Cyprus Company Formation is a more straightforward process than most people expect — provided each stage is handled in the right order, by people who do it every day.
We have created for you below, a simple, interactive, step-by-step tool to showcase to you the simplicity and process of Cyprus Company Incorporation. Also as a bonus it includes what is required from client side and what we are handling during the process.
What is a Cyprus company?
A Cyprus company is most commonly a private limited company by shares (Ltd), incorporated under the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap. 113, and registered with the Registrar of Companies. On incorporation it receives a unique registration number — its HE number — and a set of certificates confirming it legally exists. It can be owned and directed from anywhere in the world, with documents signed remotely.
How do you form a company in Cyprus?
You form a Cyprus company in six stages:
- Name & entity — choose the right entity (usually a Ltd) and reserve your preferred name with the Registrar. Distinctive, invented names clear most smoothly.
- KYC & due diligence — as an ICPAC-regulated firm, we complete identity and source-of-funds checks on the beneficial owners and directors. Getting this right early keeps banking clean later.
- Structure & documents — confirm the officers, shareholders and share capital, then draft the Memorandum & Articles of Association, executed remotely by scanned copy.
- Registration & certificates — file with the Registrar through to completion and deliver your Certificates of Incorporation, Directors and Shareholders. Your company now exists, with its HE number.
- Tax, VAT & banking — register for tax and VAT, complete the UBO Registry submission, and support corporate bank account opening.
- Live & compliant — ongoing administration, accounting, VAT, tax, audit coordination and statutory compliance, year after year.
What do you need to set up a Cyprus company?
A Cyprus private company requires at least one director, one shareholder, a company secretary and a registered office in Cyprus. There is no statutory minimum share capital — a nominal amount such as €1,000 is common. Because Cyprus tax residency depends on management and control being exercised in Cyprus, many companies appoint Cyprus-resident directors to support substance. More information on substance can be found in our article here.
How is a Cyprus company taxed?
Cyprus applies a corporate income tax rate of 15% (from 1 January 2026, 12.5% up to 31/12/2025), among the lowest standard rates in the EU, alongside an extensive network of double-tax treaties and EU directives. Companies register for tax and, where relevant, VAT (standard rate 19%). Every Cyprus company must keep proper accounting records and undergo an annual statutory audit (or audit review), regardless of size. (General information only — not tax advice; your position should be assessed on its facts.)
Why incorporate with Asterisk
Asterisk Corporate Services is a Cyprus firm regulated by ICPAC and led by ACCA-qualified professionals. Our founder and Managing Director, Oksana Cernenko (FCCA), brings more than twenty years in accounting, fiduciary and corporate services, including senior roles at Ernst & Young Cyprus. We work the way we’d want to be served: proactive, precise and partner-led — one team across incorporation, accounting, tax, VAT, audit coordination and statutory compliance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to travel to Cyprus to form a company? No. Cyprus Company Formation is handled remotely — documents are executed by scanned copy, and we manage the filing and follow-up on your behalf.
How long does it take to incorporate in Cyprus? It depends on your structure and how quickly due diligence is completed. Once KYC and documents are in order, incorporation moves efficiently — and we keep you to a clear path at every stage.
Is there a minimum share capital for a Cyprus company? There is no statutory minimum for a private company. A nominal capital such as €1,000 is commonly used.
Does a Cyprus company need an audit? Yes. An annual statutory audit is mandatory for all Cyprus companies, irrespective of size or turnover.
Can you help open a corporate bank account? Yes. We prepare the supporting documentation and support the account-opening process as part of the journey.
What is an HE number? It’s your company’s unique registration number, issued by the Cyprus Registrar of Companies on incorporation — confirmation that the company legally exists.
Start your Cyprus company
Ready to begin? You’ll get the same level of service we’d want to receive ourselves — proactive, responsive, partner-led engagements. Speak to our team →
