Company Formation

Cyprus Company Formation

Establish your company in Cyprus — an EU member state offering one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at 12.5%. We handle the entire process from name approval to tax registration.

Why incorporate in Cyprus?

Cyprus offers a 12.5% corporate tax rate — one of the lowest in the EU. Dividends received from subsidiaries and profits from securities sales are generally exempt. The OECD-compliant IP Box regime can reduce the effective rate on qualifying IP income to as low as 2.5%.

As a full EU member, Cyprus provides Single Market access, EU passporting and a network of 65+ tax treaties. The legal system follows English common-law traditions, with court proceedings available in English. The Non-Dom programme allows qualifying individuals to receive dividends and interest free of Special Defence Contribution for up to 17 years.

12.5%

Corporate tax

EU

Full member state

65+

Tax treaties

2.5%

IP Box effective rate

12.5% corporate tax

Cyprus offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the EU at 12.5%. Dividends received from subsidiaries and profits from the sale of securities are generally exempt.

EU member state

Full EU membership provides access to the Single Market, EU passporting for services and 65+ double-taxation treaties — more than any other small EU state.

No restrictions on foreign ownership

Foreign investors can own 100% of a Cyprus company. A single shareholder and a single director are sufficient for a private limited company.

English common-law base

Cyprus corporate law follows the English common-law tradition, providing a familiar framework for international investors. Court proceedings can be conducted in English.

IP Box regime

An OECD-compliant IP Box regime provides an effective tax rate as low as 2.5% on qualifying intellectual property income — highly attractive for tech and IP-intensive businesses.

Non-domicile regime

The Non-Dom programme allows qualifying individuals to receive dividends and interest free of Special Defence Contribution tax for up to 17 years, making Cyprus attractive for entrepreneurs.

Cyprus company formation

Setup costs depend on your specific structure and requirements. Contact us for a personalised quotation.

Cyprus Company Formation

Cyprus company formation costs vary based on the share capital, regulatory requirements and any CySEC licensing. We'll analyse your situation and provide a detailed cost breakdown.

The incorporation process

A clear, guided path from first consultation to a fully registered Cyprus company.

  1. 1

    Initial consultation

    Day 1

    We discuss your objectives, recommend the optimal structure and identify any regulatory or licensing requirements.

  2. 2

    Name approval

    1–2 days

    We submit your preferred company name to the Registrar of Companies for approval.

  3. 3

    Document preparation

    2–3 days

    We draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association, statutory forms and shareholder/director agreements.

  4. 4

    KYC & due diligence

    3–5 days

    We collect certified ID, proof of address, bank references and source-of-funds documentation for all beneficial owners.

  5. 5

    Registrar filing & incorporation

    3–5 days

    We file with the Registrar of Companies. Upon approval you receive the Certificate of Incorporation, company number and registered-office details.

  6. 6

    Tax & VAT registration

    3–5 days

    We register for corporate income tax and VAT (if applicable) with the Cyprus Tax Department.

What you'll need

Comprehensive documentation — we'll guide you through every step.

Individual shareholders / directors

  • Certified copy of passport
  • Proof of residential address (< 3 months)
  • Bank reference letter
  • CV / professional profile
  • Source of funds / wealth declaration

Corporate shareholders

  • Certificate of Incorporation (certified)
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Register of directors, shareholders & UBOs
  • Certificate of Good Standing
  • Board resolution authorising the investment

Company details

  • Proposed company name (2–3 alternatives)
  • Detailed description of business activities
  • Registered office address in Cyprus
  • Proposed share capital and share structure

Advantages

  • 12.5% corporate tax — one of the lowest in the EU
  • Dividends & securities profits generally tax-exempt
  • IP Box regime with an effective rate as low as 2.5%
  • 65+ double-taxation treaties
  • English common-law legal system
  • Non-Dom programme for individuals
  • Full EU membership — Single Market access

Things to consider

  • Annual audited accounts and tax returns required
  • Company secretary mandatory
  • Substance requirements for tax-residency claims
  • Some sectors require CySEC or other regulatory licences

Frequently asked questions

What is the corporate tax rate in Cyprus?
The standard rate is 12.5% on taxable profits. Dividends received from subsidiaries and profits from selling securities (shares, bonds, debentures) are generally exempt from tax.
How long does it take to incorporate?
Once all documents are ready, the Registrar typically processes the application within 3–5 business days. The full process including tax registration takes 2–3 weeks.
Do I need a local director?
There is no strict legal requirement, but having a majority of Cyprus-resident directors is strongly recommended to establish tax residency and qualify for treaty benefits.
What is the IP Box regime?
The IP Box allows qualifying IP income (royalties, embedded IP profits) to be taxed at an effective rate of approximately 2.5%. It applies to patents, copyrighted software and other qualifying IP assets.
Can a Cyprus company open a bank account?
Yes. Cyprus has a well-developed banking sector. We introduce you to our banking partners to facilitate the account-opening process.
Is Cyprus suitable for holding companies?
Yes. The combination of the dividend-exemption regime, no withholding tax on dividends paid to non-resident shareholders, the extensive treaty network and the low corporate rate makes Cyprus one of the most popular EU holding-company jurisdictions.

Register in Cyprus

Get a tailored quote for your Cyprus company — we'll recommend the best structure for your goals.

+852 5803 1008

Ready to set up in Cyprus?

Speak with our team for a free consultation. We'll help you choose the right structure and handle the entire process.

+852 5803 1008