The Cyprus Companies Law has recently introduced new amendments that apply to companies incorporated in Cyprus. With new changes, Cypriot […]
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Main characteristics for registration in Cyprus
Corporate tax
12,50%
Best choice for:
Online Business
Time to complete the registration
7 daysCompany Registration in Cyprus
The Republic of Cyprus is a Mediterranean country that offers a fantastic quality of life alongside with its attractive business opportunities. It is an emerging destination for the development of your business due to its cost-effective registration and operation services, favourable tax regime, highly-skilled employees as well as tax benefits for high-earning managers and high net-worth individuals.
Below we briefly discuss essential points on how to register a company in Cyprus and benefits that you enjoy from doing business in Cyprus.
Foreign companies and citizens may register the company in Cyprus in the following types:
- Limited Liability Company: this is the most commonly used type of legal entities and can be public or private. A public limited liability company must have at least seven members and its minimum capital requirement is EUR 25,629. A private limited liability company must consist of 50 members. No minimum capital requirement applies.
- Partnerships: there are three types of partnerships: general partnership, limited partnership, and limited liability partnership.
- Trusts: it is commonly used for international tax planning purposes and is not used for business purposes as a general rule.
- Sole proprietorship
- Branch: a subsidiary of foreign company with no requirement as to the authorized capital.
Company registration documents to be submitted depend on the type of legal entity.
Prior to the registration of an entity, company name must be approved by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver. The applicant should submit three proposed names with an indication of preferred one to register a company name in Cyprus. The company name approval is processed within 10 business days. Upon approval, the company name is reserved in Cyprus for a period of 6 months, during which you need to submit documents for company set up.
Before you submit proposed names, it is necessary to check the official list of registered companies for any existing or similar names. Cyprus provides standard requirements for company names:
- company name cannot be identical or closely similar to other existing company names registered in Cyprus;
- company name can be rejected by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver if the name is general (without distinctive characteristics);
- company name cannot be offensive or deceptive;
- it cannot offend country or religion;
- company name cannot contain the name of country or official body;
- it is allowed to use “national” or “international” in limited cases;
- use of some words like trust, depositary, brokerage or any other financial activities is subject to special license.
Tips: Due to the above mentioned requirements and since there is a large amount of previously used names, we recommend you to present a few names in advance and conduct a preliminary search. Company name check with our company will help you avoid any rejections.
Limited liability companies are administered by the annual general meeting. Public limited liability companies must have at least two directors and one secretary. A private limited liability company must have at least one director and one secretary. If there is only one member, that member may act as a director and secretary. There are no nationality requirements for directors. The memorandum of association may specify that directors have unlimited liability for the debts/obligations of the company.
Tips: Though there is no residency requirement for director in Cypriot company, for tax resident purposes it is required that the director is tax resident or citizen of Cyprus. The resident is an individual residing in Cyprus for more than 183 days during the year. Nominal services are allowed.
Companies incorporated in Cyprus as LLCs may have one director with any citizenship or residency. Though there is no residency requirement for directors in a Cypriot company, for tax resident purposes it is required that the director is a tax resident or citizen of Cyprus. A resident is an individual residing in Cyprus for more than 183 days during the year.
Shareholders can be of any nationality or residency. It can be individuals and legal entities.
Registered address is an official address of a Cypriot company used for registration purposes and is included in corporate information held in the Registrar of Companies. Even if the company does not have any operation or management in Cyprus, it must have a registered address in Cyprus for official correspondence.
In Cyprus each company is required to prepare a financial statement on an annual basis according to the standards of IFRS. Company director(s) are responsible for maintaining of books and records that the company prepares for financial statements. Further, financial statements are presented to the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting. AGM takes place within 18 months from the company’s incorporation and subsequent AGM takes place within 15 months after the previous meeting. Consolidated financial statements are prepared by group companies.
Only a few companies are required to have their financial statements audited:
- Companies that are required to prepare consolidated financial statements;
- Public limited liability companies, and
- Private limited liability companies (excluding small sized companies, as defined).
Financial statements are made in Greek or must be certified into Greek language if they are made in another language.
The fee for company registration in Cyprus is made as a one-time payment. Later, the company should pay annual fees for company maintenance, including for services of nominee shareholders, nominee director(s), secretary and registered address in Cyprus.
Additional fees include the services of nominee shareholders, nominee director(s), secretary and registered address in Cyprus as well as annual statutory fees. Upon demand, it is possible to order accounting and audit services.
Opening a bank account is subject to a separate fee.
Our company assists clients with company formation in Cyprus. Our fee includes incorporation costs and company certificates issued by the Registrar of Companies. We act on behalf of our clients and prepare all necessary documents for filing. Above all, we advise our clients on legal and tax matters.
The fee for the company registration in Cyprus is 950 Euro.
In order to register a company in Cyprus, it is required to follow these steps:
- reserve a company name prior to incorporation;
- prepare memorandum and articles of association, provided that there is no standard template in Cyprus;
- appoint director(s) and secretary, alternatively use nominal services of director(s) and nominal shareholder(s);
- rent an office or use nominal services of registered office address in Cyprus;
- pay statutory fees;
- submit documents to the Registrar of Companies;
- receive company incorporation certificate and other certificates;
- receive tax number.
All documents can be submitted in English.
Once the company is approved for registration in Cyprus, the Registrar of Companies issues the company incorporation certificate in English. The certificate of incorporation confirms company registration and contains company registration number.
Additionally, the Registrar sends the following documents: Certificate of directors and secretary in English, Certificate of registered office in English as well as Memorandum and Articles of Association. The latter is provided in certified Greek version with English translation.
With the certificate of incorporation, the company should register with tax authorities for obtaining a tax identification number.
Among the standard set of incorporation documents in Cyprus, shareholders of Cypriot companies prefer to sign shareholders’ agreements. Shareholders’ agreement outlines an arrangement of shareholders on how they agree to operate the company. It includes matters related to company’s governance, appointment of key executives, shares and its distributions, shareholders’ rights and obligations, transfer of shares, resolution of any disputes between shareholders, etc.
The shareholders’ agreement need not be submitted to the Registrar of Companies, however, the company’s director(s) and secretary should be acknowledged with this document.
The information below is given as a checklist for company incorporation in Cyprus:
Identification document
- International Passport Copy
Or - EU issued ID card
Address Proof
- Utility bill no older than 3 months. If this document is not in Latin letters, certified translation should be provided
Or - Copy of official ID document showing address. If this document is not in English, certified translation should be provided
Agreement
- Signed Nominee (Trust) agreement
Personal meeting /Call
- Meeting or call is held with UBO -> completed UBO identification form
Forms
- Risk check list completed by manager;
- DD form for entities completed and signed by UBO;
- DD form for UBO completed and signed by UBO
Other documents
- CV
- Reference letter from bank/auditor/lawyer (choose one)
- UBO printout from google
Certification/Translation
- Translator with signature, name and seal of translator
Or - Notary
The procedure for registering a company in Cyprus is rather quick and it usually takes 2-3 weeks to complete the registration.
The Registrar of Companies in Cyprus is the official body in Cyprus responsible for registration of business entities, such as private or public companies, partnerships, overseas companies, etc. The Registrar performs other important duties related to companies, including forms for submission of applications, sending decisions, name approval, changes to company names and other formalities related to companies established in Cyprus. Each company is required to submit annual financial documents and annual reports of changes that took place in the company during the reporting year to the Registrar of Companies. The Registrar of Companies has an official website, though some of its parts are provided in Greek.
A shelf company in Cyprus, also called a “blank company”, or “aged company”, is a company that is established by law firms and accountants.
However, buying a ready-made company or shelf company is no longer practicable in Cyprus, since online formation of a new company is much cheaper, faster and safer procedure. When establishing a new company in Cyprus, it is possible to set it up based on your business needs. For instance, you are free to choose any company name, choose your preferred address, appoint any director etc.That’s said, if you are considering to start your business in Cyprus, then it is advisable to incorporate a new company in Cyprus.
To register an offshore company in Cyprus, it should be International Business Company (IBC). IBC is considered as a Cypriot offshore company if it is operated and managed outside of Cyprus.
The procedure of offshore company formation is similar to incorporation of a resident company in Cyprus.
Here are a few offshore company advantages in Cyprus:
- nominal services in Cyprus
- lowest taxes in the EU
- tax-free dividends
- privacy for its members and directors
Company formation in Cyprus with opening a bank account takes 2-3 weeks. However, certain banks may require additional documents for KYC which can extend the term for additional few weeks.
PLC company formation in Cyprus
Limited liability company is the most commonly used type of legal entity in Cyprus which can be public or private (PLC). Public companies are registered by more than 50 shareholders, while a PLC company is owned by a minimum of one shareholder. Members of a PLC company are liable within the limits of its own shares. PLC company formation in Cyprus is a quick and hassle free procedure.
Trust formation in Cyprus
Trust is commonly used for international tax planning purposes and is not used for business purposes as a general rule. Trusts hold financial and other valuable assets, including real estate, ships, etc.
It is not required to visit Cyprus for company incorporation as all procedures are done online. During online company formation in Cyprus, all registration documents are submitted through the Registrar of Companies’ website.
Please feel free to visit our website Ecompany.ltd for further details and online company formation services. You can use our website to search for existing company names.
For rapid company formation in Cyprus, it is advisable to check whether the desired company name is unique and is not similar to any trademark. A company name which is similar to an already registered company is refused for registration. Once your desired company name is approved, you can submit registration documents to the Registrar of Companies.
Company formation in Cyprus is available for residents and non-residents. The set of necessary documents to be submitted for registration is similar for any citizens or residents. However, non-residents are required to translate documents into English or Greek, if such documents are in a foreign language.
Cyprus is a well-known destination for a favorable tax regime having a convenient and cost effective registration procedure. Cyprus is a good option for establishing an office there or operating your business online. Along with the business opportunities, the owners gain access to high quality life on the Mediterranean island.
With many options to choose from, it is always better to find a reliable and professional agent that has a track record of previous deals. On top of that, it is always better to hire an agent that provides additional services, such as account opening, tax consulting and services on obtaining corporate documents with apostille. eCompany.ltd assists its clients with company registration in Cyprus and with all possible post-formation issues.
There is no necessity to visit Cyprus to register the company. Likewise, it is not necessary to visit this country after establishment of the company, as all operations can be done remotely. The governmental web portal allows you to pay taxes, submit tax reports and other documents online. If you hire an agent, then you only need to visit your local notary office to certify specific documents which you can send by post. Your agent will submit and collect registration documents on your behalf.
In Cyprus company formation procedure is regulated in a way that allows you to easily and quickly set up a company without a lot of paperwork. All registration documents are prepared online and thereafter they are submitted to the Registrar of Companies. It takes no more than 2 days to start your business in Cyprus.
An individual or company of any residency can set up a company in Cyprus and be a 100% owner of a Cypriot company. Non-residents need to provide a certified translation of documents if such documents are not in English. Other than that, a set of registration documents and other conditions for registration are similar for both resident and non-resident applicants.
When looking for an agent in Cyprus, it is advisable to make sure that the agent provides all necessary services for company formation in Cyprus. In certain cases, the future owners are looking for nominee services, such directors, shareholders and address. If this is what you need, then you should check whether the agent provides such services. Additionally, it is always convenient to have an agent that provides legal and tax advice as you will most probably require it for operating your company.
Ecompany.ltd provides online company formation services in Cyprus. Our flexible company incorporation services in Cyprus include:
- Low registration fees
- Nominal services, including registered address in Cyprus
- Accounting, tax and legal services
- Online company formation in Cyprus
- Company formation for non-residents in Cyprus
- Opening a bank account
- VAT registration in Cyprus
To purchase a ready-made company or register a company in Cyprus as well as worldwide, please contact us for further details.
Cyprus is a well-known destination for a favorable tax regime having a convenient and cost effective registration procedure. Cyprus is a good option for establishing an office there or operating your business online. Along with the business opportunities, the owners gain access to high quality life on the Mediterranean island.
With many options to choose from, it is always better to find a reliable and professional agent that has a track record of previous deals. On top of that, it is always better to hire an agent that provides additional services, such as account opening, tax consulting and services on obtaining corporate documents with apostille. eCompany.ltd assists its clients with company formation and with all possible post-formation issues in Cyprus and other countries.
There is no necessity to visit Cyprus to register the company. Likewise, it is not necessary to visit this country after establishment of the company, as all operations can be done remotely. The governmental web portal allows you to pay taxes, submit tax reports and other documents online. If you hire an agent, then you only need to visit your local notary office to certify specific documents which you can send by post. Your agent will submit and collect registration documents on your behalf.
In Cyprus company formation procedure is regulated in a way that allows you to easily and quickly set up a company without a lot of paperwork. All registration documents are prepared online and thereafter they are submitted to the Registrar of Companies. It takes no more than 2 days to start your business in Cyprus.
An individual or company of any residency can set up a company in Cyprus and be a 100% owner of a Cypriot company. Non-residents need to provide a certified translation of documents if such documents are not in English. Other than that, a set of registration documents and other conditions for registration are similar for both resident and non-resident applicants.
When looking for an agent in Cyprus, it is advisable to make sure that the agent provides all necessary services for company formation in Cyprus. In certain cases, the future owners are looking for nominee services, such directors, shareholders and address. If this is what you need, then you should check whether the agent provides such services. Additionally, it is always convenient to have an agent that provides legal and tax advice as you will most probably require it for operating your company.
The cost of company incorporation in Cyprus is Euro.
Online company formation on eCompany.ltd
- You can easily search whether your chosen company name is available for registration in Cyprus. To check the name, please enter the company name in a search field under the top banner on this page and then click “find out”.
- If your chosen company name is available, you can start the process of company formation.
- At checkout, please fill in your personal information and account details for account registration on eCompany.ltd. You can add additional notes or information in your order.
- Complete your order with your preferred method of payment.
- Once your payment is processed, we will contact you about the necessary documents that we need to receive from you in order to prepare incorporation documents on your behalf.
- We will prepare the incorporation documents and submit them for company formation in Cyprus.
- Once the company is incorporated in Cyprus, we will send you a standard set of original corporate documents. Please make sure that you entered your correct mailing address.
If you have any questions or problems at any stage of company formation in Cyprus, please feel free to contact us.
Taxes in Cyprus
Cyprus offers a modern and transparent tax system. Resident companies enjoy numerous tax benefits based on the Cyprus double taxation treaties with over 55 countries. To be considered as a Cyprus tax resident, a company shall maintain management and control in Cyprus. These double taxation treaties allow to offset (deduct) taxes paid in one of the states from income that is taxable in another state; tax exemptions or reduced withholding tax rates in relation to various types of income; obligations on the mutual exchange of tax information, etc.
Cyprus is also a party to the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance on Tax Matters 1988 and Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement on Automatic Exchange of Financial Information (MCAA).
Companies in Cyprus pay one of the lowest corporation taxes in the EU, which makes this jurisdiction highly attractive for companies. In this article we would discuss existing business taxes and its rates in Cyprus in more detail.
The Cyprus business tax year is one calendar year from 1 January to 31 December. Cypriot corporations annual tax return deadline is 31 December following the tax year. Corporation tax return deadline is 1 August of the relevant year which is thereafter payable in three instalments on 1 August, 30 September and 31 December.
The current corporation tax rate in Cyprus is 12,5%. Certain income is subject to a special contribution for defence in addition to the said corporate tax rate. In particular, the special contribution for defence is paid for dividend income in Cyprus.
The tax rate applies for tax resident companies in Cyprus and it is one of the lowest in Europe. Cyprus levies corporate taxes on the income derived in Cyprus and overseas on all taxable sources.
The corporation tax rate in 2020 is 12,5% which has not been changed for more than a decade.
Though the current corporation tax of 12,5% is for all companies, irrespective of whether it is a small or medium sized enterprise, it is one of the most favourable tax rates in comparison to other jurisdictions. When incorporating in Cyprus, small businesses can largely benefit from tax planning advantages.
The corporation tax is payable for the accounting year which is similar to a calendar year from 1 January to 31 December. The taxable income is calculated on the basis of the preceding year.
Overseas companies are subject to the Cyprus corporation tax only if it performs business in Cyprus through a PE, which is subject to definition as per a relevant tax treaty executed between Cyprus and another country.
Companies submit electronic tax returns in Cyprus within 15 months after the end of the calendar year. So, the deadline for tax refunds in Cyprus is 31 March.
Similar to the corporation tax rate as given above, the limited company tax in Cyprus is currently 12,5% on the income derived in or from Cyprus, provided that the limited company is the Cypriot tax resident.
Dividends of a Cypriot resident company (both from Cypriot or foreign companies) as well as income from sale of shares are exempt from the corporate income tax in Cyprus. It should be noted that expenses incurred by a company for the purpose of obtaining taxable income may be deducted from the income provided that their evidence is properly documented.
Dividends and interest payable by a Cypriot company to non-residents (either legal entities or individuals) are exempt from the withholding tax in Cyprus. Dividends to shareholders are tax free.
Further, income from dividends is subject to a tax at the rate of 17% and a special contribution for defence if received from a resident Cypriot company or individual.
Foreign dividends are exempt from the corporate tax in Cyprus, unless dividends are deductible for tax purposes for the paying company. In the latter case the dividends are subject to corporate tax. Special contribution for defence does not apply.
Cyprus does not apply withholding tax on dividends to Cyprus non-residents.
Active interest income (i.e. interest earned in the normal course of business of a company) is subject to income tax at the rate of 12.5%. No withholding tax on payments is imposed to foreign recipients.
Interest income is exempt from corporate income tax, except for interest income from ordinary course of business. Cyprus does not apply withholding tax on interest to Cyprus non-residents. The rate of withholding tax on interest is 10% applicable to Cyprus residents.
Royalty income is subject to income tax at the rate of 12.5%. Royalties to be paid to non-residents for use of IP rights in Cyprus are subject to 10% withholding tax. If IP rights are not used in the territory of Cyprus, royalties paid to the owner of such rights are not subject to withholding tax in Cyprus. Tax rate may be reduced under applicable double taxation treaty or the EU Interest-Royalty Directive.
All Cypriot residents are subject to special contribution for defence on the source of income: for dividends in the amount of 15%, for interest income in the amount of 10%, etc. The defence contribution is not applied to non-residents.
The annual levy of 350 euros must be paid by 30 June of each year by all companies incorporated in Cyprus.
The disposal of shares of a Cyprus company by its foreign shareholder is exempt from taxation in Cyprus. The 20% rate applies to the disposal of immovable property in Cyprus.
VAT registration is compulsory for non-resident companies trading in Cyprus that are tax registered in the country of their registration. VAT registration threshold in this case is €0. The threshold for distance selling in Cyprus applied to Cypriot non-resident companies is €35,000 per annum. VAT registered threshold in Cyprus for distance selling of excise goods is nil.
The standard VAT rate in Cyprus is 19% and reduced VAT rate is 9%, 5% and 0%. The reduced rate of 9% applies to restaurant and tourist services. 5% VAT rate applies to supply of pharmaceutical products, books, newspapers and sport facilities. VAT exemption applies to education facilities, non-profits organizations, lotteries, health and welfare services.
Small businesses in Cyprus do not enjoy other VAT benefits. If applicable, they are responsible for VAT standard rate and can have reduced VAT rate depending on the services and products offered.
Income from the sale of shares is exempt from taxation. Capital gains at the rate of 20% applies to disposal of immovable property in Cyprus.
Investment income is tax exempt in Cyprus.
The income derived from the sale and assets gained as a result of the sale of shares are qualified as capital gains. The capital gains tax rate is 20% on gains from the sale of shares. The disposal of shares of a Cyprus company by its foreign shareholder is exempt from taxation in Cyprus.
Tips: Recently, Cyprus introduced the so called IP box regime that is effective from 1 July 2016. The new regime applies to Research and Development expenditure incurred by the taxpayer. As per the new IP box regime, qualifying taxpayers will be eligible to claim a tax deduction equaling 80% of qualifying profits resulting from the business use of the qualifying assets. A taxpayer may elect not to claim the deduction or only claim a part of it. In the meantime, if the taxpayer outsourced R&D expenditure, then it cannot be treated as qualifying expenditure for the purpose of the IP box regime.
Company Liquidation
As in other jurisdictions, a liquidation of a company in Cyprus can be done voluntary or involuntary. The term and cost of liquidation depends on certain aspects. Dormant companies can be simply dissolved. In case a company has debts, the formal liquidation procedure shall be followed which takes a few months.
A liquidation request in Cyprus can be filed with the court by the company itself, any shareholder, Official Receiver or creditor. The company is liquidated in Cyprus based on the following grounds:
- Shareholders of the company decide by a special resolution that the company should be dissolved;
- The company does not operate within a year after the date of its incorporation or suspends its business for one year;
- The company cannot pay its debts;
- The company failed to deliver statutory report to the Cyprus Register of Companies.
Upon such qualified decision is made, the liquidator is appointed who prepares the final financial statements, calls for filing of claims and distribute net assets. The liquidator prepares final balance sheet, settle debts to creditors, and pays all taxes and wages. Once all the debts have been paid to creditors and all the tax liability has been satisfied, the company is dissolved and cancelled in the Cyprus Register of Companies.
It should be noted that in case of voluntary or involuntary liquidation, a Cyprus court can restore a Company to the register within two years in certain cases, including if any assets are discovered that should be distributed to creditors. A Cyprus company may apply to the Registrar to be written off the register if: a company is not trading, has no assets and liabilities, no creditors. In this case an affidavit is submitted to the Cyprus courts by the directors. However, any shareholder, creditor or liquidator can apply to restore the company to the register for up to 20 years after its date of write-off.
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