Updated: March 17, 2023
The Cyprus Companies Law Cap 113 is based on the English Companies Act of 1948. It was initially written in English and then translated into the Greek language. It was subject to many changes throughout the years.
Cyprus Company is a legal entity established under the Law on Companies (Chapter 113) to carry out legal activities. A company in Cyprus can have five alternative forms:
The private company limited by shares is the most widely used. It is used for business activities in Cyprus and internationally by foreign investors.
An essential aspect of a company is that it is an independent legal entity. This means that it is considered a legal person entirely separate from the people who establish, manage, or own it.
Therefore, the company members are not personally responsible for the debts or other obligations of the company. As a result, they can not be sued by the creditors of the company.
The Department of the registrar of companies and official receiver is a part of the Ministry of Commerce, Energy and Industry. The Department is headed by the Registrar of companies, Mr. Spyros Kokkinos.
It is divided into three sections:
The department is responsible for the registration and keeping of the register of the following:
It also has the duty for the management of assets of insolvent companies and individuals.
To register a company in Cyprus, you need the following:
The lawyer submits the company for registration. The registrar will confirm that all the documents submitted are according to the laws and regulations. The company registration is then published in the Official Gazette, and a certificate of incorporation is issued.
The issuance of the certificate of incorporation marks the beginning of the legal existence of the company.
Read more about Cyprus company formation procedure.
Each company is obliged to be registered in the Tax Registry. This must take place within sixty (60) days from the date of its establishment. On registration, a tax identification number (TIN) is given.
Also, in certain cases, a company needs to be included in the VAT register:
Compulsory:
When the value of taxable transactions of goods and services exceeds €15,600. This is calculated for the previous 12 months or to be made within the next 30 days.
Voluntary:
Every employer has an obligation to register in the Register of Employers of the Social Security Services.
Trademark registration is also important. This is to secure the rights of the company and to distinguish products and services in the market.
The company has the duty to inform the Companies registrar of any change done. Those include the below:
Once such a change is submitted, the registrar issues the new certificate.
At the end of each tax year, the company must prepare audited financial statements. Those are submitted to the Tax department together with the tax return.
Also, once every calendar year, the company prepares and submits the annual return (HE32). This is submitted with a copy of the financial statements.
In addition, the company is obliged to pay the annual levy, which is € 350 (until June 30 of each year).
George K. Konstantinou
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