Company Formation · Cyprus

Company Formation in Cyprus, Done Right

Incorporate a private company limited by shares in an EU member state with a 15% corporate tax rate, an extensive double-tax-treaty network, the IP Box regime, and the non-dom rules. One team handles incorporation, tax and VAT registration, and bank introductions end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Setup time: 1-2 weeks
Foreign ownership: 100%
Min. capital: No practical minimum
Corporate tax: 15% (from 2026)
EU member state: Single market access
Tax treaties: 60+ jurisdictions

Why Choose Cyprus for Company Formation?

Cyprus is a leading EU jurisdiction for holding, intellectual property, trading, and fund structures, combining single-market access with a competitive tax framework. It offers clear advantages for international groups:

EU Member State. Full access to the EU single market, EU directives, and passporting where applicable

Competitive Corporate Tax. A 15% corporate income tax rate from 2026, among the lower headline rates in the EU

Extensive Treaty Network. More than 60 double-tax treaties reducing withholding tax on cross-border flows

IP Box Regime. A preferential effective rate on qualifying intellectual property income

Non-Dom Regime. Non-domiciled individuals can benefit from exemptions on dividends, interest, and rental income

100% Foreign Ownership. No local shareholder requirement; the company can be wholly foreign owned

No Practical Minimum Capital. A private company limited by shares can be formed with nominal share capital

English Common Law Heritage. A legal system rooted in English common law with English widely used in business

Cyprus Company Types

Private Company Limited by Shares

Min. capital: No practical minimum
Shareholders: 1-50
Best for: Most holding, IP, trading, and SME structures

Public Company Limited by Shares

Min. capital: EUR 25,629 minimum
Shareholders: 7 minimum
Best for: Larger operations and public offerings

Holding Company

Min. capital: No practical minimum
Shareholders: 1 minimum
Best for: EU holding structures using the participation exemption

Branch of a Foreign Company

Min. capital: None required
Shareholders: Parent-owned
Best for: Foreign companies establishing an EU presence

Common Uses for Cyprus Companies

EU Holding Companies

A widely used EU holding location, with a participation exemption on qualifying dividends and access to EU directives and the treaty network.

Intellectual Property

The IP Box regime offers a preferential effective rate on qualifying IP income, suited to licensing and technology structures.

International Trading

An EU-resident trading company with single-market access, used for distribution, services, and group treasury functions.

Fund Structures

Cyprus hosts EU-regulated fund vehicles such as AIFs and RAIFs, supported by an established fund services ecosystem.

Note: Costs are indicative and may change with your requirements and regulations. Contact us for a tailored quote.

How Cyprus Incorporation Works

Cyprus companies are incorporated through the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property. The most common vehicle is the private company limited by shares, formed under Cyprus company law, which is rooted in English common law. The process begins with approval of the company name, then filing of the Memorandum and Articles of Association together with the statutory forms. On approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation and the certificates of directors and secretary, registered office, and shareholders. There is no practical minimum share capital, a single shareholder of any nationality is permitted, and the company must maintain a registered office in Cyprus. For tax-residence purposes, management and control should be exercised in Cyprus, which usually involves Cyprus-resident directors. After incorporation, the company registers for tax and, where required, VAT with the Tax Department.

Common Company Types

Private Company Limited by Shares. The most common vehicle for holding, IP, trading, and SME structures.

Public Company Limited by Shares. For larger operations and public offerings, with a higher minimum capital.

Holding Company. A private company used as an EU holding vehicle benefiting from the participation exemption.

Branch of a Foreign Company. For foreign companies establishing an EU presence in Cyprus.

Core Requirements and Documents

Shareholder and director documents: passport copies and proof of address for each individual, plus bank or professional references
Registered office and governance: a registered office must be maintained in Cyprus, and Cyprus-resident directors are usually appointed to establish management and control
Ongoing records: audited financial statements under IFRS, an annual return to the Registrar, a beneficial ownership register, and corporate tax and VAT filings where applicable

Last reviewed: June 2026. Reflects current Cyprus company law and the 2026 tax reform (15% corporate rate).

Cyprus Company Formation Process

From confirming the right structure to incorporation, tax registration, and ongoing compliance, here is the step-by-step path.

Confirm Cyprus Is the Right Fit

We begin with a consultation to understand your holding, intellectual property, trading, or fund objectives and the wider group structure. Our advisors assess whether a Cyprus private company limited by shares is optimal and advise on structure, substance, and tax-treaty planning.

Reserve the Company Name and Prepare Documents

We apply to the Registrar of Companies for approval of the proposed company name and prepare the incorporation package, including passport copies, proof of address, and bank or professional references, completing KYC and AML checks.

Draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association

We draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association defining the company's objects, share capital, and governance, ready for filing with the Registrar of Companies.

Incorporate the Company

We file the statutory forms and the Memorandum and Articles with the Registrar of Companies. On approval, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation along with certificates of directors and secretary, registered office, and shareholders. Incorporation typically completes within one to two weeks.

Arrange Banking, Tax, and Compliance

We register the company for tax with the Tax Department, obtain a tax identification number and VAT registration where required, and support corporate bank account opening. We then set up ongoing compliance, including the beneficial ownership register, annual return, and audited financial statements.

Total time1-2 weeks to incorporate (indicative)

Have questions about the process?

Our experts are here to guide you through each step and answer your questions.

Why Choose AURNÉ for Cyprus Company Formation?

Our team combines EU structuring expertise with efficient service delivery:

EU Structuring Expertise. Experience with EU holding, IP, and trading structures and their substance requirements

Established Relationships. Strong relationships with Cyprus corporate service providers, auditors, and banks

Regulatory Knowledge. Up-to-date understanding of Cyprus company law, tax, and the 2026 reform

Comprehensive Service. End-to-end support from incorporation to ongoing tax, accounting, and compliance

Multi-Jurisdiction Experience. Able to coordinate Cyprus structures with UAE, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, and other jurisdictions

Banking Support. Bank introduction services and documentation assistance

Cyprus Company Formation - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about forming a Cyprus company, EU holding and IP structures, tax, banking, and compliance requirements.

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Company Formation in Cyprus, Done Right

Licensed CSP

50+ yrs combined experience

15+ jurisdictions