FAQ

1. Why Cyprus and not some other country?

Cyprus has one of the lowest taxation systems for both businesses and individuals. Its banking system is completely sound, and the country is experiencing strong growth and has promising prospects.

2. Is Cyprus a member of the European Union and the Eurozone?

Cyprus is a member of the European Union and the Eurozone. The official currency is the Euro.

3. What kind of Cypriot company do I need?

A Limited Liability Company with shares (Ltd.). A Cypriot Limited Liability Company (Ltd.) can be used for commercial purposes, provision of services, e-commerce stores, technology and IT companies, holding real estate, shipping services, and holding intellectual property.

4. What is the minimum share capital of a Cypriot company?

There is no minimum or maximum share capital for a Cypriot company.

5. Do I need a Cypriot to be a shareholder in my company?

Of course not.

6. Can I have more than one company in my name?

Yes, you can have as many as you want.

7. Can I set up a company in Cyprus without visiting the country?

Yes. The company formation is done remotely without your physical presence. Our legal department handles all the procedures for you.

8. How long does the process of establishing a company in Cyprus take?

On our end, once you have sent us all the necessary documents, we need 7-8 business days for the approval of the name you choose and the submission of the required documents to the relevant department.

9. Can I be paid from my bank account in a currency other than the Euro?

Yes, you can open any corporate account you wish.

10. Can a Cypriot company have a bank account with online banks?

Yes, it can.

11. What information and documents are required to set up a company in Cyprus?
  • ID card with Latin characters or a valid passport.
  • A recent utility bill (electricity, telephone, mobile phone, or water) that shows your residential address.
  • The percentage of shares – the number of shares to be held by the shareholders.
  • A description of the company’s business activities, so we can determine if any special licensing is required for the company’s launch (e.g., online betting services).
  • 2 or 3 alternative names for your company.
  • Depending on the choice of banking institution for opening the corporate bank account, a curriculum vitae (CV) of the shareholders and a letter of recommendation from a bank or a lawyer may be required.
12. What is the process for establishing a Cypriot company?

The establishment process is divided into 2 stages.

  1. Name Approval Process
    The first stage is the approval of the name you have indicated for your company. The approval process takes 2 to 4 business days.
  2. Memorandum and Articles of Association and Submission of Application for Incorporation
    After the name is approved, the company’s memorandum and articles of association are prepared according to the nature of the company’s activity and are signed by the shareholders. With the signing of the appointment documents, the application for company incorporation is submitted electronically to the Registrar of Companies of Cyprus.

Upon the company’s approval by the Registrar of Companies of Cyprus, applications are made to the tax office to obtain a Cypriot Tax Identification Number (TIN).

13. What documents are delivered to the shareholders after the establishment of the Cypriot company?

After the establishment of your company in Cyprus, we deliver the following documents to you:

  • Certificate of Incorporation of the company
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association of the company
  • Certificate of appointment of the secretary and director of the company
  • Address of the company’s registered office
  • Share Certificate
What should the structure of a Cypriot company be?

Shareholders
Limited liability companies must have at least one shareholder and cannot have more than fifty (50).

Members of the Board of Directors (Director/Secretary)
The company must have at least one director. The directors must be 18 years of age or older.

Registered Office
The company must maintain a registered office in the Republic of Cyprus, with a physical presence, and it cannot be a post office box. All correspondence, updates, and notifications from the Registrar of Companies and the bank are sent to the registered office address. You can see detailed information in the corresponding section on our website: Lease – rental of registered office – professional establishment for your company in Cyprus.

15. What other actions are performed after the registration and establishment of the company in Cyprus?

The company is obliged, within one month of its establishment, to register with the tax authorities and have its Tax Identification Number (TIN) issued. Also, within one month, it must be registered in the Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO).

16. What is the process for opening a bank account in Cyprus and how long does it take?

Our company, in collaboration with you, undertakes to complete the applications required for opening a bank account, which are then sent to the shareholders for signature. Then, from the moment of signing, the documents are sent to the bank, which processes them, and a video conference is scheduled for the opening of the bank account. The process on our part is estimated to take 3 business days. Your physical presence in Cyprus is NOT required to open the corporate bank account.

17. What accounting standards are followed in Cyprus?

In Cyprus, the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are followed, as in most European Union countries.

18. What is included in our company's fee?

Our fee includes everything, as you are informed in detail about all costs from the beginning, without any hidden charges or future costs. From the start, everything is clarified and calculated according to the data you have presented to us for your company’s needs.
Our company also offers consulting and guidance for the correct process of opening and establishing your company, both before and after, during its operation.
If you are satisfied with our cooperation, we remain by your side over the long term with the aim of developing your company. We are not of the philosophy of ignoring your calls and requests, as we are consultants, not just facilitators.

19. Do you offer solutions for the registered office of the Cypriot company?

Our company has its own premises to house your dreams and your company. With a real lease agreement and the lowest charge on the market. Our goal and purpose is the development of your company for many years without problems.

20. Do you offer accounting, legal, and other services for my company?

Localit Consulting has a highly specialized and well-trained network of partners in Cyprus and Greece, offering you solutions for your accounting, consulting, and legal services. We also have an internal team to discuss the possibility of submitting your company for any available funded support programs.

Our company does not only provide solutions before the establishment of your company but also afterwards, which is a key part of our service. This is why we have satisfied clients worldwide.

Our partner lawyers are licensed members of the Cyprus Bar Association, and our accountants, tax advisors, and certified auditors are members of ICPAC (Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus). This demonstrates both professionalism and a serious approach to every project and client.

21. Can I become a tax resident of Cyprus?

Yes. The incorporation documents (e.g., HE1, Memorandum & Articles of Association) are signed/drafted by a lawyer who is a member of the Cyprus Bar Association. Localit Consulting has an experienced and fully qualified team of legal advisors, all members of the Cyprus Bar Association.

22. What are the basic documents required for the incorporation and the complete KYC (Know Your Client) file?

Passport, proof of address (utility bill), description of business activity, shareholding structure, CV/resume, tax clearance certificate, reference letter.

23. What is a registered office – lease? Is it necessary?

The registered office is the official Cyprus address of the company (not a P.O. Box) for legal/tax correspondence as well as the actual presence of the company. Yes, it is mandatory for proper compliance. Localit Consulting provides owned premises for your company’s registered office at the lowest market rate.

24. Do I need a resident director and secretary?

Yes, for tax substance and bank access, and it is required by Cyprus law. “Substance” refers to local administration (board meetings), management, possibly staff/office, and active operations in Cyprus to ensure your company is considered a Cyprus company. The director and secretary submit annual returns, UBO updates, HE32, etc.

25. What are the main annual obligations after incorporation?

Maintain accounting books, file tax returns, submit VAT, update UBO, annual registration with the Registrar, and prepare annual financial statements – audit. Localit Consulting has an experienced team of accountants, tax advisors, and auditors (members of ICPAC) to ensure compliance with IFRS, auditing standards, and Cyprus tax law.

26. Do I need a statutory audit (audit – annual financial statements)?

Yes. Localit Consulting has a specialized department with experience and know-how, members of ICPAC (Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus).

27. What is the UBO register?

It is the Register of Ultimate Beneficial Owners. It lists the final real owners – shareholders (natural persons). Initial declaration is made upon incorporation, with annual updates.

28. Are nominee directors/secretaries allowed?

Yes, under contractual terms for rights/obligations and full compliance with AML/KYC.

29. What applies to transfer pricing – intra-group transactions?

For transactions with related parties, documentation and sometimes filings/tables are required, based on thresholds.

30. Can I become a tax resident of Cyprus?

Yes, if you meet the criteria and conditions. Localit Consulting will advise you safely on changing tax residence based on your data.

31. Does the Republic of Cyprus offer grants for companies?

Yes. Localit Consulting informs you of any relevant opportunities if a subsidized program is available at that time

32. Can I issue a residence permit – yellow slip in Cyprus?

Yes, if you meet the criteria and conditions.

33. Does the Republic of Cyprus offer grants for companies?

Yes. Localit Consulting informs you of any relevant programs if available at that time.

34. What are the VAT rates in Cyprus?

The standard VAT rate is 19%.
For intra-EU transactions under the VIES system, if both companies are registered, VAT does not apply.
Other VAT rates (depending on activity): 0%, reduced 9%, reduced 5%, exemptions.

35. Can I be employed by my own company in Cyprus?

Yes, if you wish for personal reasons. The company must register for social insurance. Up to €19,500 annually is tax-free. You must declare it in your personal tax return according to your tax residence and pay any applicable tax. Localit Consulting provides tailored advice for your financial situation.

36. What tax will I pay on my company profits in Cyprus?

All Cyprus company taxable profits are taxed at 12.5% regardless of turnover and profitability. The tax rate may be reduced depending on investments, depreciation, and other expenses. Dividend tax is 0%, and no advance tax is required for the next year.

37. In which currency are taxes paid?

Taxes are paid in Euros.

38. What are the HE1, HE2, HE3 forms?
  • HE1: Compliance statement of the memorandum & articles

  • HE2: Company address

  • HE3: Directors & secretary

39. What is HE32?

Annual report submitted every year together with audited accounts to the Registrar.

40. When is a statutory audit required?

When annual turnover exceeds €70,000 or if explicitly requested by the bank/shareholder.

41. What is the Notional Interest Deduction (NID)?

Allows a deemed interest deduction on new equity, reducing the taxable rate even below 3%.

42. What is the NID interest rate for 2025?

For EUR investments in 2025, the rate is 6.9% (official announcement 15/1/2025).

43. Is there a capital gains tax on share transfers?

No, unless the company owns real estate in Cyprus – then CGT 20% applies on the gain.

44. What is non‑dom status?

A natural person who is a tax resident in Cyprus but has not been a tax resident for ≥ 17 of the previous 20 years. Exempt from SDC on passive income.

45. Is VAT required for turnover below €15,600?

Not mandatory. You may register voluntarily to deduct input VAT.

46. What is VAT MOSS?

VAT reporting system for digital B2C services in the EU – now replaced by OSS.

47. What is the standard VAT rate?

19%. Reduced rates: 9% (hotels), 5% (primary residence).

48. What does “substance” mean?

Real management and economic presence: offices, local directors, staff, and bank accounts in Cyprus.

49. What documents are needed for bank KYC?

Certificate of incorporation, UBO, passports, proof of address, business plan, invoices/contracts.

50. How long does it take to open a bank account?

12–20 business days, provided substance requirements are met.

51. What is the nexus ratio in the IP Box?

Ratio of eligible in-house R&D expenses to total expenses related to the IP.

52. What is the micro‑entity threshold?

Turnover ≤ €700,000, total assets ≤ €350,000, and ≤ 10 employees – exempt from audit.

 
 
53. Is there a capital gains tax on crypto profits?

No, except if the token is linked to Cypriot real estate.

54. What is DAC6?

European directive for reporting cross-border arrangements – also applicable in Cyprus.

55. When does the UBO deadline expire?

March 31st each year for data confirmation.

 
56. What is TTS;

Tonnage Tax System – an alternative taxation for shipping companies based on the ship’s tonnage.

57. Can the company issue preferred shares?

Yes, if provided for in the Articles of Association and the Registrar is notified.

58. Are there transfer pricing rules?

Yes, Master File & Local File are required when the group turnover exceeds €750 k or transactions exceed €5 m.

 
 
59. What is strike‑off;

No‑liability statement, publication in the CSE, – completion in 6–9 months.

 
 
60. Can the Ltd employ remote staff outside Cyprus?

Yes, but it does not count towards substance and PE risk is considered.

 
 
61. What is IR63;

Certificate of PAYE and social insurance contributions of employees.

62. Is there a capital gains tax on the sale of real estate?

20% CGT on the gain + indexation allowance.

With the establishment of your company through us, we offer free of charge:

  1. Invoicing / bookkeeping software and accounting entries
  2. Domain name registration in .com or .eu
  3. 1 consultation per month, with a duration of 1 hour
Final prices with no hidden charges, including all services required for the maintenance and smooth operation of your company.

Contact Us

For more information, you may contact Localit Consulting to receive detailed answers to your questions.
Phone: 6982220765, +357 22053831, Email: info@localitco.com
 
Alternatively, you may complete the expression of interest form by clicking here, and we will contact you promptly.

The information provided in this article does not, under any circumstances, constitute pressure or encouragement for anyone with the aim of avoiding applicable laws in each country or circumventing proper tax policies. It is intended solely as advisory content and informational articles. The author expressly disclaims any liability towards any individual, entity, or company that acts or refrains from acting based on all or part of the content of this text. Therefore, no action should be taken or reliance placed on the subject matter or the information herein without first obtaining advice from appropriate and competent professionals regarding one’s activity and entity in general.