How to Set Up a Company in Cyprus (2026): Cyprus Limited Step-by-Step Guide

Company formation in Cyprus remains a popular choice in 2026: an EU jurisdiction, widely English-speaking business environment, and a well-established corporate framework. But real-world execution (banking/KYC, beneficial ownership disclosures, ongoing filings) is where most founders lose time.

This article walks you through the step-by-step process and highlights key fees/deadlines published by the Registrar of Companies. If you want hands-on assistance (registered office, filings, ongoing compliance), start here: Company Formation in Cyprus.

Quick overview: process, timelines, typical official fees

Timelines depend on name approval, document readiness, and later on bank compliance. The Registrar steps are predictable when everything is complete.

Official fees (selected) vary by procedure/options:

• Name approval: €10 per proposed name, optional fast-track +€20 per name.
• Incorporation (e-filing): €165 (or €235 for a company without share capital), optional fast-track +€100; optional “file of translations” +€160.
• Certificates/certified copies: €120 (if a certified copy of the memorandum & articles is attached) or €130 (if not), optional fast-track +€100.
• Annual fee: €350 (due by 30 June each year).

These are Registrar/government fees. Service provider costs (registered office, secretarial services, bookkeeping, audit, etc.) are separate and depend on your setup.

Step 1: Decide the essentials (before you file)

Before incorporation you typically decide on:

• Company type (most common: Private Company Limited by Shares)
• Company name
• Registered office address in Cyprus
• Directors & secretary
• Shareholders and share capital
• Objects (business activities)
• Memorandum & articles of association

2026 tip: align your structure with bank expectations (clear business model, transparent UBOs, realistic source of funds) to avoid delays later.

Step 2: Get your company name approved

Your proposed name must be approved by the Registrar of Companies. You’re advised to search the online register first to avoid conflicts. Names can be rejected if they’re too similar, misleading, undesirable, or conflict with protected brands/trademarks.

For most company types, your name must end with “Limited/Ltd” (with specific exceptions under certain conditions, e.g. non-profit setups).

Once approved, the name is reserved for 6 months — your incorporation application must be submitted within that period.

Step 3: Prepare incorporation documents (memorandum & articles)

The Registrar’s guidance notes that the memorandum and articles are submitted signed in Greek. Many founders also prepare a certified translation (“file of translations”) if they need certified copies in another language later.

If you adopt the standard regulations (“Table A” in the Companies Law) as articles, you need to reference that appropriately in the submission.

Step 4: File the incorporation (e-filing vs. hand/post)

Option A: Online incorporation via e-filing

Online submission is handled through the Registrar’s e-filing system. Typical requirements include:

• Statutory declaration (Form HE1) signed and sworn before court by the entrusted lawyer
• Memorandum & articles (Greek, signed)
• “Solemn declaration of witness of signatures”
• Any required consents/pre-approvals (regulated words/activities)
• Registrar fees (including optional fast-track)

Option B: Filing by hand/post

Hand/post filing typically includes additional forms such as HE2 (registered office) and HE3 (directors/secretary), plus HE1 and your constitutional documents.

Step 5: Certificate of Incorporation + certified documents

Once the Registrar is satisfied, the incorporation is published in the Official Gazette and the Certificate of Incorporation is issued. You can also order certified certificates/copies (shareholders, directors & secretary, registered office, memorandum & articles, etc.).

Helpful detail: electronic documents carry an authenticity code that can be verified online for a limited period.

Step 6: After incorporation — tax, UBO, social insurance, annual compliance

This is where many founders get caught off guard. Key 2026 checklist items:

Tax registration (deadline)

Every company must apply for taxpayer registration and obtain a tax number within 60 days of incorporation.

VAT threshold (watch the numbers)

VAT registration is required if taxable supplies exceed €15,600 over the relevant periods (or are expected to exceed it in the near term).

Register of Beneficial Owners (UBO)

Cyprus requires beneficial ownership disclosures. The Registrar’s guidance describes thresholds such as 25% plus one share / more than 25% ownership interest (direct/indirect). In 2026 this is a core compliance and banking/KYC topic.

Social Insurance (employer registration)

If the company employs staff (or you structure a director/employee arrangement), employer registration and contributions may apply. Plan this early, especially if you’re also working on residency/tax residency.

Ongoing annual obligations

Common annual obligations include:

• Annual return + filing financial statements with the Registrar
• audited financial statements + tax return with the Tax Department
• annual fee €350 due by 30 June

Company formation + residency (practical link)

Many founders set up a company and relocate. Depending on your EU status and situation, business activity (employment/self-employment/directorship) can be part of your residency planning.

• EU citizens: see our MEU1 (Yellow Slip) guide: How to get a Cyprus Yellow Slip (2026)
• Tax planning: Non-Dom status in Cyprus
• Housing: Real estate in Cyprus

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Skipping name checks → avoidable rejections and delays.
• Unclear UBO chain → issues with banking and register filings.
• Missing deadlines (tax/VAT/annual fee/annual return) → stress, penalties, operational risk.
• No real substance → problems with banking, tax, and long-term compliance.

Need help? We can handle the full setup

If you want a guided setup (registered office, filings, coordination with tax/bookkeeping), start here: Company Formation in Cyprus or reach out: Contact.

Sources (official references)

• Registrar of Companies — “Incorporating a Company” guidance: companies.gov.cy
• Name approval (fees/reservation): Choosing a Company Name
• Filing/incorporation (HE forms & fees): Applying to Incorporate a Company
• After incorporation (tax/VAT/annual fee): After Incorporation
• UBO definition/thresholds: Beneficial Owner (UBO)