Essential Things to Know About Cyprus Companies

The steps to register a company in Cyprus are as follows:

1. Choose a company name/ application and approval of the name.
2. Specify the purpose(s) of the company.
3. File an application to register a company.


Company Name.


We usually advice clients to submit three alternative names for approval by the Registrar of Companies.

Choosing the right company name depends on a host of considerations - some as obvious as the kind of business you do, others as unique as your own tastes and style. There are, however, a few guidelines that will steer you in the right direction. A good company name should:

be distinctive
be memorable
be easily spelled and pronounced
suggest the products or services you offer, and
distinguish you from your competitors.

In addition the following rules apply by the Registrar of Companies when examining company names:

The name is already on the register.
it is offensive;
its use would be a criminal offence.
it is deceptive
it implies that there is a relationship with the government.
Only in special cases and upon certain conditions, names that include the following words will be approved: NATIONAL, INTERNATIONAL, DEMOCRATIC, EUROPEAN UNION, EUROPE, EURO.
The name should not include the words COOPERATIVE, MUNICIPAL, PRIVILAGED or RECOGNISED.
Names that include the following words will be approved in exceptional cases: BANK, BANKING, INVESTMENT, TRUST, INSURANCE, BROKER.
Before you apply to set up a company, or do anything to change its name, it is a good idea to contact our law firm at chris@lawyer.com.cy to see if there are already any companies with names similar to the one you want.

Currently the Registrar of Companies needs around 10 working days to examine and approve/reject a company name.

Our law firm maintains a list of pre-approved names and ready made companies that help you get started right away instead of waiting for approval.


Purpose/Objects of the Company.


A company is formed for a specific object or objects. These should be stated clearly in the company’s Memorandum of Association. This is the first of two documents (the other is the Articles of Association) that constitute the legal documents of the company.

Examples of objects are: general trading, airline activity, legal services, real estate, advertising etc.


File An Application.


The application is filed through our law firm.

To process your application we need you to complete your company application form.


Notes for Non-Cypriots.

For non – Cypriot clients that will be shareholders or directors in a company we require the following documents:

- Copy of passport
- A utility bill that certifies address
- Bank reference

If the shareholder or director is an existing company we need:

- Certified copy of the certificate of registration.
- Copy of passport of its directors.
- A utility bill that certifies address.
- Bank reference.

Currently examination of company applications by the Registrar of Companies takes 1 month.