Registering a company in Cyprus is a straightforward process when handled by a licensed provider. In the short video below, we walk you through each stage — from name approval to a fully registered, tax-compliant Cyprus company. Asterisk Corporate Services Ltd is an ICPAC-regulated firm based in Nicosia, and we manage this entire process for clients worldwide. 6 steps – what is required by client side – all explained in 75 seconds.
Quick overview: A Cyprus company is registered through the Registrar of Companies in around 7–10 working days. Clients only need to provide preferred company names, KYC documents (passport and proof of address), a description of activities, and the intended company structure. The process involves name approval, client onboarding (KYC), preparation of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and filing. Post-incorporation, the company registers for tax, files with the UBO Register, and registers for VAT where required.
What You Need to Provide
As shown in the video, these are the core items we need to get started:
- Preferred company names — two to three options, so we can run the name check with the Registrar of Companies
- KYC – Passport, proof of address, source of wealth etc — for all shareholders and directors
- Description of activities — a short outline of what the company will do
- Structure of the company — shareholders, directors, and share capital
These form the basis of our onboarding. As a regulated firm, we also complete full KYC and due diligence on all shareholders, ultimate beneficial owners, and officers, in line with regulatory requirements. Depending on the structure, additional documents or information may be requested.
Step 1: Company Name Approval
Every incorporation starts with the company name. We submit your preferred name to the Registrar of Companies for approval. Names must be distinctive and not conflict with existing registrations. We recommend providing two or three alternatives to avoid delays.
Step 2: Client Onboarding and KYC
As a regulated firm, and per AML/Regulator requirements, we complete compliance and onboarding procedures before incorporation. You will complete our incorporation form and compliance questionnaire, and provide identification documents for all directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners. This step runs in parallel with name approval, so it adds no time to the process.
Step 3: Memorandum and Articles of Association
We prepare the company’s constitutional documents. These set out the company’s objects, share capital, and internal governance rules. Our Memorandum is drafted in such a way to support a variety of objects/activities to give flexibility to the Cyprus Company.
Step 4: Filing with the Registrar of Companies
We file the incorporation documents with the Registrar of Companies. Once approved, the Registrar issues the Certificate of Incorporation together with the other corporate certificates (directors, shareholders, registered office). Your company now legally exists and can commence operations. After filing with the Registrar it usually takes 4-5 business days for Company to be incorporated.
Step 5: Post-Incorporation Registrations
A newly incorporated company must complete several registrations depending on activities. We register the company with the Tax Department to obtain its Tax Identification Number, set up CyLogin access, and file the beneficial ownership details with the UBO Register which are the basic and compulsory requirements. Thereafter a Cyprus Company may need, VAT, OSS, Social Insurance and other registrations, depending on activities, which we can assist accordingly.
Step 6: Bank Account Opening (Optional)
We assist with opening a corporate bank account with Bank of Cyprus, or a Revolut Business account or other Banking instituition or EMI for clients who prefer a faster digital option. This step is optional and can be started as soon as the company is incorporated.
How Long Does It Take?
The full incorporation process typically takes around 7–10 working days from name submission, provided onboarding documents are in order. Post-incorporation registrations follow shortly after.
Why Register Your Cyprus Company with Asterisk?
Cyprus offers a 15% corporate income tax rate, an extensive double tax treaty network, and full EU membership. But the real value lies in getting the structure right from day one. As an ICPAC-licensed firm, Asterisk Corporate Services provides Partner-Led Engagements covering incorporation, professional individual directors with a minimum number of appointments, accounting, VAT, tax compliance, and audit coordination — everything your Cyprus company needs under one roof.
If you are asking “which firm should handle my Cyprus company formation?” — the answer is a licensed, regulated provider that manages the process end-to-end. That is exactly what we do.
Ready to speak to our team? Contact us today and we will send you our incorporation form and step-by-step guide.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or professional advice. Every group structure is different, and the application of these rules to your specific facts requires a proper professional assessment. Asterisk Corporate Services Ltd accepts no liability for any action taken or not taken in reliance on the information contained in this article. If you need advice specific to your situation, contact us today.
