Compare jurisdictions side by side

See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. Cyprus is a good fit for EU holding with treaty network. Malta is a good fit for gaming, fintech, EU passport. Netherlands is a good fit for EU distribution and holding.

Cyprus compared with Malta compared with Netherlands: cost, tax, reporting and setup
Comparing3 jurisdictions	Change jurisdiction 1, currently Cyprus	Change jurisdiction 2, currently Malta	Change jurisdiction 3, currently Netherlands
	Onshore · Private LimitedUS$2,290Year 1 all-inStart in Cyprus	Onshore · Private LimitedUS$2,290Year 1 all-inStart in Malta	Onshore · B.V.US$2,290Year 1 all-inStart in Netherlands
Cost
Year 1 all-in	CyprusUS$2,290	MaltaUS$2,290	NetherlandsUS$2,290
From year 2	CyprusUS$1,650	MaltaUS$1,650	NetherlandsUS$1,650
3-year cost (Starter)	CyprusUS$5,590	MaltaUS$5,590	NetherlandsUS$5,590
Tax & reporting
Headline tax	Cyprus15% (2026)	Malta35% with refunds, or elective 15% final tax	Netherlands19% / 25.8%
Annual audit	CyprusYes	MaltaYes (very small companies exempt)	NetherlandsIf medium or large
Public register	CyprusPublic	MaltaPublic	NetherlandsPublic
Setup
Type	CyprusOnshore	MaltaOnshore	NetherlandsOnshore
Entity	CyprusPrivate Limited	MaltaPrivate Limited	NetherlandsB.V.
Minimum directors	Cyprus1	Malta1	Netherlands1
Legal system	CyprusCommon	MaltaMixed	NetherlandsCivil
Time to form	Cyprus5–10 days	Malta5–10 days	Netherlands1–2 weeks
Best for	CyprusEU holding with treaty network	MaltaGaming, fintech, EU passport	NetherlandsEU distribution and holding

A green tick marks the stronger value in a row. Prices include government fees and, for Singapore, the resident director a non-resident needs. Yearly costs the law requires but that we quote separately are named under the figure; rows with such costs show no tick. Headline tax rates are a summary; your specialist confirms how they apply to you before you pay.

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AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-up

Which one for your situation

You need a business bank account soon
Any of them can work. We introduce you and prepare the application; the bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Cyprus, from US$1,650 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Any of them can hold assets. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
Cyprus, typically 5–10 days after KYC approval.

Need all three? Some owners hold one company under another. We quote the whole structure as one package.Get a structure quote

General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.

Compare jurisdictions side by side

Ask about this comparison

Which one for your situation

You need a business bank account soon

You want a lower running cost

You only hold shares or other assets

You need it fast

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