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Cyprus companies with foreign shareholders

Companies majority-owned by non-EU shareholders can register as foreign-interest companies with the government’s business support centre and hire skilled non-EU staff through a simplified process.

Facts checked against official sources on 27 September 2026

The official rules that apply

  • The Business Facilitation Unit came into force on 01/01/2022; the Business Support Center started operating on 26/05/2025 as its successor with expanded responsibilities.
  • A company qualifies as having foreign interests if third-country shareholders hold over 50% of capital, or if a minority third-country shareholder's stake is worth at least €200,000.
  • Registered companies get a simplified, faster process for recruiting skilled third-country staff via the Civil Registry and Migration Department.
  • Until 31.12.2026, companies of foreign interests may employ any number of highly skilled third-country nationals without a labour market test, subject to basic requirements.

Registration basics in Cyprus

Company typePrivate company limited by shares
RegistryDepartment of Registrar of Companies
Government filing fee€165 — €165 with share capital (€235 without); +€100 for accelerated processing.
Registration timeThe registry offers an accelerated procedure for €100 but does not state a day count.
Resident directorAt least one director and one secretary, each 18 or older; the official page states no residency requirement.
Visit, notary or lawyerA Cyprus lawyer signs and swears the statutory declaration (HE1) before the court; the memorandum and articles are in Greek.
Registered addressA registered office in Cyprus is notified on form HE2. The registry does not address virtual offices.
Minimum capitalNo minimum
Corporate taxCorporate income tax 15% from 1 January 2026 (was 12.5%).
Every yearAnnual company fee of €350, due by 30 June.

Full step-by-step guide: company registration in Cyprus.

Sources

  • gov.cy, checked 27 September 2026
  • gov.cy, checked 27 September 2026
  • gov.cy, checked 27 September 2026
  • gov.cy, checked 27 September 2026
FAQ · 3 questions

Frequently asked questions

Yes. No resident director is required, and the formation can be completed through a licensed provider. A local lawyer files the application.

The registry does not say. Ask the provider to confirm the registry accepts the address before you pay.

No. We compare the official requirements and, if you ask, introduce you to one licensed provider in Cyprus. The provider handles the filing and gives legal or tax advice where needed.