Updated
GL-C-07
Glossary · Cyprus PR
Cyprus transfer fees - what registering ownership costs
The DLS fee for registering ownership to the buyer
01 / In 30 seconds
The short answer
- What it is
- The DLS fee for registering ownership to the buyer
- Rates
- 3% up to €85,000, 5% up to €170,000, 8% above, total reduced by 50%
- When not payable
- If the seller charged VAT
- Who pays and when
- The buyer, on the day of transfer
02 / In plain words
What Cyprus transfer fees means
Transfer fees (in Greek μεταβιβαστικά τέλη) are a DLS charge the buyer pays when ownership is registered in their name. They are calculated in bands: 3% on the first €85,000, 5% on the part from €85,001 to €170,000 and 8% above that, with the total reduced by 50%.
If the seller charged VAT - on a new build from a developer - there is no transfer fee. It applies to sales without VAT: resale homes and resale commercial property. From 01.09.2026 a building not systematically used for 18 months counts as new: VAT 19% applies and there is no transfer fee.
When spouses buy 50/50, the fee is calculated on each share separately, and because of the bands the total is lower. A €300,000 property: €8,600 for one owner, €5,800 for spouses (2 × €2,900). A €1.1 million property: €40,600 for one owner.
A simple example
A family buys resale commercial property for €300,000 for PR. For one owner the fee is €8,600, for spouses 50/50 it is €5,800. The family registers the property to both and pays the fee on transfer day.
When transfer fees are paid
- Buying a resale home
- Buying resale commercial property for PR
- Transfer of a new build sold without VAT
- Buying as a couple
- Comparing options in the estimate
03 / What it covers
How the fee is calculated
Bands
- 3% up to €85,000
- 5% from €85,001 to €170,000
- 8% above €170,000
Discount
- 50% on the total
- Applied to each share
- Paid by the buyer
When zero
- Seller charged VAT
- New build from a developer
- Building unused for 18 months
Spouses 50/50
- Calculated on each share
- €300,000 = €5,800
- Instead of €8,600 for one
04 / How it works
How transfer fees are paid
Tax regime
The lawyer checks: VAT or transfer fee.
Shares
We decide whose name: one owner or both spouses.
Calculation
The fee is calculated by bands and discount.
Payment
The buyer pays at the DLS on transfer day.
Title
Ownership registered, certificate €5.
05 / Key facts
What matters
01Formula
3/5/8% × 50%
3% on the first €85,000 + 5% on €85,001-170,000 + 8% above €170,000, total × 50%.
02With VAT
No fee
A new build from a developer is subject to VAT, so no transfer fee is paid on it.
03Spouses 50/50
€5,800 instead of €8,600
The fee is calculated on each share. On a €300,000 property this saves €2,800.
04Large property
€1.1m = €40,600
For one owner. Registered to spouses 50/50 it comes to €37,200.
Common mistakes
Adding transfer fees to a new build with VAT
If the seller charged VAT there is no fee. The estimate shows either VAT or the transfer fee.
Not deciding on shares in advance
Decide "one owner or both spouses" before the contract: the fee depends on it.
Forgetting the 18-month rule
A building unused for 18 months counts as new: VAT 19% instead of the transfer fee.
06 / Expert advice
How to prepare in advance
Before the contract decide whose name the property goes in: one owner or spouses 50/50. We will calculate both options in the estimate together with VAT or transfer fees.
What we do for you. We calculate the transfer fee or VAT for your property in advance, suggest the best way to split shares and pay the fee on transfer day through the lawyer.
Igor VentsHead of real estate, Title Deed and property checks
07 / Questions
Frequently asked questions
The DLS fee for registering ownership to the buyer.
3% up to €85,000, 5% up to €170,000, 8% above, total reduced by 50%.
No, if the seller charged VAT.
The buyer, on the day of transfer.
Yes, the fee is calculated on each share. €300,000: €5,800 instead of €8,600.
€40,600 for one owner.
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