Cyprus is an EU and Eurozone member with a legal system based on English common law, which makes it a popular base for founders from around the world. Most businesses choose a private company limited by shares, usually called a Cyprus Ltd. Here is how registration works.
Who can register a company in Cyprus?
Almost anyone. You don’t need to live in Cyprus or be an EU citizen. Non-residents can be shareholders and directors, and the process can be completed remotely. If you want the company to be tax resident in Cyprus, it should be managed and controlled from Cyprus. We explain what that means for your plans during the consultation.
What a Cyprus Ltd needs
- A company name approved by the Registrar of Companies.
- At least one director and at least one shareholder (they can be the same person).
- A company secretary.
- A registered office in Cyprus, where official correspondence is received.
- Memorandum and Articles of Association, the company’s founding documents.
- Details of the beneficial owners, the people who ultimately own or control the company.
Documents you’ll usually provide
- Passport copies of each director, shareholder and beneficial owner.
- Recent proof of address for each of them.
- Two or three name ideas, in order of preference.
- A short description of what the company will do.
- The planned shareholding and share capital.
Banks and service providers must check the identity of company owners, so expect some additional questions about the business and the source of funds. This is normal.
The registration steps
- Consultation and structure. Decide on directors, shareholders, share capital and where the company will be managed.
- Name approval. The proposed name is checked and filed with the Registrar of Companies.
- Prepare the documents. The Memorandum and Articles and the director, secretary and shareholder documents are drafted.
- Sign. Documents are signed, remotely if you are abroad.
- File for incorporation. The documents are submitted to the Registrar of Companies.
- Certificate of incorporation. Once approved, the company legally exists and you receive its corporate documents.
How long does it take?
Registration typically takes 8–10 days from name approval to the certificate of incorporation. The exact time depends on the Registrar’s workload and how quickly documents are signed and returned.
How much does it cost?
The total depends on your structure and which services you need, such as a registered office, company secretary, tax registration and bank account support. We give you one fixed fee in writing after a free consultation, so you know the full cost before anything starts.
What to do after registration
- Register for a tax identification code (TIC) so the company can deal with the Tax Department.
- Register for VAT if your turnover requires it, or voluntarily. Add VIES if you trade with EU businesses, and OSS if you sell online to EU consumers.
- Open a bank account with a Cyprus bank or an electronic money institution (EMI).
- Protect your brand with a trademark if the name matters to your business.
- File the annual return (HE32) every year and keep company records up to date.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner register a company in Cyprus?
Yes. Non-residents can be shareholders and directors of a Cyprus company, and the whole process can be completed remotely.
How long does it take to register a company in Cyprus?
Typically 8–10 days from name approval to certificate of incorporation, depending on the Registrar's workload and how quickly documents are signed.
Do I need to visit Cyprus to open a company?
No. Documents can be signed remotely. You may choose to visit later, for example to meet a bank or for residency purposes.
What do I need to do after the company is registered?
Register for a tax identification code (TIC), register for VAT if required, open a bank account, and file the annual return (HE32) every year.
Ready to start? See our company formation service or send us your details below for a fixed quote.