Company Registration in Cyprus

Are you looking to set up a company in Cyprus but overwhelmed with the incorporation process? Rest assured, we provide expert guidance for global business setup at a 40% reduced rate than the industry standards with our company registration in Cyprus services.

Our Company Registration Package

40% Off

  • Business Name Reservation
  • Corporate Bank Account Opening
  • Nominee Director & Shareholder Services
  • Audit Services for 1 Year
  • Annual Compliance Support
  • Virtual Address for 1 Year

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20,000+ Companies Registered

20,000+

Companies Registered

 
200+ Consultants

200+

Consultants

 
40+ Years of Community Experience

40+

Years of Community
Experience

 
100+ Cities

100+

Cities 

Give Wings to your Entrepreneurial Dreams in Cyprus

Register a Business in Cyprus with Enterslice

2-4 Weeks

Company Registration

No

Travel Required?

2-4 Weeks

Bank Account Opening

No

Local Director

Role of Enterslice in Online Company Registration in Cyprus

 

Online company registration in Cyprus is your doorway to international trade because of its strategic location in the Eastern Mediterranean. It acts as a gateway to Asian, African, and European markets, with major partners being China, Hong Kong, Lebanon, Libya, Germany, Greece, Italy, and Israel. At Enterslice, we help you register your company in Cyprus, manage tax filings, and reduce your compliance burden.

As a foreign entrepreneur, you’ll be entitled to a unilateral tax credit against your tax liability in any global jurisdiction, irrespective of a tax treaty (DTA) agreement. The limited liability company (LLC) structure is most suitable for foreigners because it provides 100% foreign ownership, confidentiality, and asset protection after Cyprus company formation.

Enterslice’s business setup consultants in Cyprus will help you choose the most suitable company structure, make a business plan, reserve the business name, draft the MOA and AOA, and file the application. They will also help you register for taxes, enroll for licenses, provide nominee director and shareholder services, set up a bank account, and assist you with audit services.

Features of Business Registration in Cyprus

Given below are the features of company formation in Cyprus-

  • From LLC to International Trust - best for global entrepreneurs.
  • A 12.5% low corporate income tax.
  • Easy access to European markets through the EU membership.
  • Fast-track registration in 3 to 5 days.
  • Double taxation agreements (DTAs) with 65% jurisdictions.
  • Allows nominee shareholders for corporations that want to maintain privacy.
  • Tax haven for foreign entrepreneurs.
  • No global currency restrictions.
  • Abundance of skilled workforce.
  • Duty-free and VAT-exempt movement of goods and services in Cyprus’s two free trade zones.

Legal Requirements for Company Registration in Cyprus

 

All foreign entrepreneurs are required to fulfil certain criteria for business setup in Cyprus. The legal requirements for company registration in Cyprus are as follows:

  • Company Type Selection

    Cyprus company formation starts with applicants choosing a lawful business activity and structure as per their company's needs and objectives. Common structures include an LLC, a Cyprus international trust, and a branch office for foreigners seeking company formation in Cyprus.

  • Company Name Reservation

    You must have a pre-approved business name reservation certificate. This ensures fast-track company registration in Cyprus.

  • Shareholders & Directors

    As a foreign entrepreneur, you must hire at least one director and shareholder to start a business in Cyprus. You can also opt to appoint a nominee service instead of hiring a full-time director or shareholder to maintain your privacy.

  • Document Notarization

    Notarization of documents like passport copies, MOA, and AOA before submission to the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) is a mandatory step for company registration in Cyprus, especially for foreign applicants.

  • Registered Address

    Foreign entrepreneurs must obtain a local registered address, namely physical or virtual, to register a business in Cyprus.

  • Capital Deposit

    If you’re starting an LLC, then you must deposit at least USD 1150 in your account for Cyprus company formation.

  • Business License and Permits

    Certain business activities require additional approvals, such as payment aggregator licenses, food production, import-export, and financial service providers, after business registration in Cyprus.

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Benefits of Online Company Registration in Cyprus

Let’s have a look at the benefits of online company registration in Cyprus if you’re seeking a business setup in the best tax haven in the European Union (EU):

 
  • Access to the EU

    With Cyprus' membership in the European Union (EU), foreign entrepreneurs can tap into the 500 million consumer base. If you establish a business in Cyprus, then you get the opportunity to expand your operations to countries, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Italy, and France.

  • IP Tax Exemption

    If you register intellectual properties (IP), namely copyrights, patents, and trademarks. The Cypriot law entitles IP owners to obtain an 80% tax exemption on related income. The rest 20% is taxed at the standard 12.5% rate. This concession has significantly increased IP registration in Cyprus in the last decade.

  • Confidentiality

    Cyprus has strong data protection laws if you want to keep your information confidential and private. By availing our nominee director and shareholder services, you can choose not to appear on company documents and public records while running daily operations after company registration in Cyprus.

  • Low Tax Rate

    Cyprus has a 12% corporate tax rate, which is the third lowest in the European Union (EU) after Hungary and Bulgaria. If you’re an effective place of management (PE) outside Cyprus, then you’ll be considered a nonresident for tax purposes, meaning any income sourced from such foreign PE of a Cyprus entity will be exempted from tax.

  • Tax-Exempt Income

    Income earned through market securities and dividends is exempt from corporate tax. Non-residents or companies that operate as international trusts are excluded from paying special defense contributions (SDCs). You can also carry forward losses for 5 years to offset against future revenues.

  • Strong IP Laws

    Cyprus has one of the strongest Intellectual Property (IP) regimes that helps you protect your brand name by registering a trademark, patent, or copyright with the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) after business registration in Cyprus.

  • EU Trade Agreements

    With the EU membership, Cyprus enjoys low tariffs, VAT exemptions, and excise tax reliefs through the EU’s several free trade agreements (FTAs). The union has concluded 40 agreements with 70 countries. Global businesses can enjoy such incentives after online company registration in Cyprus.


Documents Required for Online Company Registration in Cyprus

 

The documents needed for online company registration in Cyprus are mentioned below:

  • Notarized copy of the Memorandum of Association (MOA)
  • Proof of the Company’s Registered Office Address, such as Utility Bills
  • ID Passport Copies of Directors and Shareholders
  • Initial Capital Deposit Slip
  • Details of Local Representative, if Applicable
  • Power of Attorney (POA) if the Application is Filed by a Local Agent
  • A Notarized Copy of the Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Name Reservation Certificate
  • Application Fee Payment Confirmation Receipt

How to Register a Company in Cyprus?

 

Interested in setting up a business in Cyprus? Discover the process of how to register a company in Cyprus as listed below:

  • Choose a Business Activity and Structure

    This is the most important step in the company formation process, you must choose a legitimate economic activity and finalize a structure as per your objectives and capital availability.

  • Reserve the Company Name

    The next step requires business name reservation, so conduct a trade name search and reserve it. A pre-approved reservation fast-tracks the company registration schedule. Ensure that your desired name does not conflict with or confuse others.
    We will help you search and reserve the name via the e-name approval platform on the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP).

  • Draft MOA and AOA

    In this step, you’ll be required to draft and submit a memorandum of association (MOA) and articles of association (AOA) along with passport copies of all directors and shareholders, a deposit slip, and a registered address with the DRCIP authority.
    Enterslice consultants will help notarize and file the necessary documents with the application to the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP) for company registration in Cyprus.

  • Receive Registration Certificate from DRCIP

    After the DRCIP’s examination and approval, you’ll receive the business incorporation certificate along with other documents, namely share certificates. Certified MOA and AOA, and company seals.
    We’ll ensure you receive all documents at your registered email address, and that the said official paperwork is in order.

  • Obtain Trade Licenses & Permits

    Once you’ve received the incorporation documents, you can apply to obtain a business license, namely retail, financial services, investment company license, tourism, real estate, and pharmaceutical companies.
    A trade license is acquired post-registration and must be annually renewed by the owner. Our legal associates will also ensure you acquire permits for health, building codes, and fire safety protocols after Cyprus company formation.

  • Register for Taxes

    After obtaining an industry-specific trade license, the next step is tax registration, including corporate tax and VAT (if applicable) with the Cyprus Tax Department (CTD). The VAT registration threshold in Cyprus is US$ 17,800.
    Once you’re registered with the tax department, we will ensure you remain 100% compliant, meeting annual financial and tax return obligations after business registration in Cyprus.

  • Open a Corporate Bank Account

    All company owners must set up a company bank account to deposit the initial capital, transact money transfers, and manage the business expenses. As a foreign entrepreneur, you aren’t required to travel, but you will have to go through an online interview with the bank officials for final approval.
    Enterslice will help you select a suitable bank, make a business plan, submit documents, and prepare for the bank interview. Our business setup consultants in Cyprus ensure you receive the official documents and access to internet banking and ATM services.

  • Acquire Employee Insurance & Permits

    After setting up the bank account, you should acquire employee insurance and register for Social Security contributions with the Social Insurance Services (SIS).
    Our insurance experts will assist you in choosing the best and most affordable insurance plan aligned with your budget for business registration in Cyprus.
    Let our experts at Enterslice ease the process through our best company formation services in Cyprus. Book an appointment today!


Types of Structures for Cyprus Company Formation

 

Given below are the business structures for Cyprus company formation-

  • Private Company Limited by Shares Liability Company (Pvt Ltd)

    Also known as a limited liability company (LLC), it is the most common structure for online company registration in Cyprus. This provides liability protection for personal assets against the business’s debts and loan defaults. Requires at least one director and shareholder with no restriction on their nationality. Recommended for startups and mid-size entrepreneurs.

  • General Partnership

    A general partnership is formed by two or more partners who have an equal share in profits and losses and are personally held liable against the firm’s liabilities. It is not the most famous business setup because of its unlimited liability burden.

  • Limited Partnership

    A limited partnership is a mixture of a company and a partnership firm. It is formed by two or more members, namely the general partner, who has operational control and unlimited liability, while the limited partner enjoys liability protection with inactive participation in the firm. Recommended for professionals like lawyers and medical practitioners.

  • Cyprus International Trusts (CITs)

    This structure is specifically designed for foreign individuals and businesses. Mandates the hiring of at least one resident director. No income tax on foreign-sourced income. You must be a nonresident for at least one year before setting up the trust in Cyprus.

  • Branch Office

    A branch office is an extension of the foreign company in Cyprus. It has no separate legal identity of its own. You should hire a local representative agent to carry out administrative compliance. The parent company is fully liable for any debts.

  • Public Limited Company (PLC)

    This structure is suitable for large corporations and entrepreneurs seeking funding through the Cypriot stock exchange. Must have at least two directors and seven shareholders. The minimum requirement is USD 28,550. It is one of the key structures for company registration in Cyprus.

  • Representative Office

    A representative office is a type of structure that allows foreign entrepreneurs to conduct non-commercial activities, such as market research and networking. This is not a separate legal entity. Recommended for global corporations seeking a Cyprus business setup.


Timeline for Business Registration in Cyprus

 

The entire process, starting from incorporation to bank account setup, takes up to 2 to 4 weeks. The timeline for business registration in Cyprus is as follows:

  • Business Name Reservation: 1-2 days

    It will take at least 1 to 2 days to search and reserve the trade name with the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP). Our lawyers can help you filter out your desired name in just 24 hours.

  • MOA & AOA Submission: 1 day

    Filing documents, namely ID proofs of the important personnel, memorandum of association, and articles of association, takes around 1 day. To minimize the risk of being rejected by the DRCIP, you should get the assistance of a corporate lawyer.

  • Company Incorporation: 3-5 days

    The DRCIP takes at least 3 to 5 days to examine and approve your online company registration in Cyprus application.

  • License Approvals: 5-7 days

    After approval by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP), you must apply for business permits. Depending on the economic activity, you can acquire a license between 5 to 7 days.

  • Bank Account Setup: 2-4 weeks

    As a foreign entrepreneur, it may take 2 to 4 weeks for you to open a corporate bank account post-company incorporation in Cyprus.

  • Employee Obligations: 5-7 days

    It’ll take around 5 to 7 days for you to register for social contributions and obtain employee insurance.


Compliance Support After Company Registration in Cyprus

The post-registration compliance requirements after online company registration in Cyprus are as follows:

 
  • Annual General Meeting

    You must hold an annual general meeting (AGM) after 18 months from the company’s registration. Our business experts, as part of our Cyprus company incorporation services, will help you make agendas and notes for your first meeting.

  • Financial Reporting Obligations

    The annual financial obligations include filing annual reports that are aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Our Cyprus company incorporation services will help you remain 100% compliant at all times. All companies must file reports on or before December 31.

  • Tax Filing

    As a Cyprus legal entity, it is mandatory to pay and submit annual tax returns to the Cyprus Tax Department (CTD). We will help you register for taxes within 60 days of company incorporation and send you a reminder 3 months before the deadline, so you can avoid penalties for noncompliance.

  • Social Contribution

    Every company must make social contribution returns by the end of each month via the “SIS net platform” after online company registration in Cyprus. The current rate is 8.3% for both employers and employees.

  • License Renewals

    Every business must annually renew its industry-specific permits. Enterslice’s legal team sends out a reminder notification 1 month before the expiry of the current term.

  • Company Details Update

    All business owners are required to inform the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property in case there’s a change in the company’s ownership, directors, shareholders, MOA, and AOA after the Cyprus business setup.


Partner with Enterslice for Cyprus Business Setup

 

At Enterslice, we are blessed with a network of 10,000+ professionals, including 350+ local consultants for Cyprus business setup. We have fulfilled the dreams of 5000+ passionpreneurs with company registration in Cyprus. Our seasoned consultants help you register a company in Cyprus, ensuring timely registration minus stress during the entire journey. Get a glimpse of the key reasons why global entrepreneurs are fond of our services for company registration in Cyprus-

  • Free Name Search Via Certified Cypriot Lawyers
  • Fast-Track Filing of Company Registration in Cyprus Application
  • Assisted 5000+ Entrepreneurs with Document Notarization for Company Incorporation in Cyprus
  • Business Plan Drafting in 5 to 6 Days for Bank Account Setup
  • Timely Filing of Trade License Registration & Annual Renewals
  • Expert Guidance on Cypriot IP Registrations, such as Trademarks, Copyrights, & Patents
  • Tax and Audit Services After Company Formation in Cyprus
  • Helped 4000+ Global Entrepreneurs With Business Visa Assistance in Cyprus
  • Greek Translation Support for Application and Document Submission
  • 2500+ Foreign Entrepreneurs Availed Virtual Our CFO Services post-incorporation
  • 24/7 Support with a 99% Customer Satisfaction Rate
  • Saved Millions of Hours of Business Enthusiasts Throughout the World

Frequently Asked Questions on Company Registration in Cyprus

Yes, Cyprus’s business environment is investor-friendly, and it provides 100% foreign ownership with various tax concessions. There are no restrictions on remote incorporation and minimum capital requirements.

Our services to start a company in Cyprus are as follows:
  • Company incorporation in 3 to 5 days
  • Corporate bank account opening includes a business plan, document notarization, and interview preparation.
  • Audit and accounting services, namely internal, external, risk management, financial, and statutory audits.
  • Visa and residency permit for business stay in Cyprus
  • Corporate and VAT registrations with the tax department
  • The physical or virtual registered address for 12 months.
  • License approvals and renewals.
  • Nominee director and shareholder services.

Follow the below-mentioned easy steps to start your business journey in Cyprus:
  • Select a business activity structure type. LLCs are common among foreign entrepreneurs like you.
  • Draft MOA and AOA
  • Submit the company incorporation application with documents such as ID proofs, registered business address, capital slip, and bylaws agreement to the Cyprus Companies Registrar.
  • Receive the approval with official documents.
  • Register with the tax department to fulfil annual obligations.
  • Open a company bank account to deposit the initial capital and start operations.
  • Enroll for social contribution.

Yes, it is very easy to register a branch office in Cyprus; you must satisfy the following criteria:
  • All foreign parent companies must have a physical address as a branch office, not just a P.O. box.
  • Must register with the Registrar of Companies with a memorandum of association and articles of association.
  • Appoint a local representative agent to complete administrative tasks.

The key reasons and benefits to start a business in Cyprus are as follows:
  • Cyprus has a 12.5% corporate tax rate as compared to countries like France and the USA, which have a 25% and 21% rate.
  • It has access to a huge customer base through its membership in the European Union.
  • Cyprus has concluded double tax agreements (DTAs) with 65+ global jurisdictions.
  • It has a robust infrastructure and a skilled workforce.
  • The country imposes zero restrictions on foreign currencies.
  • Cyprus has no wealth or inheritance tax.
  • It provides tax-free treatment of dividends and gains from the proceeds of shares.
  • With the EU’s customs warehousing facilities and trade zones, you can store products without duties.

The best investment opportunities for business registration in Cyprus are listed below:
  • Fintech startups and financial advisory companies
  • Law firms and legal outsourcing business consultancies
  • Accounting and audit firms
  • Real estate development and agencies
  • Travel agencies, hotels, and resorts
  • IT companies and software development
  • Online retail and wholesale stores
  • Construction business
  • Food production and restaurants
  • Cross-border trade is due to a strategic location that connects Asia, Africa, and Europe

The requirements of an LLC business setup in Cyprus are as follows:
  • You must reserve a business name.
  • Prepare official documents, including MOA and AOA.
  • Although not a mandatory requirement, you must deposit at least USD 1150 as an initial deposit.
  • Appoint at least one director and shareholder.
  • Get a registered address in Cyprus (physical or Remote).

The initial incorporation is approved in 3 to 4 days by the Cyprus Companies Registrar. However, the entire process takes longer than this, with bank account setup alone taking up to 2 to 4 weeks.

With the rise of digitalization, it is now possible to start a company through an online mode in Cyprus. It is both cost-effective and time-saving as compared to the traditional business establishment. However, foreign branches still need to have a registered physical address in Cyprus.

As per Cypriot Companies Law No. 113, there’s no capital mandate for limited liability companies (LLCs) in Cyprus. However, most foreign entrepreneurs deposit at least USD 1150 to start operations.

All documents must be in Greek, the official language of Cyprus. Our language experts are fluent in 50+ major languages. They will help you translate all the mandatory documents with ease at no additional cost.

Explore the different categories of company structures in Cyprus through the comparison as described in the table below:
Feature LLC Cyprus International Trusts Branch Office Limited Partnership Public
Legal Personality Separate entity Perpetual entity Just an extension of a foreign parent company. Not a legal entity Public legal entity
Liability Limited Limited Parent company is liable. The general partner has unlimited liability. Limited
Capital No mandate as such, but one should start with USD 1150. No official mandate No such requirement No mandate USD 28,550
Members One director and shareholder. One local trustee and settler. Beneficiaries must be nonresident foreign entrepreneurs. At least one director and shareholder. One general and limited partner At least two directors and seven shareholders.
Local Representation Not required At least one trustee must be a Cypriot citizen or resident. One local representative is required to fulfill administrative duties. No such mandate Yes

The best structure includes a private company limited by shares, also known as an LLC (Pvt Ltd), international trusts, and branch offices, because they offer 100% foreign ownership. You can start a company with as little as USD 1.

Suitable for startups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The benefits of setting up an LLC or a private limited company (Pvt Ltd) are as follows:
  • Seamless and fast-track registration in 3 days.
  • No minimum paid-up capital requirement.
  • It can be formed with one director and a shareholder.
  • Provides 100% foreign ownership.
  • Secures the personal assets of members against the company’s debts.

The post-enrolment requirements after the Cyprus company setup are as follows:
  • Tax and VAT registration with the Cyprus Tax Department. You must register for VAT if the annual turnover is more than USD 17,850.
  • Corporate bank account opening
  • Business license renewal is required every year.
  • Monthly social security payment and return filing by the end of the month.
  • Inform the Registrar of Companies if there’s a change in the ownership.
  • Appoint auditors and company secretaries.
  • Hold annual general meetings.
  • File annual financial reports.

You need to appoint at least one local representative if you’re starting a foreign branch office of your parent company in Cyprus. Rest business structures like LLCs, international trusts, or limited partnerships don’t have such mandatory requirements.

The list of mandatory documents for company formation is as follows:
  • Passport copies of directors and shareholders.
  • ID proof of the local representative agent if opening a foreign branch.
  • MOA, AOA, bylaws agreement (all notarized)
  • Business plan report (for bank account setup)
  • The Greek translation of all documents is available in any other language.

There are two free zones in Cyprus, namely the Larnaca and Northern Cyprus free zones. The benefits of FTZs are as follows:
  • Entitles businesses with 100% foreign ownership
  • Exempts tax on corporate, VAT, and capital gains tax.
  • Disables currency restrictions
  • Allows a 100% repatriation of profits.
  • Enables duty-free flow of goods and services.
  • Provides robust logistics and warehouse storage facilities.

Cyprus has tax treaties (DTAs) with 65+ international jurisdictions. Top countries include Germany, India, China, Russia, the United Kingdom (UK), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States of America (USA). Double tax agreements eliminate dual taxation on the same income by providing foreign tax credits and exemptions.

The fee structure for company formation depends on the following elements:
  • The business structure, namely, LLC, international trust, and branch office.
  • Trade license approval is based on the economic activity type.
  • The type of bank account, namely current, savings, merchant, multi-currency, and foreign currency (single).
  • Inclusion of additional facilities, such as audit services, virtual CFO, nominee director, and shareholder.

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