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Double Tax Treaty between Cyprus and Ethiopia

1 February 2016
Tax

The Republic of Cyprus has recently concluded a Double Tax Treaty with the Federal Democratic

Republic of Ethiopia. The treaty was signed on the 30th of December 2015.

The new treaty shall enter into force upon ratification and the provisions of the treaty will apply

in the case of Cyprus on or after the 1st of January following the date upon which the Convention

enters into force and in the case of Ethiopia on or after the 8th of July 2017.

 

The new treaty is based on the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

(OECD) Model Tax Convention framework and will contribute to the expansion of Cyprus’ trade

and economic relations between the two countries as well as with other African developing

countries which became a magnet for new investments.

 

The main provisions of the Double Tax Treaty:

Permanent Establishment

The permanent establishment definition included in the treaty is in line with the meaning

provided in the OECD model tax convention. In particular, any building site or construction or

installation project or any supervisory activities in connection with such site or project constitutes

a permanent establishment only if it lasts more than 6 months.

Withholding tax rate on dividend payments

• 5% withholding tax

Withholding tax rate on interest payments

• 5% withholding tax

Withholding tax rate on royalties payments

• 5% withholding tax

Capital Gains Tax

• Gains from the disposal of immovable property are taxed in the country where the immovable

property is situated.

• Gains from the disposal of shares are taxable in the country of which the seller is located.