Cyprus vs DIFC (Dubai): which jurisdiction wins?

Cyprus vs DIFC (Dubai) — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	Cyprus	DIFC (Dubai)
Tax headline	12.5% corporate, NID brings effective lower	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)
Formation days	7	14
First-year cost	$3,500	$12,000
Treaties	65+	140+
Substance	Substance for treaty access	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC
Banking	Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic, plus EMIs	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers

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