Cyprus Law is a mixture of Legislative Statutes and case law. Its structure is largely based on English Law and English case Law is closely followed. A business entity may have one of the following forms:

• Sole Proprietorship
• Limited Company
• Partnership
• Branch of Company Incorporated Overseas

In addition to the general type of companies that can be formed the Law also provides for the formation of Special Purpose Companies as follows:

• International Banking Units / Administrative Banking Units
• Captive Insurance Companies
• International Collective Schemes
• Shipping Companies
• Trusts

Foreign Companies and Individuals can register an international company in Cyprus for the purpose of carrying on a business outside Cyprus provided that they obtain the permission of the Central Bank of Cyprus. They can also apply to establish a local company with no major restrictions in holdings in most industries.

Usually an international company in Cyprus may be registered within 10 business days. The cost of registration varies, but, for indicative purposes, for a small capital company of say CYP 5.000 (appr. USD10.000) the cost is approximately USD 1.500 (all costs and fees included) and with a yearly cost of approximately USD 2.000 (including audit and compliance fees). Costs may vary according to company size, complexity and special requirements. For a more accurate quotation, please give us details of your requirements using our contact form giving us a short description of the overall proposed operation.

If you wish us to proceed with a registration of a company in Cyprus please download and print our "Application to Form a Company" and remit it to us by airmail duly completed and signed together with the relative documents as specified in the instructions.