Upcoming Webinar: Navigating Cyprus’ Defensive Tax Measures: Are Your Holding, Financing, and IP Structures at Risk?
Zoom registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QPHa4iw-TB-gdr9cKdcsrQ#/registration
Purpose of the Webinar
The primary aim of this webinar is to provide multinational enterprises (MNEs), tax leaders, and legal advisors with critical insights into the new Cypriot tax measures introduced to combat aggressive tax planning through low-tax and blacklisted jurisdictions. Participants will gain a technical and strategic understanding of the implications, risks, and realignment options for commonly used cross-border structures—especially holding, financing, and intellectual property arrangements.
Target Audience
This session is specifically designed for:
- Tax Directors and Heads of Tax of multinational groups
- CFOs and Finance VPs involved in group financing or treasury operations
- Legal Counsels managing international structures
- Transfer Pricing Managers and Advisors
- Corporate Structuring and Compliance Professionals
- Private Equity and Fund Managers with EU holding platforms
Why You Should Join
- Understand the scope of Cyprus’ new withholding tax rules targeting payments to low-tax and non-cooperative jurisdictions.
- Identify at-risk structures—such as passive holding, intra-group financing, and IP vehicles—that may trigger compliance exposure.
- Anticipate interactions with broader global frameworks, including the EU Blacklist Initiative and OECD Pillar Two.
- Receive practical guidance on next steps, including restructuring options and legal defenses.
- Engage directly with experts through a live Q&A and practical examples.
Webinar Content Overview
Participants will be briefed on:
- Cyprus’ policy rationale and alignment with international anti-avoidance efforts
- The scope of the newly enacted withholding taxes (WHTs) on outbound payments
- Criteria for identifying low-tax jurisdictions (ETR < 6.25%) and blacklisted territories
- Application to passive income streams: interest, royalties, and dividends
- Reputational, operational, and financial risks for existing structures
- Considerations for realigning substance, transfer pricing, and effective tax rates
- Key differences from prior Cypriot practice and EU-level peer frameworks
️ Webinar Agenda (60 Minutes Total)
| Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 11:00 – 11:05 | Welcome and Opening Remarks – Introduction to speakers and session objectives |
| 11:05 – 11:20 | Cyprus’ New Defensive Tax Measures: Legal Overview – Blacklist and low-tax jurisdiction triggers – Withholding tax mechanics (interest, royalties, dividends) |
| 11:20 – 11:35 | Practical Impacts on Common Structures – Holding companies – Financing and treasury centers – IP vehicles and licensing arrangements |
| 11:35 – 11:45 | Strategic and Operational Considerations – Mitigation planning – Group-level tax governance – Interaction with Pillar Two and substance legislation |
| 11:45 – 11:55 | Live Q&A and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Moderated session, answering pre-submitted and live queries |
| 11:55 – 12:00 | Closing Remarks and Key Takeaways – Summary of risks, planning tips, and follow-up opportunities |
❓ Sample FAQs to be Covered
- How does the 6.25% ETR threshold align with Pillar Two’s 15% minimum tax?
- Are intra-EU payments also caught under these new rules?
- Is there a “principal purpose test” or similar anti-abuse clause for exemptions?
- What transitional relief is available, if any?
- How are payments from Cyprus permanent establishments treated?
Additional Notes
- The session will be recorded and made available post-event.
- Participants will receive a practical compliance checklist and summary slide deck.
- Post-webinar consultations may be scheduled for structure-specific review or redomiciliation planning.
Zoom registration link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QPHa4iw-TB-gdr9cKdcsrQ#/registration
