Register a Cyprus Company: Formation, Maintenance & Business Setup Guide

Last updated on May 25, 2025

If you’re looking to register a Cyprus company, or you’re considering doing business in Cyprus, it’s essential to understand the available structures and requirements. Cyprus offers several company formation options tailored to different business needs.

 

Types of Business Structures in Cyprus

• Cyprus Company Registration – Establish a private limited liability company with full flexibility and operational freedom. This is the most commonly chosen form.

• Cyprus Branch of a Foreign Company – Open a branch in Cyprus for your foreign-registered business.

• Representative Office – Set up a non-trading presence to promote or support a foreign company.

• Cyprus Partnership Formation – Choose between general or limited partnership structures.

• Sole Proprietorship – An option for individual entrepreneurs.

Among these, forming a Cyprus limited liability company is the most popular due to its structural advantages and broad acceptance in international markets.

 

Key Requirements for Cyprus Company Formation

To successfully register a Cyprus company, the following must be provided:

1. Company Name – Submit at least three name options in order of preference to the Registrar of Companies. One name must be approved to proceed.

2. Corporate Documentation – Include full names, addresses, nationalities, professions, and shareholding percentages (if applicable) for directors, shareholders, and the secretary.

3. Registered Office – A Cyprus address is required. Our firm can provide a registered office if needed.

4. Business Activities – Provide a clear and complete description of the company’s intended operations.

 

Practical Steps for Cyprus Company Registration

The Cyprus company registration process involves the following key steps:

1. Company Name Approval

Submit a name approval request to the Cyprus Registrar of Companies. The name must be unique and not too generic. Avoid restricted words such as “bank,” “trust,” or “international,” which require justification. Our firm can provide a list of pre-approved names to expedite the process. Once approved, the name is reserved for six months.

2. Preparation of Legal Documents

Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association in Greek, outlining share capital, shareholders, and directors. There are no minimum or maximum capital requirements, but we recommend a minimum of €1,000.

You’ll need:

• Shareholder details and percentage of shares held

• At least one director (preferably Cyprus-resident to support tax residency)

3. Statutory Declaration

A Cyprus-qualified lawyer prepares and swears a statutory declaration in court, confirming the company’s compliance with legal requirements.

4. Submission to Registrar

Submit the following to the Cyprus Registrar of Companies:

• Completed statutory forms

• The Memorandum and Articles of Association

• The lawyer’s statutory declaration

If a certified translation is required (e.g., for use in another jurisdiction), it must be provided via affidavit or certified translator.

5. Company Certification

Once approved, the Registrar will publish the registration in the Official Gazette and issue incorporation certificates, including:

• Certificate of Incorporation

• Certificate of Shareholders

• Certificate of Directors and Secretary

• Certificate of Registered Office

• Certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association

6. UBO Register (Ultimate Beneficial Owners)

Within 90 days of incorporation, the company must be registered in the UBO Register via the Cyprus Government Portal (Ariadni). The process includes submitting the company’s corporate email and identification by company officials.

7. Company Seal and Stamp

After incorporation, the company should arrange for its official seal and stamp.

8. Registration with Cyprus Tax Department

Within 60 days of incorporation, apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) by submitting Form TD 2001 (electronically signed by a director). Recommended supporting documents:

• Certificate of Registration

• Certificate of Directors and Secretary

• Passport/ID of the signing director

The tax certificate and unique registration number will be issued by email.

9. VAT Registration (if applicable)

If expected taxable supplies exceed €15,600 in 12 months (or will do so in the next 30 days), the company must register for VAT using Form TD 1101 and a supporting questionnaire. Submission is both electronic and physical.

10. Employer Registration

If the company employs staff, it must register with:

• Social Insurance Services (with the relevant application)

• Ergani Portal for employee registration and terminations

 

Time Required to Register a Cyprus Company

The typical time frame to register a Cyprus company ranges from one to two weeks. This includes name approval, legal document preparation, and submission to the Registrar of Companies.

Additional setup steps, such as arranging for the seal and stamp, UBO registration, and tax ID application, generally take another one to two weeks.

Overall, the full Cyprus company formation process—including registrations with tax and social insurance authorities—can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the complexity and the readiness of the required documentation.

 

Request a Quotation to Register a Cyprus Company

If you would like to register a Cyprus company or receive a detailed quotation, please download and complete our Cyprus company formation form and send it to [email protected].

Cyprus company formation form

We’ll review your needs and provide a transparent, itemized offer.

 

Before You Register a Cyprus Company: Costs & Considerations

It’s important to be aware of possible hidden costs and administrative requirements. Some of these include:

• Bank account opening costs are usually not included in the formation fee.

• Tax registration (TIN, VAT) may be billed separately.

• Audit and tax compliance costs might exclude financial statement preparation, bookkeeping, and annual returns.

• Payroll system setup, if your company will employ staff, includes:

  • Employer registration with Social Insurance Services

  • Optional application for exemption from the Leave Fund

  • Registration on Ergani for staff management

  • Payroll software setup and employee configuration

• Provisional tax obligations: Due on July 31 and December 31 each year for profitable Cyprus companies.

• Monthly obligations for employers include:

  • Payroll and payslip generation

  • Income tax declaration and payment

  • Social insurance contributions

  • Electronic submissions through relevant government portals

  • End-of-year employer return with employee data and tax reporting

Understanding these in advance helps ensure a smooth and transparent company setup experience.

 

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Other Considerations Before You Register a Cyprus Company

Before registering a Cyprus company, it’s also wise to assess broader strategic, regulatory, and operational factors that may affect long-term success. These include:

• Future tax risks related to the complexity or international nature of your business

• Cyprus tax residency rules, management and control requirements, and potential exposure to local taxation

• Double taxation treaties and EU directives (such as the Parent/Subsidiary and Interest & Royalties Directives)

• VAT compliance, including obligations to file VIES returns for EU intra-community trade

• Common Reporting Standards (CRS) and information-sharing obligations in case of passive income

• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance and disclosure of beneficial ownership

• DAC6 and ATAD3 requirements affecting cross-border structures and substance criteria

• Future income, intra-group financing, and dividend/interest planning

• Regulatory and compliance burdens, including staff, payroll, office presence, and document retention

• Assistance with banking, including account opening, KYC requirements, and periodic updates

• Optional services, such as preparing contracts, employment agreements, shareholder arrangements, and establishing a physical presence or full-service office in Cyprus

Evaluating these considerations ahead of time helps align your Cyprus company setup with long-term goals and compliance needs.

 

Maintaining a Cyprus Company: Ongoing Reporting & Compliance

After you register a Cyprus company, maintaining its good standing requires attention to recurring obligations, including tax filings, social insurance reporting, and regulatory compliance. Here’s a breakdown of key responsibilities and their associated deadlines:

Annual & Periodic Obligations

• Preparation of Financial Statements – Audited annually by an independent auditor.

• Annual Tax Return (TD 4) – Submitted after the end of each financial year.

• Annual Return to Registrar of Companies – Includes financial statements and must be filed each year.

• Provisional Tax Payments – For profitable companies: two installments due on July 31 and December 31.

VAT & EU Reporting

• Quarterly VAT Returns – Due after the end of each quarter.

• Monthly VIES Returns – For companies supplying goods/services to other EU VAT-registered entities.

Employer Obligations

If your Cyprus company has employees, the following monthly tasks apply:

• Payroll Processing – Generate salary statements and payslips.

• PAYE (Income Tax) Declarations – Submit electronically with payment reference numbers.

• Social Insurance Payments – Monthly contributions to Cyprus Social Insurance Services.

• Employer’s End-of-Year Return – Includes full employee details, benefits, deductions, and taxes withheld.

Rental & Investment Income Reporting (if applicable)

• Special Contributions on Rent – Monthly payments via the Tax Portal for rents paid to individuals.

• Rent Returns (T.D./I.R.614) – Filed every six months for withheld amounts.

• Interest Income Tax (Defense Contribution) – Biannual reporting and payments (T.D.602).

• Dividend Distribution Tax (T.D.603) – Submitted the month after any dividend payment.

For a complete overview, refer to our Cyprus Tax Calendar.

Remaining compliant ensures your Cyprus company avoids penalties and maintains credibility with tax and regulatory authorities.

 

Cyprus Company Taxation Features & Benefits

Cyprus offers a highly competitive tax regime for resident companies:

Corporate Taxation Highlights

• 12.5% Corporate Tax Rate – Applies to net profits from business and qualifying interest income.

• 0% Withholding Tax – On dividends paid to non-Cyprus tax resident shareholders (subject to conditions).

• 0% Capital Gains Tax – On disposal of shares in private limited companies (except those owning Cyprus real estate).

• Exemption on Dividend & Securities Income – Subject to conditions.

Strategic Tax Tools

• Notional Interest Deduction (NID) – Reduces taxable income for companies financed through equity.

• IP Box Regime – Less than 3% effective tax on qualifying IP income.

International Tax Advantages

• Access to EU Directives – Such as the Parent/Subsidiary and Interest & Royalties Directives.

• Over 60 Double Tax Treaties – With favorable terms.

• No Inheritance Tax – For individuals or company shareholders.

Losses, Restructuring & Transfer Pricing

• Loss Carryforward – Trading losses may be carried forward for up to five years.

• Cross-border Restructuring – Allowed under EU merger rules.

• Transfer Pricing Rules – Based on OECD guidelines.

Capital Allowances & Depreciation

• Wear & Tear Allowances – Range from 3%–33% on assets like machinery, buildings, IT equipment.

• Depreciation – Not deductible for tax purposes; capital allowances are claimed instead.

Why Choose Cyprus for Business

• Fast-track registration – No requirement to be physically present during company formation.

• Ease of banking – Corporate accounts can be opened without the need for travel.

• Limited liability protection – Shareholders are protected.

• Modern trust law – Offers asset protection and international recognition.

• EU Member State – Transparent legal system and access to the single market.

• English-speaking professional community – Many lawyers and accountants are UK-educated.

• Attractive lifestyle – Safe living environment, excellent infrastructure, and over 300 sunny days per year.

 

Ready to Register a Cyprus Company?

Are you ready to unlock the full benefits of doing business in Cyprus? Contact us today to begin your company formation process and take advantage of Cyprus’s business-friendly environment.

📞 Tel: +357 22 340000
📧 Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general guidance only. It does not constitute legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.