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Why a Cyprus Ltd

A Cyprus private limited company is an EU company with a legal system based on English common law and a tax regime that is simple to explain. Here is who it suits and who it does not.

What you get

  • An EU company. Cyprus is an EU member state, so the company can trade in the single market and register for EU VAT.
  • Familiar law. Cyprus company law is based on the English Companies Act, and English is widely used in business and with the authorities.
  • A clear corporate rate. Corporate income tax is 15% from 1 January 2026, up from 12.5%. Details in the tax guide.
  • Small capital. There is no legal minimum share capital for a private Ltd. We default to EUR 1,000.
  • No travel for the formation. You sign online where the law allows and by courier where an original is needed, and your documents live in one place.

Who it suits

  • Founders who live in Cyprus or plan to move there
  • Teams that will run the company from Cyprus with real decisions taken there
  • Holding and IP structures where an adviser has checked the substance requirements

Who it does not suit

  • Anyone looking for a company that pays no tax anywhere. Tax usually follows where the company is managed and where its people work.
  • Founders who need a bank account next week. Opening a business bank account in Cyprus usually takes two weeks to three months and depends on the bank.
  • Businesses whose customers or regulators expect a local company in their own country

Management and control

A company is tax resident in Cyprus when it is managed and controlled from Cyprus: board meetings held there, decisions taken there, directors who actually decide. A company registered in Cyprus but run from elsewhere can be taxed elsewhere. If nobody in your team lives in Cyprus, ask an adviser whether you need a resident director, and see the partners page.

Start now, finish later.

Your answers save as you go. Invite your co-founders when you are ready.

EUR 1,390excl. VAT, all-in for year one
Start your company