Jurisdiction Comparison

Where Do International Entrepreneurs Set Up? Dubai, Cyprus, Portugal, Bulgaria or Malta?

Dubai, Cyprus, Portugal, Bulgaria, or Malta? Every jurisdiction has its strengths. We break down what truly matters for UK and international entrepreneurs.

Choosing the right jurisdiction is one of the most consequential decisions for international entrepreneurs. Tax rates are just one factor. Double tax treaties, EU access, substance requirements, and quality of life play equally important roles. On these pages, you will find fact-based assessments of the jurisdictions most frequently considered by UK and international business owners.

5 Jurisdictions

Compared on the facts

5 %

Malta effective corporate tax (refund system)

80+

Double tax treaties of Malta

Full member, Eurozone, Schengen

Individual Locations

Location Profiles

Dubai (UAE)

9 % corporate tax since 2023
No DTA with the UK
No EU membership, no Schengen
Free Zone vs. Mainland considerations

Cyprus

15 % CIT since 2026 (previously 12.5 %)
IP Box effective ~2.5 %
EU member, Non-Dom for 17 years
Strong DTA network

Portugal

NHR regime ended, IFICI as successor
IFICI rate: 20 % (selected professions only)
EU and Schengen member
High quality of life, rising costs

Bulgaria

10 % flat tax on CIT and PIT
EU member since 2007, Schengen since 2025
Lowest cost of living in the EU
Challenges with legal certainty

Location vs. Malta

Direct Comparisons with Malta

Dubai vs. Malta

Dubai CIT: 9 % vs. Malta effective: 5 %
Dubai: no DTA with UK; Malta: 80+ DTAs
Dubai: no EU access; Malta: full EU member

Cyprus vs. Malta

Cyprus CIT: 15 % vs. Malta effective: 5 %
Both EU Mediterranean islands
IP Box (Cyprus) vs. sector-agnostic (Malta)

Portugal vs. Malta

Portugal CIT: 21 % vs. Malta effective: 5 %
NHR ended, IFICI restricted to select professions
Both EU and Schengen members

Bulgaria vs. Malta

Bulgaria CIT: 10 % vs. Malta effective: 5 %
Flat tax (BG) vs. refund system (MT)
Both EU members, different legal certainty

Next step

Which jurisdiction aligns with your goals?

In a free initial consultation, we analyse your situation and determine whether Malta or another jurisdiction is the right choice for you. Honest, confidential, and without any sales pressure.

Dr Jörg Werner

Founder & Lawyer

and his team in Malta

Book a consultation