Cyprus has long been a preferred jurisdiction for international business due to its favorable tax regime, strategic location, and business-friendly regulations. Whether you are a startup, an established business, or an investor looking for an EU-based company structure, Cyprus offers multiple advantages for company incorporation.

Benefits of Incorporating in Cyprus

1. Attractive Tax Regime
   • Corporate tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest in the EU.
   • No withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalty payments to non-residents.
   • Access to over 65 Double Tax Treaties.
   • Exemption from tax on profits from the sale of securities.
2. EU Membership & Compliance
   • Access to EU markets and legal frameworks.
   • Compliance with international regulations on transparency and anti-money laundering.
3. Efficient Company Structure
   • No minimum capital requirement.
   • Possibility of 100% foreign ownership.
   • Only one shareholder and one director required (can be the same person).
   • Shareholders and directors can be non-residents.
4. Business-Friendly Environment
   • Fast company incorporation process.
   • High level of banking and financial services.
   • Well-developed professional infrastructure with experienced legal and accounting firms.

Timeframe for Company Incorporation

The process of registering a company in Cyprus is relatively quick and efficient, usually taking 7 to 10 business days, depending on the availability of required documents and due diligence.

1. Company Name Approval (1-2 days) – A unique company name must be approved by the Cyprus Registrar of Companies.
2. Preparation & Submission of Incorporation Documents (2-3 days) – Drafting and filing the Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with necessary declarations.
3. Company Registration & Certificate Issuance (3-5 days) – Once approved, the company receives its Certificate of Incorporation and other legal documents.
4. Bank Account Opening (Varies) – Opening a corporate bank account can take from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the bank’s compliance requirements.

Required Documents for Incorporation

To incorporate a company in Cyprus, the following documents and information are typically required:

1. Proposed Company Name (3 alternatives recommended)
2. Details of Shareholders & Directors
   • Passport copies (notarized and apostilled if non-EU)
   • Proof of residential address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement)
   • CV and reference letter (for certain banks and regulated activities)
3. Memorandum & Articles of Association – Drafted by a Cyprus lawyer
4. Registered Office Address – Required for legal correspondence
5. Declaration of Beneficial Owners (UBO) – In compliance with AML regulations
6. Bank Account Opening Documents – Varies by bank, but usually includes corporate documents, proof of business activities, and KYC forms.