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Cyprus is one of the most business-friendly jurisdictions in Europe, with a 15% corporate tax rate, full access to EU markets, and a registration process that can be completed entirely remotely. DPCA has guided hundreds of international clients through company formation in Cyprus, providing a complete end-to-end service from name approval to ongoing compliance.
Cyprus has become a leading European hub for international business, attracting companies from across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The combination of low taxation, EU membership, political stability, and a skilled English-speaking workforce makes it one of the most attractive jurisdictions for company formation in the world.
With over 500,000 registered companies, 70% of which are owned by non-residents, Cyprus is a proven choice for entrepreneurs, holding structures, trading companies, and IP-owning entities.
Discover all the reasons to invest in Cyprus on our Why Cyprus page.
📌 Important: Cyprus corporate tax is under reform for 2026. Read our latest update on Cyprus Tax Reform 2026 to understand how the changes may affect your business.
Cyprus is not a one-size-fits-all jurisdiction. It is particularly well-suited to specific business profiles. If you fall into any of the categories below, a Cyprus company could offer you meaningful structural, tax, and operational advantages.
If you operate internationally and need a credible EU-based legal entity for contracts, invoicing, or regulatory recognition, a Cyprus private limited company gives you full EU membership status, euro-denominated banking, and access to EU directives at one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe (15%).
Discover why businesses choose CyprusCyprus is a preferred jurisdiction for holding company structures. Dividends received from subsidiaries are generally exempt from tax, there is no capital gains tax on the sale of shares, and Cyprus's double taxation treaty network covering 41+ countries protects cross-border income flows efficiently.
Explore our Tax Advisory servicesCompanies engaged in international trade, whether importing, exporting, or providing services across borders, benefit directly from the 15% corporate tax rate, EU VAT registration, and access to VIES. Non-resident companies are only taxed on income sourced in Cyprus, making it highly efficient for international operations.
See our Accounting and Compliance servicesCyprus offers one of Europe's most attractive IP Box Regimes, reducing the effective tax rate on qualifying intellectual property income, including software royalties and patents, to as low as 2.5%. For technology companies and SaaS founders, this can represent substantial annual savings compared to any other EU jurisdiction.
Learn about the Cyprus IP Box RegimeIndependent professionals and digital nomads who relocate to Cyprus can combine a Cyprus company structure with personal tax residency benefits, including the Non-Dom regime (no dividend tax), the first €19,500 of salary tax-free, and low National Insurance contributions. Residency permits are straightforward to obtain.
Yellow Slip (EU residents) Pink Slip (non-EU residents)Groups with complex cross-border structures use Cyprus entities for tax-efficient profit repatriation, royalty routing, and holding purposes. The Notional Interest Deduction (NID), group relief provisions, and carried-forward losses make Cyprus a sophisticated tool for multi-jurisdictional tax planning.
Learn about Notional Interest Deduction (NID)If you are moving to Cyprus personally, whether from within the EU or from outside, setting up a Cyprus company alongside your relocation enables you to benefit from both corporate and personal tax advantages simultaneously. DPCA provides end-to-end support for both your company formation and your personal tax position.
See our Tax Advisory servicesNot sure if Cyprus is the right fit for your structure? Book a free advisory call with our team. We will assess your situation and give you an honest recommendation.
When you register a company in Cyprus through DPCA, our full incorporation package covers everything you need from day one, with no hidden steps or surprise requirements.
Every incorporation includes the following official documents and registrations:
Annual fees vary based on the volume and complexity of your company’s activities. The annual maintenance package typically includes:
We provide transparent, tailored fee structures based on your company’s specific needs. Learn more about our Accounting Services and Audit and Assurance offerings.
Submit your preferred company name to the Registrar of Companies. Name approval typically takes 3 to 5 working days with expedited processing. Names must be unique and cannot imply illegal activity. Certain keywords such as “banking” or “insurance” may require additional regulatory consent.
Your Memorandum and Articles of Association must be drafted, defining the company’s objects, share capital, and internal governance. For most private companies, a share capital of €1,000 is standard, though no minimum is legally required. Key documents include certified copies of passports, proof of address, and shareholder information.
A Cyprus private limited company requires at least one director, one secretary, and one shareholder. For tax residency purposes, it is strongly recommended to appoint Cyprus-resident directors. DPCA provides nominee director and secretary services to ensure full compliance.
The company must maintain a registered office address in Cyprus for all statutory correspondence and records. DPCA’s Business Center provides this service as part of the formation package.
All documents are submitted to the Department of the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver online via e-filing. On successful processing, you receive the Certificate of Incorporation and the full document pack. With expedited processing, this typically takes 6 to 8 working days from the start of the process.
Simultaneously with or after incorporation, the company is registered with the Cyprus Tax Department for a Tax Identification Number and with the VAT Authority if applicable. VAT registration is required when annual taxable turnover exceeds €15,600 or for EU B2B transactions.
DPCA assists clients in opening corporate bank accounts at reputable local Cypriot banks, providing all necessary KYC documentation and liaising with banking institutions on your behalf. Full internet banking is available for international transactions.
Understanding the time and cost involved in registering a company in Cyprus helps you plan confidently. Below is a transparent breakdown based on official government fees and market-standard professional service ranges.
| Stage | Standard | Fast-Track |
|---|---|---|
| Company Name Approval | Up to 2 weeks | 3 to 4 working days |
| Document Preparation (M&AA, HE forms) | 2 to 3 days | 2 to 3 days |
| Registrar Filing and Registration | 2 to 3 weeks | 6 to 8 working days total |
| VAT and Tax Registration | 5 to 10 working days | 5 to 10 working days |
| Bank Account Opening | 2 to 6 weeks | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Total (approx.) | 4 to 6 weeks | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Fee Item | Standard | Fast-Track |
|---|---|---|
| Name Application | €10 | €30 |
| Stamp Duty on HE1 | €0 (abolished Jan 2026) | €0 (abolished Jan 2026) |
| Registrar Filing Fee | €165 | €265 |
| Certificate Pack (4 certs + M&AA) | €153 | €233 |
| Total Government Fees | ~€328 | ~€528 |
Stamp duty abolished under Law 239(I)/2025, effective 1 January 2026.
Professional fees cover the legal work, document preparation, registered office, nominee services, and compliance management.
| Service | Typical Market Range |
|---|---|
| Company Incorporation (legal + Registrar fees) | €1,200 to €3,000 |
| Registered Office (annual) | €200 to €350 per year |
| Company Secretary (annual) | €250 to €450 per year |
| Nominee Director (annual, if required) | €400 to €800 per year |
| Bank Account Assistance | €0 to €500 (one-off) |
📌 DPCA provides transparent, tailored quotations based on your company's specific needs. Request a quote.
| Annual Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Annual Government Levy | ✅ Abolished as of 2024 |
| Accounting and Bookkeeping | From ~€500 per year (holding) to €3,000+ per year (active trading) |
| Statutory Audit | From ~€1,200 per year. Mandatory for all Cyprus companies. |
| VAT Returns (if registered) | Quarterly; from ~€120 to €250 per quarter |
Setting up a company is just the beginning. The DPCA Business Center provides a full suite of physical and virtual office services to give your Cyprus company a genuine, operational presence, whether you are based locally or on the other side of the world.
Yes, completely. The entire company registration process can be handled remotely through DPCA, with no need to be physically present in Cyprus at any stage. From document preparation and name approval, to submission with the Registrar of Companies, tax registration, and even corporate bank account opening, everything is managed on your behalf. Many of our international clients have never set foot in Cyprus and have fully operational companies that are registered, compliant, and active. All we need are certified copies of your identification documents, which can be sent digitally or by post
With expedited processing at the Registrar of Companies, the full process from name approval to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation is typically completed in 6 to 8 working days. Standard processing can take 4 to 6 weeks. Most DPCA clients choose the expedited route, which costs approximately €200 more in government fees but significantly reduces waiting time. Bank account opening runs in parallel and typically takes an additional 2 to 6 weeks depending on the bank and KYC requirements.
Cyprus currently has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in the European Union at 15%. Note that Cyprus is undergoing a corporate tax reform for 2026 that may adjust this rate. We recommend reading our Cyprus Tax Reform 2026 article and speaking with our Tax Advisory team for the latest planning guidance.
No. Non-residents can freely register and own 100% of a Cyprus company. However, for the company to be considered tax resident in Cyprus and benefit from the 15% corporate tax rate, it must be managed and controlled from Cyprus. This typically means having Cyprus-based directors. DPCA provides nominee director services for exactly this purpose.
For a private limited company, there is no legally required minimum share capital, though €1,000 is the most common authorised capital used in practice. For public limited companies, the minimum is €25,630.
Yes. Cyprus law permits the use of nominee directors, secretaries, and shareholders. This is commonly known as the Practice of Nominees and is widely used to maintain the privacy of the beneficial owners, who retain full control through a trust deed or declaration. DPCA provides fully compliant nominee services.
A Cyprus company must file an annual return with the Registrar of Companies, prepare audited financial statements each year, and submit corporate tax returns annually. VAT filings (typically quarterly) and payroll obligations apply where relevant. Our Accounting Services and Administrative Services teams manage all of this for you.
Yes. Cyprus has double taxation treaties with over 41 countries, including major economies across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. These treaties prevent businesses from being taxed twice on the same income and are one of the key reasons international investors choose Cyprus as their EU base.
Yes. Cyprus companies that hold and exploit qualifying intellectual property, including software, patents, and other IP, may benefit from an effective corporate tax rate as low as 2.5% under the Cyprus IP Box Regime. This is particularly attractive for tech, software, fintech, and innovation-driven businesses and is one of the most competitive IP regimes in the EU.
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