Open A Company In Cyprus: How To Stay Out Of Trouble?

Cyprus is widely recognized as an entrepreneurial paradise for business development. Companies in Cyprus are easy to open and come with many benefits – but there are complications associated, too.

In this article, we look at the critical factors you need to take into account to avoid any issues when setting up a company in Cyprus.

Overview of Cyprus business context

First and foremost, let’s look at all the crucial facts associated with doing business in Cyprus.

Cyprus has established a reputation for being a safe and reliable jurisdiction. The country has one of the most beneficial tax plans in the world, including more than 60 double-tax treaties.

A non-Cyprus tax resident company is only taxed on certain income from permanent establishments (PEs) within Cyprus, making it particularly favorable for SMEs and startups. Moreover, Cyprus is one of the jurisdictions with the lowest corporate tax rate in the European Union (12.5%).

Furthermore, Cyprus offers a business-friendly environment that embraces business potential and development.

The simplicity of opening and running a company in Cyprus is also worth a mention. Incorporating a company is normally low-cost and can be done within a few working days.

How to open a company in Cyprus

Before registration, you must determine the company’s business structure. It can be a Variable Capital Investment Company, Public Companies, Limited liability company by guarantee, or Private Company Limited by Shares. A limited liability company is one of Cyprus’s most common types of businesses in Cyprus.

There are four main steps to forming a Cyprus company.

Step 1: Prepare the required documents

Careful preparation will help you have a Cyprus company registered faster. It also increases your chance to own the company. Below is a checklist of what documents you must have for the incorporation:

• Company type;
• Business scope;
• Registered office;
• Statement of capital; and
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (MAA).

Step 2: Name your company

Check your desired entity name if it is the unique name in the company registrar of Cyprus. The country will only accept a name that is different from other registered companies.

Step 3: Submit the required documents and information

After having all the required documents, you must submit them to the Registrar of Companies in Cyprus and wait for the approval.

Step 4: Submit the related fees and receive the result

The Cyprus incorporation process usually takes around 5 working days. If you submit all required papers, information, and fees, you are most likely to own a Cyprus company.

Cyprus company legal requirements

Company formations in Cyprus are generally linked with certain legal requirements. Any businesses in Cyprus need to comply with the following mandatory factors:

• Registered office

The company is required to have an official address in Cyprus, where notices are sent (e.g. letters from the Registrar of Companies), company registers such as members and director details, charges, and other relevant documents are maintained.

• Directors

Businesses in Cyprus must have two directors (or one director if it is a private company), who can be residents or foreigners. It is advised to appoint local directors to create effective management and control in Cyrus.

• Audit

Under the International Accounting and Auditing Standards, Cyprus businesses must be audited annually by a firm of auditors.

• Secretary

Every company is required to appoint an individual or secretarial company for this position. The secretary of the company can be a Cyprus resident or a foreigner.

• Share capital

Under Cyprus Company law, there is no minimum share capital requirement for private companies, while the minimum capital of a public company is €25,629.

• Annual general meeting

All Cyprus corporations must hold a meeting of shareholders at least once a year within 18 months from the incorporation date. To better understand the concept, read our guide to the annual general meeting in Cyprus to make sure you handle it properly.

GUIDE TO COUNTRIES’
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE

Gain more oversight into corporate compliance requirements of over 18 jurisdictions. Get your results now!

Compact view of your company’s regulatory requirements

A quick breakdown of key reporting timelines

Get Started

Costs related to running a business in Cyprus

One of the most complicated aspects of company formation in Cyprus is the costs related to its setup and operation.

If you want a trouble-free process of running a company on your own, it is essential to be aware of these costs and have your budget fully prepared.

Below are several business costs that we think are worth mentioning:

• Business registration

Business owners can choose to submit payment for company setup online or offline. Online registration is normally payable by credit card, while offline payment can be submitted by hand or by post.

• Name approval

The fee payment of €10 must be paid for every proposed name made by the business.

• Office maintenance

A registered office is considered mandatory for businesses in Cyprus. The fees for Cyprus offices may vary depending on the service providers. Business owners can choose the options that best suit their needs.

Apart from initial setup costs, it is also crucial for companies to keep track of maintenance costs to sustain business activities.

• Annual fee

Every registered company that has established a place of business in Cyprus must submit an annual fee of €350 by the 30th of June for each year of operation.

• Accounting service

Every business in Cyprus must keep proper accounting records according to the International Financial Reporting Standards and the provisions of the Companies Law.

If business owners choose to consult a professional accountant, the accounting cost will be imposed depending on the services.

• Bank account opening

The costs related to the corporate bank account opening should be taken into consideration. The actual amount can vary significantly depending on the banks and the services attached to the accounts.

Challenges of starting a business in Cyprus

Besides many benefits, setting up a company in Cyprus has some flip sides. Here, we look into some challenges when incorporating your company in Cyprus.

• Corporate privacy

It can be a bit more challenging if you are planning to raise more capital from outside investors for your Cyprus company. The country requires you to publicize the details of all shareholders and directors. However, the country allows nominee services, so you can keep the information more confidential.

• Language

The regulations and procedures for government projects are carried out exclusively in the Greek language. International business owners should take notice to prevent any potential conflicts and misunderstandings.

• Corporate bank account

Any established company in Cyprus needs to have a bank account to ensure a stable flow of business payments.

Banks in Cyprus normally have very detailed evaluations and strict procedures, which may pose challenges for businesses. One challenge is that Cyprus bank may require face-to-face interviews.

Though the benefits of setting up a business in Cyprus outweigh the challenges, business owners should acknowledge the factors that may potentially cause problems before taking any further steps with company incorporation.

If you’d like BBCIncorp to help you set up a company in Cyprus, don’t hesitate to drop a message or talk with one of our expert consultants via service@bbcincorp.com!

In the meantime, why not head over to our Cyprus company registration fees and services for a full breakdown of the packages we offer?