Cyprus Company Incorporation Timeline: From Inquiry to Ready to Trade

Thinking about expanding your business to Europe or starting a new venture in a strategic location? Cyprus stands out as one of the most tax-efficient and business-friendly jurisdictions in the EU. This blog post walks you through the timeline you can use to plan resourcing, cash flow and first expenses. Every case is unique, but these are realistic averages we see at Asterisk Corporate Services and which may be applicable to your Cyprus Company Incorporation.

Cyprus Company Incorporation – Step-by-Step Process

Phase

What happens

Who does what

Typical timing

1. Discovery call

Clarify business model, structure, shareholders, and any licensing/banking needs.

You: share a brief profile. Asterisk: advise best approach & quote.

0–2 days

2. KYC & onboarding

Collection of passports/IDs, proof of address, corporate docs (if any), and business profile.

You: send documents. Asterisk: compliance review.

2–5 days (parallel with Name)

3. Company name

Name search and reservation with the Registrar of Companies.

Asterisk: file and monitor.

1–3 days

4. Incorporation filing

Draft and file Memorandum & Articles; appoint director(s), secretary, shareholder(s).

Asterisk: prepare & submit; You: e‑sign/scan where needed.

3–5 days

5. Certificates issued

Registrar issues Certificates of Incorporation/Directors/Shareholders.

Asterisk: deliver to you.

1–3 days after filing

6. Tax/VAT/UBO

Register with Tax Dept., VAT (if applicable), and UBO Register.

Asterisk: register; You: confirm trading profile.

2–5 days

7. Banking

Prepare the banking pack; submit and attend remote or in‑person KYC if needed.

You & Asterisk: collaborate.

2–4 weeks (varies by bank/EMI)

Ready to trade

Company can issue invoices (post‑VAT if applicable) and operate bank/EMI.

You: commence operations.

~2–5 weeks end‑to‑end

Good to know: If you choose an EMI (electronic money institution) for early operations, account opening can be faster, while a traditional bank can follow later.

Total it usually takes 3-4 weeks from initial enquiry to the Company incorporation, depending ofcourse on the speed of responses from your side.

You can read more information on Cyprus Company Incorporation here and our visual guide to incorporation here

Asterisk Corporate Services – Your Trusted Incorporation Partner

Asterisk Corporate services is a regulated/licensed corporate services provider based in Cyprus with many years of experience. We specialize in Cyprus company incorporation, administration, accounting under IFRS, tax compliance, ongoing administration and directorship services. Our bespoke service offerring ensures your company not only gets incorporated quickly but stays fully compliant with all local legal and tax obligations. We do offer competitive fees to get you started in Cyprus.

Ready to Start Your Cyprus Company?

Explore the timeline information above, then contact our team for personalized assistance with your Cyprus company incorporation. Whether you’re planning to trade, hold assets, or optimize tax, Cyprus provides a robust and efficient platform for your business goals.

Disclaimer

This guide is a general information summary. It does not constitute tax, legal or accounting advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific outcomes depend on your facts, financials and the exact legislative text and any implementing circulars. We suggest obtaining advise from a professional before acting.

Thinking about expanding your business to Europe or starting a new venture in a strategic location? Cyprus stands out as one of the most tax-efficient and business-friendly jurisdictions in the EU. This blog post walks you through the timeline you can use to plan resourcing, cash flow and first expenses. Every case is unique, but these are realistic averages we see at Asterisk Corporate Services and which may be applicable to your Cyprus Company Incorporation.

Cyprus Company Incorporation – Step-by-Step Process

Phase

What happens

Who does what

Typical timing

1. Discovery call

Clarify business model, structure, shareholders, and any licensing/banking needs.

You: share a brief profile. Asterisk: advise best approach & quote.

0–2 days

2. KYC & onboarding

Collection of passports/IDs, proof of address, corporate docs (if any), and business profile.

You: send documents. Asterisk: compliance review.

2–5 days (parallel with Name)

3. Company name

Name search and reservation with the Registrar of Companies.

Asterisk: file and monitor.

1–3 days

4. Incorporation filing

Draft and file Memorandum & Articles; appoint director(s), secretary, shareholder(s).

Asterisk: prepare & submit; You: e‑sign/scan where needed.

3–5 days

5. Certificates issued

Registrar issues Certificates of Incorporation/Directors/Shareholders.

Asterisk: deliver to you.

1–3 days after filing

6. Tax/VAT/UBO

Register with Tax Dept., VAT (if applicable), and UBO Register.

Asterisk: register; You: confirm trading profile.

2–5 days

7. Banking

Prepare the banking pack; submit and attend remote or in‑person KYC if needed.

You & Asterisk: collaborate.

2–4 weeks (varies by bank/EMI)

Ready to trade

Company can issue invoices (post‑VAT if applicable) and operate bank/EMI.

You: commence operations.

~2–5 weeks end‑to‑end

Good to know: If you choose an EMI (electronic money institution) for early operations, account opening can be faster, while a traditional bank can follow later.

Total it usually takes 3-4 weeks from initial enquiry to the Company incorporation, depending ofcourse on the speed of responses from your side.

You can read more information on Cyprus Company Incorporation here and our visual guide to incorporation here

Asterisk Corporate Services – Your Trusted Incorporation Partner

Asterisk Corporate services is a regulated/licensed corporate services provider based in Cyprus with many years of experience. We specialize in Cyprus company incorporation, administration, accounting under IFRS, tax compliance, ongoing administration and directorship services. Our bespoke service offerring ensures your company not only gets incorporated quickly but stays fully compliant with all local legal and tax obligations. We do offer competitive fees to get you started in Cyprus.

Ready to Start Your Cyprus Company?

Explore the timeline information above, then contact our team for personalized assistance with your Cyprus company incorporation. Whether you’re planning to trade, hold assets, or optimize tax, Cyprus provides a robust and efficient platform for your business goals.

Disclaimer

This guide is a general information summary. It does not constitute tax, legal or accounting advice and should not be relied upon as such. Specific outcomes depend on your facts, financials and the exact legislative text and any implementing circulars. We suggest obtaining advise from a professional before acting.