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
- 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.
- EU Membership & Compliance
- Access to EU markets and legal frameworks.
- Compliance with international regulations on transparency and anti-money laundering.
- 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.
- 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.
- Company Name Approval (1-2 days) – A unique company name must be approved by the Cyprus Registrar of Companies.
- Preparation & Submission of Incorporation Documents (2-3 days) – Drafting and filing the Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with necessary declarations.
- Company Registration & Certificate Issuance (3-5 days) – Once approved, the company receives its Certificate of Incorporation and other legal documents.
- 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:
- Proposed Company Name (3 alternatives recommended)
- 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)
- Memorandum & Articles of Association – Drafted by a Cyprus lawyer
- Registered Office Address – Required for legal correspondence
- Declaration of Beneficial Owners (UBO) – In compliance with AML regulations
- Bank Account Opening Documents – Varies by bank, but usually includes corporate documents, proof of business activities, and KYC forms.