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Decline of Cyprus and rise of Latvia in the business world

Cyprus is currently facing economic challenges. Cyprus has taken out a €10 billion international loan, mainly to recapitalize its banks, which have been crippled by crisis-hit Greece.

The Cypriot government has enacted a law that provides for the taxation of existing bank deposits over 100,000 euros with a one-off tax. Such a step for Cyprus threatens with outflows of funds from the state.

From the point of view of experts, this situation is advantageous for Latvian credit institutions, especially those who work with clients from Russia and the CIS. Latvian banks are currently characterized by an influx of depositors.

Depositors and investors choose Latvia for its tax policy, favorable tax system, high level of confidentiality and flexible attitude to the transit of funds. Latvian banks are a safe alternative to offshore money storage.

The advantages of the Latvian business environment are open markets, resources not available elsewhere (land, wood, low labor costs), a business culture and mentality close to the European dimension.

Foreign investors also evaluate the experience, noting a number of advantages as business projects that had made good progress before attracting investment. They point out that Latvia has a long tradition of production.

Latvia or Cyprus? The main differences, important for every entrepreneur who has not yet decided - Latvia or Cyprus.

Latvia is in Europe, Cyprus in Asia. Latvia has an advantageous geographic location close to former Soviet markets such as Russia and Ukraine, while being part of the European market. Cyprus is a member of the euro zone, Latvia will join the euro zone in 2014. The Latvian financial sector, unlike Cyprus, does not represent a basic gain of GDP. It indicates that Latvia is economically more stable. Latvia has a high level of the Russian language. The Latvian banking sector has experience of working with clients from the former Soviet Union, and banks are willing to work in Russian. From January 1, 2013, if the company - Latvian resident - pays dividends to the non-resident, the dividends are not taxable income in Latvia, unless it is located in low-tax or non-tax states or territories. In addition, dividends received by the non-resident are not taxable unless they are located in low-tax or non-tax states or territories. Latvia has signed an agreement on double non-taxation with Russia. This agreement significantly reduces the tax burden for entrepreneurs based in Latvia or Russia. Latvia has increased its attractiveness to foreign depositors by passing a law in 2009 granting a residence permit to anyone who invests 100,000 lats (€144,150 or €70,000 in other special cases). With a residence permit, you can move more freely in the EU. While Cyprus, like Latvia, has professional bankers, banking services in Latvia are cheaper and companies can also be bought cheaply. Latvia ranks 25th in the Doingbusiness ranking. Cyprus ranks 36th in the Doingbusiness ranking. This survey indicates that in Latvia it is easier to deal with issues such as registering property, getting electricity, obtaining credit, enforcing contracts and resolving bankruptcies, as well as cross-border trade. Latvia belongs to the upper-middle income category. Cyprus is in the high-income category. This indicates lower labor costs in Latvia. Entrepreneurs who have already chosen Latvia emphasize that it is fair, transparent and with a proper legal system.

According to official data, about half of the EUR 17 billion in deposits in Latvian banks are from non-residents, and they grew by more than 20% in 2012. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by up to 90% that comes from Russia and other CIS countries.

https://www.baltic-legal.com/latvia-cyprus-world-of-business-comparison-eng.htm