cyprus transfer fees
- Foreign buyer permit (Cap. 109)
- Planning permit
- Building permit
- Certificate of final approval
- Division permit
- First sale from a developer
- Resale property in Cyprus
- 18-month new building rule
- Commercial property for Cyprus PR
- Short-term rental licence
- Reduced 5% VAT on housing
- Cyprus stamp duty
- Cyprus capital gains tax
- Special defence contribution
- Cyprus non-dom status
- GESY health contribution
- Cyprus tax residency
- Cyprus income tax
- €300,000 investment for Cyprus PR
- Investment in a Cyprus company
- Investment in a Cyprus fund
- Cyprus PR government fees
- Source of funds for Cyprus PR
- Family members in Cyprus PR
- Apostille for Cyprus
- Certifying officer in Cyprus
- Citizen Service Centre (KEP)
- Sworn translator in Cyprus
- Police clearance for Cyprus
- Plan A health insurance
- Power of attorney for Cyprus
- Income affidavit
- Non-employment declaration
- Medical tests for Cyprus PR
- Cyprus citizenship by residence
- All terms →
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