COREDO > Company Formation in Cyprus

Company Formation in Cyprus

Advantages of Company Formation in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the most in-demand EU jurisdictions for international business due to its strategic location, developed legal system, and access to the European market. The country offers a favourable corporate tax regime, an extensive double taxation treaty network, and a well-developed infrastructure for international companies and fintech projects.

COREDO has been supporting company formation and business structuring in Cyprus since 2016, providing full legal assistance to international clients.

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Types of Companies in Cyprus

Cypriot legislation provides for several legal forms that are most in demand among foreign investors. The choice of form depends on the scale of the business, the number of participants, and the planned activities.

Private Limited Company (Ltd)

is a private limited liability company and the most popular form among foreign entrepreneurs. The minimum share capital is EUR 1,700 for companies without a physical office in Cyprus, or EUR 17,000 for companies with an office on the island. The number of shareholders ranges from 1 to 50. Appointment of at least one director and a company secretary is mandatory. Each shareholder’s liability is limited to the amount of their contribution to the share capital, minimising personal financial risks.

Public Limited Company (PLC)

is a public joint-stock company suitable for large-scale projects involving public capital. The minimum registered capital is EUR 25,650. The minimum number of shareholders is seven, with no upper limit. A PLC may list its shares on a stock exchange, providing access to a broad range of investors.

International Trust

is established by a non-resident of Cyprus for the benefit of a non-resident beneficiary. A mandatory requirement is that at least one trustee must be a resident of Cyprus. Trusts are widely used for asset protection and tax planning.

General Partnership and Limited Partnership

are partnerships in which two or more persons join together to conduct business. In a general partnership, all partners bear unlimited liability; in a limited partnership, liability is limited for limited partners.

Registration of branch offices of foreign companies is also possible. Branch offices are not separate legal entities but allow conducting business in Cyprus on behalf of the parent company.

Registration Process

The company registration procedure in Cyprus includes the following stages:

Approval of the company name with the Cyprus Registrar of Companies (Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property) — fee of EUR 10, processing time 2 business days.
Preparation of the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association.
Notarisation of documents.
Submission of registration forms HE8 and HE9 electronically via the e-filing system.
Payment of the state fee: EUR 165 (standard procedure) or EUR 265 (expedited processing).
Issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation.
Opening a bank account.

The registration rules are the same for Cyprus residents, EU citizens, and foreign investors. Since December 2021, forms HE8 and HE9 have been consolidated, simplifying the submission procedure. The Registrar of Companies is actively developing electronic services, and most registration stages can be completed remotely through the e-filing portal.

Required Documents

The following documents are required for company registration:

copies of passports of directors and shareholders;

proof of residential address (no older than three months);

Memorandum of Association;

Articles of Association;

completed consolidated forms HE8 and HE9;

document appointing the company secretary.

If corporate shareholders are involved, additional incorporation documents of the parent company, certified with an apostille, must be provided.

All documents are submitted electronically through the e-filing system of the Registrar of Companies. COREDO specialists handle the preparation and submission of the complete set of documents, relieving the client from the need to interact directly with government authorities.

Registration Timelines

The standard registration procedure takes 5–7 business days after submission of the complete document package. With COREDO services and the expedited procedure, the timeline is 3–5 business days. The full cycle of document preparation and registration, including the preliminary stage, takes 2–3 weeks.

COREDO Service Costs

Service	Cost
Company formation in Cyprus (full package)	EUR 4,250 + VAT
Annual maintenance	EUR 3,000 + VAT/year
Bank account opening	from EUR 1,800 to EUR 2,300 + VAT

The cost includes preparation of all documentation, provision of a registered office, payment of state fees, company secretary services, and support at all stages of registration. COREDO services allow you to register a company in Cyprus remotely, without the need for the director or founder to be physically present. COREDO has been providing business registration services in European jurisdictions since 2016 and possesses deep expertise in Cypriot corporate law.

Taxation

Since 1 January 2026, Cyprus has an updated tax system adopted as part of alignment with OECD global rules (Pillar Two). The key changes affect several areas.

The corporate tax rate has been increased to 15% (previously 12.5%). The loss carry-forward period has been extended from 5 to 7 years, giving companies greater flexibility in tax planning. The Special Defence Contribution (SDC) on dividends has been reduced from 17% to 5%, making Cyprus more attractive for profit distribution. A special rate of 8% has been established for income from crypto-asset transactions.

Cyprus retains its existing tax base with current deductions and incentives. Dividends received from subsidiaries are in most cases exempt from taxation. Gains from the sale of securities are also tax-exempt, making Cyprus an attractive jurisdiction for holding structures. An extensive network of double tax treaties with more than 40 countries allows minimising the tax burden in international operations.

Regulation

Company registration is carried out by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property (DRCIP), subordinate to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus. The Registrar provides electronic services through the e-filing portal, simplifying interaction for non-residents. As an EU member state, Cyprus is subject to European directives on AML/CFT, data protection (GDPR), and corporate governance.

Opening a Bank Account

Opening a bank account is a mandatory step when registering a company in Cyprus. Cypriot banks impose strict verification requirements in compliance with European AML/CFT directives. The account opening process includes submission of the company’s incorporation documents, passports of beneficial owners, proof of source of funds, and a description of the intended activities. In some cases, banks require the personal presence of the founder. COREDO provides assistance with opening a bank account in Cyprus; the service cost starts from EUR 1,800 to EUR 2,300 + VAT.

Jurisdiction Features

Cyprus stands out among other EU jurisdictions with its combination of a competitive tax rate and an extensive network of double tax treaties. The legal system of Cyprus is based on English common law, making it familiar and predictable for international investors. Corporate legislation is governed by the Companies Law (Cap.113), which is regularly updated in line with European directives.

Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, providing companies with access to the single European market. The country also joined the eurozone in 2008, eliminating currency risks for operations within the EU. Its strategic geographical location at the crossroads of three continents makes Cyprus a convenient hub for companies operating in the markets of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a company be registered in Cyprus remotely?

Yes, with COREDO’s assistance, company registration in Cyprus can be completed entirely remotely. Our team handles all interaction with the Registrar of Companies, document preparation, and all formalities. The personal presence of the director or founder is not required.

What is the minimum capital required for a Private Ltd in Cyprus?

The minimum share capital for a Private Limited Company is EUR 1,700 if the company does not have a physical office in Cyprus. For companies with a full-scale office on the island, the minimum capital is EUR 17,000.

How has the corporate tax in Cyprus changed in 2026?

Since 1 January 2026, the corporate tax rate in Cyprus has been increased from 12.5% to 15% as part of a comprehensive tax reform aimed at alignment with OECD global rules. At the same time, the dividend tax (SDC) has been reduced from 17% to 5%, and the loss carry-forward period has been extended to 7 years.

How long does company registration take?

The standard procedure takes 5–7 business days. With COREDO services and the expedited procedure, the timeline is reduced to 3–5 business days.

What annual obligations does a company in Cyprus have?

Every company in Cyprus is required to file annual returns with the Registrar of Companies, including confirmation of current information about directors and shareholders. It is also necessary to maintain accounting records, file tax returns, and pay the annual registration fee. COREDO provides annual company maintenance services in Cyprus at a cost of EUR 3,000 + VAT/year.

Is a company secretary required for a company in Cyprus?

Yes, the appointment of a company secretary is a mandatory requirement under Cypriot law for all types of companies. The secretary is responsible for maintaining company registers, filing documents with the Registrar of Companies, and ensuring compliance with corporate procedures. COREDO provides company secretary services as part of the registration package.

Our Experts

Pavel Kos

Head of Legal, COREDO.

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COREDO specialists will provide full support for your company registration in Cyprus — from document preparation to opening a bank account. Since 2016, we have been helping entrepreneurs and investors successfully conduct business in Europe.