Germany, Ireland, Greece, Cyprus: Tax Rates & Remote Work Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of tax rates, remote work, personal tax, and 6 more dimensions for founders choosing where to incorporate in 2026.

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4 selectedClear all
🇩🇪Germany
64
Worldwide
🇮🇪Ireland
62
Remittance-Based
🇨🇾Cyprus
81
Worldwide
🇬🇷Greece
70
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇩🇪GermanyWorldwide47.5%
🇮🇪IrelandRemittance-Based40%
🇨🇾CyprusWorldwide35%
🇬🇷GreeceWorldwide44%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Germany and Ireland and Greece have an exit tax. If you establish residency and later wish to leave, you may owe tax on unrealized gains or assets at departure. The other country in this comparison does not have an exit tax.

12.5pp personal tax rate spreadNote

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Germany: 47.5% vs Cyprus: 35%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Germany and Ireland and Greece have Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules. Owning a foreign company as a resident may trigger local tax on undistributed profits - even if the company pays no dividends. The other country in this comparison does not have CFC rules.

Not tax advice. Tax laws change frequently. Verify with a qualified professional before making residency decisions.

Field-by-Field Breakdown

Green = best value per row
Metric
🇩🇪Germany64
🇮🇪Ireland62
🇨🇾Cyprus81
🇬🇷Greece70
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
15
83
83
52
Funding
100
100
85
85
Visa
80
80
90
85
Residency
75
75
65
60
Tax Res.
30
60
70
45
Practical
75
86
86
83
Remote Work
34
39
64
79
Family
80
80
100
85
Ecosystem
90
75
65
65
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate29.9%12.5%12.5%22%
Capital Gains Tax25%33%0%22%
Tax Treaties100766557
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs280652016
Government GrantsYesYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleYesYesYesYes
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesYes
Processing Time909060120
Min Investment$0$55K$30K$272K
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaNoNoYesYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available3336
Citizenship Timeline5577
Dual CitizenshipYesYesYesYes
Immigration Score6576
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183183
Personal Tax Top Rate48403544
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeNoYesYesYes
Exit TaxYesYesNoYes
Practical Details
Banking Difficultydifficultmoderatemoderatemoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesYes
Company Formation145510
Virtual Office OKNoYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaNoNoYesYes
Tourist Workillegalgray_areagray_areaillegal
Tourist Visa Days90909090
PE Risk Levelvery_highhighmoderatemoderate
Days Before Tax Res.18318360183
Internet Speed75906593
Coworking/mo$250$300$180$175
Family Details
Safety Index72628054
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesYes
Homeschoolingillegallegallegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality87757559
Cost of Living88957040
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns521212
English Business EnvYesYesYesYes
Talent Pool Quality85606068

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