Cyprus

Cyprus is a popular jurisdiction for international business due to its favorable tax system, access to European markets and developed banking infrastructure. It is a country with English law, which ensures predictable regulation and investment protection. Cyprus has been a member of the European Union since 2004, making it attractive to companies seeking to operate within the EU.

Why choose Cyprus for business?

Stable economic and legal system

english law guarantees reliable protection of investors

Optimal taxation

corporate tax is only 12.5%, and dividends for non-residents are taxed at 0%

Quick registration

a company can be registered within 7 business days

Possibility of remote control

registration and management of the company can be carried out without physical presence

High banking confidence

cyprus banks accept international business if it meets KYC requirements

Favorable double taxation treaties

more than 65 agreements with different countries

Content

Who is this jurisdiction suitable for?

IT and technology companies

Cyprus is great for IT companies, software developers, SaaS services and marketplaces because:

Income tax – 12.5%, which is lower than in most European countries
There is an IP Box regime, which allows to reduce the effective tax rate to 2.5% on income from the use of intellectual property
There is no dividend tax for non-residents, which makes it attractive for international investors and startups
Access to European grants and financing for IT projects

Financial services and investors

Banks, investment funds, asset management companies can use Cyprus as a base for their activities due to:

Licensing of investment firms (CySEC) under the MiFID II regulation
Convenient infrastructure for forex companies, brokers and financial intermediaries
No exchange controls and the ability to move capital around the world

Zero tax on dividends and minimal tax burden on investment income

Fintech and cryptocurrency

Cyprus is one of the leaders in Europe in terms of cryptocurrency regulation. It is suitable for:

Crypto exchanges and trading platforms (obtaining a Crypto Asset Services Provider (CASP) license)
Companies working in the field of DeFi, NFT, Web3 and blockchain solutions
Financial companies that want to use alternative payment systems
Legal storage and management of crypto assets

Export-import business and manufacturers

Cyprus is favorable for international commodity business because:

There is no capital gains tax, which simplifies the resale of assets
There are favorable customs conditions for trade with the EU and the Middle East
Easy customs clearance and international deliveries

Extensive network of agreements on avoidance of double taxation

Construction business and real estate

Cyprus is one of the most attractive jurisdictions for real estate developers and investors:

Favorable tax rates for developers
High demand for commercial and residential real estate due to the program of obtaining residence through investment
Availability of 5% VAT on the first home

Profits from the sale of real estate can be taxed only in case of local presence

Learn about other countries for your business and life

Not sure which country is right for you? Get a free guide – “How to choose a jurisdiction for your business?”

The main criteria for choosing a country
Comparative analysis of 5 countries
Step-by-step plan for starting a business in a new country
5 risks to consider before registering

Get the guide

What do you need to know about Cyprus’ business requirements?

01
Local presence requirements
- Director – at least one (can be non-resident)
- Secretary – required (can be a natural or legal person)
- Legal address – required
- Nominee service available – beneficiary privacy protection
- Financial report and audit – company must keep accounting and submit annual audit
02
Legal forms of companies
- The most popular form is the Private Limited Company (LTD)
- There are no minimum requirements for authorized capital
- Owners and directors can be of any nationality
- Possibility to use nominee services
03
Tax conditions
- Corporate tax – 12.5%
- VAT – 19%, 9%, 5% (depending on the type of activity)
- Dividends – 0% for non-residents
- No withholding tax
04
Banking and finance
- Banks have KYC requirements (verification of owners, UBO)
- Minimum initial deposit in some banks
- Available payment systems (EMI, financial institutions)
05
Annual commitments
- Submission of financial statements (annually)
- Audit – mandatory for all companies
- Annual fee – 350 euros
- Licensing is in effect – financial services, cryptocurrency companies

Client Reviews

Our clients are not just customers, but partners with whom we build successful projects and achieve ambitious goals. We value everyone’s trust and are proud of the results of our joint work.

FAQ

Is it possible to register a company remotely, without a personal visit?

Yes, registration takes place completely remotely.

How long does it take to register a company in Cyprus?

Registration of a company takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date of receipt of the full set of documents.

What documents are required to register a company in Cyprus?

The list of required documents includes:

3 preferred company names;
description of the areas of work of the future company;
national and foreign passports of each beneficiary, founder and director;
identification code of each beneficiary, founder and director;
confirmation of the registration address of each beneficiary, founder and director (e.g., a utility bill).

Can a citizen of another country open a company in Cyprus?

Yes. A person of any nationality can start a business in Cyprus. No citizenship, residency, or residence in the country is required to register a company.

Do I have to file reports if the company does not conduct business?

Thus, even if a company does not conduct business, it must file zero reports.

Do I need a legal address when registering a company in Cyprus?

Yes, a legal address is required; it can be either a physical address or a virtual address.

Will I be able to get a VAT number after registering my business?

Yes, of course, after registering a company, you can start the procedure for obtaining a VAT number.

Cyprus

What do you need to know about Cyprus’ business requirements?

Local presence requirements

Legal forms of companies

Tax conditions

Banking and finance

Annual commitments

FAQ