How to Register a Company in Cyprus: Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Full walkthrough of Cyprus company incorporation — HE1 name approval, HE2/HE3 filing, M&AA drafting, Registrar fees (€165), and post-registration steps. Typical timeline: 10–15 working days.
Types of Cyprus Business Entity
Before incorporating, you need to select the correct legal form. The overwhelming majority of foreign-owned and entrepreneurial businesses use the private company limited by shares (Ltd). This is Cyprus's equivalent of the UK private limited company and the German GmbH — a separate legal entity with limited liability for its shareholders.
Cyprus Entity Types at a Glance
| Entity Type | Liability | Min. Capital | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Ltd (Ιδιωτική Εταιρεία) | Limited to shares | €1 | Most businesses |
| Public Ltd (Δημόσια Εταιρεία) | Limited to shares | €25,629 | Listed / large cos |
| Branch of Foreign Company | Unlimited (parent) | None | Market entry / testing |
| Partnership (General/Limited) | General: unlimited | None | Professional firms |
Step 1 — HE1: Name Approval
The first formal step is filing an HE1 form with the Cyprus Registrar of Companies (Department of Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver — DRCOR). The HE1 allows you to submit up to three preferred company names in order of preference.
The Registrar checks the proposed name against the existing register for identical or confusingly similar names, and reviews it against the list of restricted or prohibited words (e.g., 'bank', 'insurance', 'trust', 'royal', 'government' all require specific licences or ministerial consent). Name approval typically takes 5–7 working days.
- Submit up to three names — the Registrar approves the first acceptable one
- Avoid names that imply a regulated activity without the corresponding licence
- Names may be in Greek or Latin script (or both)
- Once approved, the name is reserved while you complete incorporation
- We advise on name availability and regulatory constraints before submission
Step 2 — HE2 & HE3: Registered Office and Officers
Once the name is approved, the company is incorporated by filing the HE2 (Registered Office declaration) and HE3 (Directors and Secretary registration) simultaneously with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
HE2 requires a physical Cyprus address — a PO Box is not sufficient. This address is publicly listed on the Cyprus Companies Register and is used for service of official documents. We provide a Cyprus registered office address as part of our incorporation service.
HE3 records the initial directors and company secretary. Cyprus private companies require at least one director (individual or corporate) and one company secretary. There is no requirement for directors to be Cyprus residents, although tax and economic substance considerations may make resident or locally managed directors preferable.
Step 3 — Memorandum & Articles of Association (M&AA)
The M&AA is the constitutional document of the company. The Memorandum sets out the company's name, registered office, objects (business purposes), and authorised share capital. The Articles govern internal management: meetings, voting rights, dividend policy, share transfer restrictions, and director powers.
Cyprus law follows a broad objects approach — most M&AAs are drafted with wide objects clauses to avoid constraining future activities. Bespoke provisions (class shares, weighted voting, drag-along/tag-along rights, pre-emption clauses, put/call options) are available and should be considered at incorporation rather than by later amendment.
Registrar Fees and Government Charges
The Cyprus Registrar charges a filing fee based on the company's authorised share capital. For most incorporations using a standard €1,000 authorised share capital, the registration fee is €165. Expedited processing (within 24 hours) is available for an additional €100, bringing the total to €265 for same-day/next-day registration.
Cyprus Registrar Incorporation Fees (2026)
| Authorised Share Capital | Standard Fee | Expedited Fee (+24h) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to €1,000 | €165 | €265 |
| €1,001 – €10,000 | €165 + 0.6% of excess over €1,000 | Add €100 |
| €10,001 – €100,000 | €219 + 0.4% of excess over €10,000 | Add €100 |
The €165 fee covers the standard registration of the HE1, HE2, HE3, and M&AA in a single submission. Legal/professional fees for drafting and filing are charged separately by the service provider.
Post-Incorporation: Tax and Regulatory Registrations
Incorporation creates the company but does not automatically register it for tax or other purposes. Within a short period of incorporation, the following registrations must be completed:
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) — apply to the Cyprus Tax Department (TAXISnet portal)
- VAT registration — mandatory when taxable turnover exceeds €15,600/year; voluntary registration is available below this threshold and often advisable
- VIES registration — required for intra-EU supply of goods or services
- Social Insurance (if employing staff) — register with the District Labour Office and Social Insurance Services
- AML/KYC compliance — appoint a compliance officer and establish AML policies if required by the company's activities
Typical Incorporation Timeline
End-to-End Timeline
| Stage | Working Days |
|---|---|
| KYC / due diligence collection | 1–2 days |
| HE1 name approval | 5–7 days |
| HE2/HE3/M&AA filing & Registrar processing | 5–7 days |
| Certificate of Incorporation issued | Day 10–15 |
| TIN registration | 2–3 days after incorporation |
| VAT/VIES registration | 5–10 business days |
Expedited Registrar processing can reduce the HE2/HE3 stage to 1–2 working days for an additional €100 fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum share capital for a Cyprus private company?
There is no statutory minimum paid-up capital. The authorised share capital can be as low as €1,000 (the standard amount used in most incorporations), and shares can be issued as fully paid or partly paid at any amount above nil.
How much does it cost to register a company in Cyprus?
The Cyprus Registrar fee for a standard incorporation (up to €1,000 authorised capital) is €165. Expedited processing costs an additional €100. Professional/legal fees from a service provider are separate and vary by firm.
Can a foreigner be the sole director and shareholder of a Cyprus company?
Yes. There is no requirement for Cyprus nationality or residency for directors or shareholders of a Cyprus private company. However, for corporate tax residency and economic substance, having at least one Cyprus-resident director who participates in management decisions is strongly advisable.
How long does company registration take in Cyprus?
The standard process takes 10–15 working days from the start of KYC collection to receipt of the Certificate of Incorporation. Expedited Registrar processing can shorten this to 7–10 working days.
Is a physical office required to register a Cyprus company?
A registered office address in Cyprus is required by law for the company record, but this does not need to be your trading office. A registered office service (such as that provided by Nexora) satisfies this requirement. For tax residency and substance, a physical management presence in Cyprus is advisable.
Can a Cyprus company have a single shareholder and single director?
Yes. A Cyprus private company can have a single shareholder and a single director. The director and shareholder can be the same person. A company secretary (separate from the director) is also required.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Consult a qualified Cyprus adviser for guidance specific to your situation.
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