2026 Tax Reform: Key Changes for Employees
On 22 December 2025, the Cyprus Parliament approved a comprehensive tax reform that reshaped the tax system effective from 1 January 2026. The reform was published in the Government Gazette on 31 December 2025.
This page covers the key tax changes affecting Employees & Salaried Individuals. For other taxpayer categories see our separate pages:
- Business Owners & Shareholders – Dividends, deemed benefits, DDD abolition
- Companies & Corporate Entities – Corporate tax rate, compliance changes
- Property Owners & Landlords – Electronic rent, CGT changes
- Crypto & Digital Assets – 8% disposal tax, loss limitations
Employee Tax Changes Summary
| Area | What Changed | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Bands (NEW) | Tax-free threshold raised from €19,500 to €22,000; new rate structure (0%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%) | Most employees pay less tax |
| Child Deductions (NEW) | €1,000 (1st child), €1,250 (2nd), €1,500 (3rd+) – income limits apply | Families with children |
| Housing Deductions (NEW) | Up to €2,000 for mortgage interest or rent (choose one, income limits apply) | Homeowners & renters |
| Green Deductions (NEW) | Up to €1,000 for energy efficiency & electric vehicles | Employees investing in green tech |
| Incapacity Insurance (NEW) | Premiums for permanent/partial incapacity now deductible (7% of insured sum) | Employees with incapacity insurance |
| Ex-Gratia Payments | Amounts exceeding €200,000 taxed at flat 20% rate (not normal rates) | Employees receiving termination payments |
| Stock Options (NEW) | 8% flat tax rate on approved schemes (€1m cap over 10 years) | Employees with share options |
| Pre-Employment Benefits (NEW) | Now taxable as employment income (signing bonuses, relocation) | New employees |
| Contract Breach Payments (NEW) | Now taxable at normal progressive rates | Employees receiving breach compensation |
| Life Insurance Partial Redemptions (NEW) | 50% of redemption amount or gains taxable (depends on timing) | Life insurance policyholders |
1. New Tax Bands & Thresholds
The most significant change for employees is the increase in the tax-free threshold from €19,500 to €22,000:
| Taxable Income | 2025 Rate | 2026 Rate |
|---|---|---|
| €0 – €19,500 / €22,000 | 0% | 0% |
| €19,501-€28,000 / €22,001-€32,000 | 20% | 20% |
| €28,001-€36,300 / €32,001-€42,000 | 25% | 25% |
| €36,301-€60,000 / €42,001-€72,000 | 30% | 30% |
| Over €60,000 / Over €72,000 | 35% | 35% |
Impact: An employee earning €25,000 now pays tax only on €3,000 (instead of €5,500), saving approximately €550 annually.
2. Family-Based Deductions (NEW)
Child Deductions
For the first time in Cyprus, employees can claim deductions for dependent children:
| Child | Standard Family | Single-Parent Family |
|---|---|---|
| 1st child | €1,000 per parent | €2,000 |
| 2nd child | €1,250 per parent | €2,500 |
| 3rd+ child | €1,500 per parent (each) | €3,000 (each) |
Example: Married Couple with 3 Children
- Parent 1: €1,000 + €1,250 + €1,500 = €3,750
- Parent 2: €1,000 + €1,250 + €1,500 = €3,750
- Total Deductions: €7,500 (saves ~€2,625 in tax at 35% rate)
Family Income Limits
You must not exceed these combined family income limits to claim child deductions:
| Number of Children | Maximum Family Income |
|---|---|
| 0 – 2 children | €100,000 |
| 3 – 4 children | €150,000 |
| 5+ children | €200,000 |
3. Housing Deductions (NEW)
Each person can claim up to €2,000 for either mortgage interest or rent (not both) on their primary residence in Cyprus:
| Type | Maximum | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage Interest | €2,000 | Primary residence; loan regularly serviced; documented |
| Rent | €2,000 | Primary residence; actual rent paid; documented |
Important: You must choose EITHER mortgage interest OR rent – not both. Both are subject to family income limits (same as child deductions).
4. Green Transition Deductions (NEW)
Each person can claim up to €1,000 annually for environmental investments:
- Energy Efficiency: Insulation, HVAC, windows, heating systems for primary residence
- Renewable Energy: Solar panels, wind turbines for primary residence
- Energy Storage: Battery systems for primary residence
- Electric Vehicles: EVs registered with Road Transport Department
Note: Subject to family income limits. Documentation and invoices required.
5. Insurance Deductions (NEW & EXPANDED)
Permanent & Partial Incapacity Insurance
For the first time, premiums for permanent and/or partial incapacity insurance are now deductible:
| Insurance Type | Deductible Amount |
|---|---|
| Permanent Incapacity | Up to 7% of insured sum |
| Partial/Temporary Incapacity | Up to 7% of insured sum |
Subject to 1/5 Rule: Total insurance and fund contributions cannot exceed 20% of your taxable income after personal deductions.
Life Insurance Partial Redemptions (NEW Rules)
If you partially withdraw funds from a life insurance policy, these amounts are now taxable:
| Timing | Taxable Amount |
|---|---|
| Within 4 years of policy issue | 50% of redemption amount |
| After 4 years from policy issue | 50% of amount exceeding the surrender value at end of 4th year |
6. Employment Income – Expanded Taxation
Ex-Gratia & Termination Payments
Payments upon retirement, termination, or other exit from employment are now taxed as follows:
| Payment Amount | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to €200,000 | Normal rates (0% – 35%) |
| Exceeding €200,000 | Flat 20% rate |
Includes:
- Retirement & early retirement payments
- Employment termination payments
- Early Retirement Scheme benefits
- “Golden handshake” payments
- Court-ordered termination settlements
Pre-Employment Benefits (NOW TAXABLE)
New for 2026: Benefits given BEFORE you start work are now taxable as employment income:
- Signing bonuses paid before start date
- Relocation allowances & moving costs (if paid pre-employment)
- Any incentive payments to accept employment
Contract Breach & Early Termination Payments (NOW TAXABLE)
Compensation for breach or early termination of employment contracts are now taxable at normal progressive tax rates (0% – 35%).
7. Special 8% Tax Rates (NEW)
Stock Options & Share-Based Payments
Approved employer share option schemes qualify for special 8% taxation:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Rate | 8% on benefit up to 2× annual salary in vesting year |
| Lifetime Cap | €1,000,000 over any rolling 10-year period |
| Vesting Period | Minimum 3 years from Tax Dept approval |
| Transferability | Non-transferable before vesting |
| Strike Price | Minimum 50% of share value at approval date |
Example: Stock Option Benefit
- Annual salary: €80,000
- Stock option benefit at vesting: €200,000
- Eligible for 8% rate: 2 × €80,000 = €160,000
- Tax on €160,000: €160,000 × 8% = €12,800
- Excess €40,000 taxed at normal rates (up to 35%)
⚠ IMPORTANT DEADLINE: Employers with schemes that started vesting BEFORE 1 January 2026 must apply to the Tax Department by 30 June 2026 for approval.
Carried Interest & UCITS Performance Fees (NEW)
Fund managers can elect for special 8% taxation on carried interest and UCITS performance fees:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Rate | 8% flat rate |
| Minimum Tax | €10,000 annually |
| Eligible Income | Carried interest from AIF or performance fees from UCITS |
| Election | Must elect annually (cannot combine with first employment exemptions) |
Critical Effective Dates
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2026 | All employee tax changes take effect: new tax bands, deductions, new rules on payments |
| 30 June 2026 | DEADLINE: Employers must submit existing stock option schemes for Tax Dept approval |
| 31 January 2028 | First new tax return deadline (for tax year 2026, if you prepare accounts) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can both parents claim the full child deduction?
Yes! Both parents can claim the full child deduction (€1,000/€1,250/€1,500 per child) provided your combined family income is within the limits.
Can I claim both mortgage interest and rent deductions?
No. You must choose EITHER mortgage interest OR rent – not both. The maximum is €2,000 per person per year.
Do family deductions count toward the 1/5 rule?
No. Child, housing, and green deductions are NOT subject to the 1/5 rule. They are separate from insurance/fund contribution limits.
How is the €200,000 ex-gratia threshold calculated?
The first €200,000 of any termination/retirement payment is taxed at normal rates (0%-35%). Only amounts exceeding €200,000 are taxed at the flat 20% rate.
What if my stock option benefits exceed the €1m lifetime cap?
The cap applies over any rolling 10-year period. Once you exceed €1m in total benefits, excess amounts are taxed at normal progressive rates (up to 35%) instead of the 8% rate.
Can I deduct both life insurance AND incapacity insurance premiums?
Yes, both are deductible. However, they are subject to combined limits: 7% of insured sum for each policy, and total insurance/fund contributions cannot exceed 20% of your taxable income after personal deductions.
Are pre-employment benefits (signing bonuses) taxable?
Yes, new in 2026. Any benefits paid BEFORE you start working (signing bonuses, relocation payments) are now taxable as employment income at normal rates.
How to Claim Deductions
To claim the new deductions (child, housing, green), you need to complete form TD59 and submit it to your employer.
Required Documentation: Keep copies of invoices, receipts, mortgage statements, or rental agreements to support your deductions. The Tax Department may request these for verification.
Key Objectives of This Reform for Employees
The reform aims to:
- Reduce the tax burden on working families through higher thresholds and new deductions
- Support families with children via child tax deductions
- Encourage green investments with special deductions for energy efficiency and EVs
- Improve housing affordability through mortgage and rent deductions
- Clarify taxation of employment termination payments and new benefit types
Need Expert Help?
The 2026 tax reforms bring significant changes that may affect your tax position. If you need assistance understanding how these changes apply to your specific situation, or help with tax planning, compliance, and deduction claims, we are here to help.
Stay In Touch