EU Jurisdiction Comparison

Cyprus, Portugal, Greece and Italy compared.

A strategic comparison of four European routes for internationally mobile founders, investors, crypto holders and families evaluating residency, tax exposure, property, banking and long-term EU access.

Comparison lens
  • Residency and tax exposure
  • Crypto, dividends and investment treatment
  • Company, banking and property pathways
  • Family suitability and long-term EU access
Structure first

The best jurisdiction depends on the full structure.

A low headline tax rate is not enough. The right route depends on tax residency, crypto and investment treatment, company structure, banking, property requirements, family needs, reporting exposure and long-term plans.

Side-by-side

Cyprus, Portugal, Greece and Italy compared.

Short-form comparison only. Each route depends on eligibility, timing, source of funds, residence facts and professional implementation.

CyprusPortugalGreeceItaly
Tax residency route60-day / 183-day183-day / habitual residence183-day / special regimes183-day / special regimes
Crypto / investment treatment8% framework*More limited than before*Standard tax analysis*Standard / substitute regimes*
Dividend treatment0% non-dom*Standard rules / treaty planningStandard rules / special regimesStandard / special regimes
Corporate tax15%20%+ local surtaxes22%24% + regional
IP / innovation regime3% IP Box*Available but technicalAvailable but less centralPatent Box style incentives
Property-linked residencyPR from €300k*Golden Visa no longer real estate-ledGolden Visa routeElective / investor routes
Family suitabilityStrongStrong lifestyle routeStrongStrong lifestyle route
Banking and EU accessStrong EU baseStrongEU baseStrong
Best suited forCrypto, founders, digital wealthLifestyle-led EU baseProperty-led residenceHNW / lifestyle / special regimes
Main cautionConditions matterRegime changesTax fit variesComplexity

* Subject to conditions. Headline comparison only.

Country fit

Four routes, four different use cases.

Cyprus

  • Strategic tax residency and digital wealth route.
  • Non-dom planning and 60-day assessment.
  • Company, banking and IP structuring relevance.
  • Property-linked PR pathways.

Portugal

  • Lifestyle-led EU base.
  • Changed tax landscape after recent reforms.
  • Strong family, education and lifestyle appeal.
  • Golden Visa no longer real estate-led.

Greece

  • Property-linked residency route with EU access.
  • Relevant for real estate-led planning.
  • Family-friendly Mediterranean base.
  • Tax fit requires separate review.

Italy

  • High-lifestyle jurisdiction.
  • Special regimes may suit HNW families.
  • Investor and elective residence routes.
  • More complex tax and implementation profile.
Cyprus first

Why Cyprus is often assessed first.

Cyprus is often the first route assessed because it combines EU credibility, non-dom planning, a 60-day tax residency route, company structuring, banking access, an 8% crypto framework and property-linked permanent residency pathways.

Alternative routes

When Portugal, Greece or Italy may still make sense.

Not every client should choose Cyprus. Portugal, Greece or Italy may be relevant where lifestyle, family, existing ties, real estate preferences, visa route, language, school access or long-term plans point elsewhere.

Compare the route before choosing the country.

Prime Residency helps assess residency, tax, company, banking and property questions together before implementation.

FAQ

EU residency and tax comparison FAQ.

Which EU jurisdiction is best for crypto investors?

There is no single best jurisdiction for every crypto investor. Cyprus is often assessed early because of its crypto framework and non-dom planning, but the right answer depends on facts, timing, source of gains, reporting and wider structure.

Is Cyprus better than Portugal for tax residency?

Cyprus may fit clients prioritising tax residency structure, digital wealth and company planning. Portugal may still fit where lifestyle, family needs or existing ties are more important.

Is Greece mainly a property residency route?

Greece is frequently considered for property-linked residency and EU access, but the tax position still needs separate analysis before implementation.

Is Italy suitable for high-net-worth individuals?

Italy can be relevant for high-net-worth individuals and families using special regimes, but it is generally a more complex route and requires careful professional assessment.

Should property drive the residency decision?

Property should support the residency and tax plan rather than drive it alone. Tax residency, banking, family needs and long-term exit options should be reviewed together.

Can Prime Residency compare more than these four countries?

Yes. Prime Residency can compare Cyprus, Portugal, Greece, Italy and other European or international routes where they may fit the client profile.

Does Prime Residency provide legal or tax advice directly?

Prime Residency provides strategic coordination and informational analysis. Regulated legal or tax advice is handled by qualified professionals where required.