Cyprus, a full member of the European Union, stands as a highly reputable and attractive jurisdiction for international business. Forming a company in Cyprus offers a strategic gateway to the European market, combined with a robust legal framework and a highly competitive tax regime. Its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa further enhances its appeal for global enterprises seeking efficient and compliant operational bases. We provide comprehensive services to navigate the incorporation process, ensuring your business benefits from Cyprus's advantageous environment for growth and international expansion.
Cyprus offers a compelling proposition for businesses looking to establish a strong European presence. Its status as an EU member provides access to the vast European single market and ensures adherence to EU directives and regulations, enhancing credibility. The island boasts one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU at 12.5%, coupled with an extensive network of double tax treaties that minimize international tax liabilities.
The legal system, based on English common law, offers familiarity and certainty, while a highly skilled, English-speaking workforce supports diverse business needs. Furthermore, Cyprus provides a stable political and economic environment, modern infrastructure, and a streamlined company registration process, making it an ideal choice for international trade, investment, and holding structures.
As a full EU member, Cyprus offers businesses access to the European single market and adheres to EU legal and regulatory standards, enhancing international credibility and trust.
Benefit from a 12.5% corporate tax rate, one of the lowest in the EU, and a wide network of double tax treaties, providing significant tax efficiencies for international operations.
Cyprus's location at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an ideal base for businesses seeking to expand their reach across multiple continents.
The legal framework is based on English common law principles, offering a familiar, transparent, and reliable environment for corporate governance and dispute resolution.
Access to a highly educated and professional workforce, proficient in English and other languages, supporting diverse business operations and international communication.
Cyprus offers a modern and efficient business infrastructure, including advanced telecommunications and banking services, facilitating smooth operations.
Choosing Cyprus offers a blend of strategic location, tax efficiency, and robust regulatory support for your international business.
Explore the various corporate structures available in Cyprus to find the best fit for your business objectives:
| Entity Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Private Limited Company (LTD) | Most common, limited liability, minimum 1 director/shareholder, audited accounts required. | General trading, holding companies, international services, startups. |
| Public Limited Company (PLC) | Can offer shares to public, higher capital requirements, more stringent regulations. | Larger enterprises, listed companies, significant capital raising. |
| Branch of an Overseas Company | Extension of a foreign company, not a separate legal entity, simpler registration. | Foreign companies testing the Cyprus market or conducting specific local operations. |
| General Partnership | Two or more individuals/companies, unlimited liability for partners, no separate legal personality. | Small businesses, professional collaborations where partners share risks. |
| Limited Partnership | At least one general partner (unlimited liability) and one limited partner (limited liability). | Investment funds, joint ventures where some partners are passive investors. |
| European Company (SE) | Allows operations across EU member states under single legal framework, mobility. | Large multinational corporations operating across the EU. |
| International Trust | Strong asset protection, confidentiality, tax planning, flexible structure. | Wealth management, estate planning, asset protection for high-net-worth individuals. |
The Cypriot legal system is based on English common law principles, which provides a familiar and reliable framework for international investors and businesses. The primary legislation governing companies is the Companies Law, Cap. 113, which is largely aligned with the UK Companies Act 1948, but has been continually updated to incorporate EU directives and modern corporate governance practices. This robust legal foundation ensures transparency, predictability, and protection for all stakeholders.
A typical Cyprus Private Limited Company (LTD), the most common entity, requires a minimum of one director and one shareholder, who can be individuals or corporate entities of any nationality. A company secretary is also mandatory, and this role is often filled by a local service provider to ensure compliance. While there is no minimum share capital requirement for private companies, the nominal share capital is usually set at €1,000. Cyprus maintains a public register of directors and shareholders, ensuring transparency in line with EU anti-money laundering directives. All companies are required to maintain a registered office in Cyprus. Our services ensure that your company adheres to all these structural and legal requirements, facilitating smooth and compliant operations.
Establishing your Cyprus company follows a clear and efficient step-by-step process
The initial step involves submitting your proposed company name to the Registrar of Companies for approval, ensuring its uniqueness and availability. Concurrently, all beneficial owners, directors, and shareholders must provide the necessary Know Your Customer (KYC) documentation. This includes certified copies of passports, proof of residential address, and professional references, all verified to comply with stringent anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
Once the company name is approved and KYC checks are complete, we proceed with drafting the Memorandum and Articles of Association. These critical documents define the company's objectives, internal regulations, and share capital structure. These, along with other statutory forms, are then officially submitted to the Cyprus Registrar of Companies for formal registration.
Upon successful review and approval by the Registrar of Companies, your company is officially registered in Cyprus. The Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation, which serves as legal proof of the company's existence. At this stage, your Cyprus company is a legally recognized entity, ready to proceed with its operational setup.
Following incorporation, we assist with essential post-registration requirements. This includes registering the company with the Tax Department to obtain a Tax Identification Code (TIC) and registering for VAT if applicable. We also provide support for opening corporate bank accounts in Cyprus or other international jurisdictions, ensuring your company is fully prepared to commence its business activities in compliance with all local regulations.
To ensure compliance with Cypriot and international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations, specific documentation is required for all individuals and corporate entities involved in the company formation process.
All documents must be certified by a notary public, lawyer, or other authorized professional. We will provide detailed guidance and support throughout the documentation process.
Maintaining a company in Cyprus involves adherence to specific annual compliance requirements, which are crucial for preserving its good standing and legal validity. All Cyprus companies are required to pay an annual levy to the Registrar of Companies. This fixed fee is due by June 30th each year. Failure to comply can result in penalties and, eventually, removal from the register.
Furthermore, all Cyprus companies must submit audited financial statements annually to the Registrar of Companies and the Tax Department. This is a key difference from many offshore jurisdictions and reflects Cyprus's commitment to transparency as an EU member. A company's annual return (Form HE32) must also be filed with the Registrar. Every company must maintain a registered office in Cyprus and appoint a company secretary, who is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory obligations. Our team provides comprehensive ongoing support, including accounting, auditing, and secretarial services, to ensure your Cyprus company remains fully compliant with all local regulations and operates efficiently.
We offer transparent and competitive pricing for Cyprus company formation and comprehensive ongoing services. Our packages are tailored to meet diverse business needs, from basic incorporation to full-suite support.
Starting from
Starting from
Starting from
*Prices are indicative and may vary based on specific requirements and additional services. Annual renewal fees apply for ongoing services. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
Our team of experts is ready to assist you with your Cyprus company formation needs. Please fill out the form below with your details and specific requirements, and we will contact you promptly to discuss how we can help achieve your global business objectives.
A Cyprus Limited Company (LTD) is the most common legal entity incorporated under the Companies Law, Cap. 113. It offers limited liability to its shareholders and is widely used for various business activities, including trading, holding investments, and providing services within the EU and globally. It benefits from Cyprus's attractive tax regime and robust legal system.
The incorporation process in Cyprus typically takes between 5 to 10 business days, provided all necessary due diligence documents are submitted correctly and promptly. This timeline can vary slightly depending on the complexity of the application and the current workload of the Registrar of Companies.
Yes, Cyprus maintains public registers for directors and shareholders, accessible via the Registrar of Companies. Additionally, in compliance with EU Anti-Money Laundering Directives, Cyprus has established a UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) Register. While information on beneficial owners is not as freely accessible as directors/shareholders, it can be accessed by competent authorities and, under certain conditions, by the public with legitimate interest.
Cyprus companies are required to pay an annual levy, file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies, and submit audited financial statements annually to both the Registrar and the Tax Department. Companies must also maintain a registered office and appoint a company secretary in Cyprus. Compliance with these requirements is essential to maintain good standing.
Yes, unlike some offshore jurisdictions, a Cyprus company is a domestic company and can fully conduct business within Cyprus, engage with Cypriot residents, and own real estate on the island. This flexibility makes it suitable for both international and local business operations, subject to relevant licensing and regulatory requirements.
