How to Register a Company in Cyprus

With the right information, registering a company in Cyprus is easy.

In registering a company in Cyprus, you have the option of hiring an agent to carry out the registration on your behalf. This includes Cyprus lawyers or accountants. One important thing about starting a company in Cyprus is that there is no minimum or maximum amount of capital you will be required to invest. You can state the amount of capital in any currency in your business plan. But you must also provide a detailed description of the type of business that you intend to start in Cyprus.

Instructions

1. Register the company name. Make an application to the Registrar of Companies to see whether your proposed business name is available. It is advisable to have at least two or three names to increase the likelihood of one of the names being available. This will cost £ 5 (US $6.38). If you need the business name approved urgently, you will be required to pay £ 15 (US$19) .

2. Get a registered office. You need a physical address. The company must have a registered business address located in Cyprus.

3. 

   Get a company secretary.

   Get a secretary. It is compulsory to have a company secretary. You can get a secretary from secretarial service providers in Cyprus if you do not have a secretary at the time of registration.

4. Get shareholders. Your company should have at least one shareholder if your company is limited by shares. If the shareholder (s) wants anonymity, then a trustee company can hold the shares on behalf of the individual. The trustee is legally required not to disclose the names of the shareholders. Each shareholder will be required to provide a bank reference. The company will be required to have the following information about each of its shareholders: the full name, residential address and business address. The company also requires the date of birth, nationality ,occupation, notarized copy of a passport and any previous business activities the shareholder has engaged in.

5. Get directors. Though it is not a must, it would be advisable that a large percentage of your board of directors be residents of Cyprus. This will help the company to benefit from low taxation because Cyprus residents will control and run the company. You will be required to have the following information about the directors: the full name, nationality, address, notarized copy of a passport, date of birth and a list of any other company the individual is a director of in Cyprus.

6. Get the registration documents. After your company registration is approved, you will be provided with copies of the following documents by the Registrar of Companies, translated into English: Memorandum and Articles of Association, Certificate of shareholders, certificate of directors and certificate of registration. You will also get share certificates and certificate of registered address.

Tips & Warnings

• You can present your business documents in any language, provided you also present a translation of the same documents in Greek.

References

• Alpha Bank: Registering a Company in Cyprus
• Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver: FAQ's