"Because normally, a business owner︁ should not pay himself a salary, but just take out dividends, to avoid social contributions"︂
Yes that is indeed the theory.
First of all, not all countries will accept this︃ and will tax you then on dividend distributions.
Second, you dont want to attract attention.︄ For as long as you are in the SME category a lot of the theory︅ just doesnt apply to you. You can take my word for it or find out︆ the hard way (as I did decades ago).
Third, its always better to comply to︇ a minimal level which makes you look average in the eyes of the tax authorities.︈ Again, you dont want to stand out.
Specifically for Cyprus, pay your self 24000 in︉ salary which is 3500 above the threshold. In the eyes of the tax authorities you︊ are a hero because you contribute income tax. The amount however is minimal and doesn't︋ break the bank. I have been doing that every 3rd or 4th year even though︌ I didnt live there actively anymore. Now I dont because of the GESY complications it︍ brings for my situation specifically.
Fourth, its nice to go hardline on not paying taxes.︎ Practically that means countries will have you on their radar faster. Are you interested with️ the continuous compliance and tax questions?
Fifth, by paying into the social system you also have less health insurance issues when something happens while traveling outside Cyprus. If you are wealthy enough to front up to 100k (depending on the country and situation), by all means go for it. If you do not fall in that category, the social system buys you peace of mind. Yes, I understand travel insurance covers a lot albeit not always everything. You dont have to google hard to find plenty of stories and crowdfundings to support what I wrote.
To sum it up. Be average in the eyes of︀ the tax authorities until you get to the level where it doesnt matter anymore. Then︁ again, maybe especially then its even nicer to look average as to avoid unwanted attention︂ from tax authorities and other adversaries.