Why Cyprus?
Key advantages for foreign founders.
12.5% Corporate Tax
One of the lowest CIT rates in the EU. Combined with the IP Box, effective rates can reach 2.5%.
IP Box Regime (2.5%)
80% deduction on qualifying IP income. Effective rate as low as 2.5% on royalties and patent income.
EU Member State
Full EU and EEA access. Euro currency. Compliant with all EU directives and regulations.
65+ Tax Treaties
Extensive DTA network including UK, Russia, India, China, UAE. No WHT on outbound dividends in many cases.
Shipping & Tonnage Tax
Among the world’s top 10 ship management centres. Tonnage tax system for qualifying shipping companies.
English Common Law
Legal system based on English common law. Business-friendly courts and international arbitration.
How Cyprus Compares
Side-by-side with Europe’s top jurisdictions.
| Jurisdiction | CIT | Min Capital | Formation | Foreign Own. | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 25% | None | 1–2 days | 100% | Global credibility, fintech |
| 🇪🇪 Estonia | 0% / 20% | €2,500 | 1–3 days | 100% | e-Residency, digital nomads |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 19–25.8% | €0.01 | 1–2 weeks | 100% | EU HQ, holding structures |
| 🇨🇾 Cyprus | 12.5% | None | 1–2 weeks | 100% | IP box, shipping, low CIT |
| 🇲🇹 Malta | 5% eff. | €1,165 | 2–4 weeks | 100% | Gaming, crypto, 5% tax |
| 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 11.9–21% | CHF 20K | 2–4 weeks | 100% | Wealth mgmt, pharma, luxury |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 15% | None | 3–5 days | 100% | Tech HQs, IP, pharma |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 21% | None | 1–2 weeks | 100% | NHR tax, golden visa, D7 |
| 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | 24.94% | €12K | 2–4 weeks | 100% | Funds, SOPARFI holdings |
| 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 15% | €2,500 | 3–7 days | 100% | EMI/fintech licensing, low cost |
Entity Types Available
Choose the right structure for Cyprus.
Private Limited (Ltd)
Most popular. 1 director, 1 shareholder. No min capital. Secretary required (we provide). English common law.
- Registrar of Companies filing
- MOA & AOA
- Tax registration (TAXISnet)
- Secretary appointment
- Registered address Limassol
- Bank account introduction
Public Limited (PLC)
For capital markets access. Min €25,629 capital. Board required. Can list on CSE.
- Registrar filing
- MOA & AOA
- CySEC coordination
- Board setup
- Bank account introduction
How It Works
Our managed formation process.
Name approval & documents
Name check with Registrar of Companies. Prepare MOA, AOA, and director/shareholder consents.
Registrar of Companies filing
Submit incorporation documents. Certificate of Incorporation issued upon approval.
TAXISnet tax registration
Tax registration with the Tax Department. TIC (Tax Identification Code) issued. VAT registration if applicable.
Secretary & registered office
Company secretary appointed (legal requirement). Registered office in Limassol or Nicosia established.
Bank account & operations
Introduction to Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, or Eurobank Cyprus. EUR multi-currency accounts.
What’s Included
Formation Package
- ✓ Company registration & certificate
- ✓ Articles / founding documents
- ✓ Tax registration
- ✓ Registered address (1st year)
- ✓ Bank account introduction
- ✓ Compliance documentation
Documents You Receive
- 📄 Certificate of Incorporation
- 📄 Tax registration certificate
- 📄 Articles of Association
- 📄 Director & shareholder register
- 📄 Corporate seal (where applicable)
- 📄 Bank account confirmation
Tax Overview
Cyprus’s tax framework.
| Tax | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Income Tax | 12.5% | One of the lowest in the EU |
| IP Box | 2.5% eff. | 80% deduction on qualifying IP income |
| Dividend Income | 0% | Exempt from CIT (participation exemption) |
| Capital Gains | 0% | Except on Cyprus immovable property |
| VAT | 19% | Standard. 5% and 9% reduced rates |
| Dividend WHT | 0% | No withholding tax on outbound dividends |
| SDC (Special Defence) | 17% | On dividends received by Cyprus tax residents |
Cost & Timeline Breakdown
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
| Item | Cost (USD) | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Name approval | Included | 1–2 days |
| MOA & AOA preparation | Included | Included |
| Registrar filing | Included | 3–5 days |
| TAXISnet registration | Included | 2–3 days |
| Company secretary (1 yr) | Included | Included |
| Registered address (1 yr) | Included | Same day |
| Bank account introduction | Included | 3–5 days |
| Total Package | From $3,500 | 1–2 weeks |
All prices fixed — no hourly billing.
Speak with a Cyprus Specialist
Our team will guide you through the optimal structure.
What Our Clients Say
Founders who registered through Sovera Global.
“Cyprus was ideal for our holding structure. 0% dividend WHT and 65+ treaties. Sovera handled everything from Registrar to Hellenic Bank.”
“The IP Box at 2.5% effective rate was the deciding factor. Sovera structured our Cyprus entity perfectly for IP licensing royalties.”
Official Resources
Government agencies for company registration in Cyprus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. One of the lowest in the EU. With the IP Box, effective rates can be as low as 2.5%.
80% deduction on qualifying IP income (patents, software copyrights). Effective rate ~2.5%.
No. Cyprus does not impose WHT on outbound dividends regardless of recipient jurisdiction.
Yes. Legal requirement. Sovera provides a professional secretary as part of the formation package.
Yes. No restrictions on foreign ownership.
1–2 weeks including Registrar, tax registration, and banking.
Excellent. Participation exemption on dividends, 0% capital gains (non-CY property), 0% dividend WHT, 65+ DTAs.
Annual accounts, corporate tax return, VAT returns, and annual levy (€350). Secretary and registered office must be maintained.
Ready to register in Cyprus?
Get your personalized quote with exact pricing, timeline, and required documents.
Get Your Cyprus Quote →Expand your operations with specialized licensing and corporate structuring options relevant to this jurisdiction.