What is the minimum share capital required for company registration in Cyprus?

The minimum share capital required is EUR 1,000 for private companies and EUR 25,000 for public companies.

What are the benefits of registering a company in Cyprus?

Benefits include a low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, access to EU markets, a strategic location, and various tax incentives.

What documents are required for company registration in Cyprus?

Required documents include the Memorandum and Articles of Association, details of directors and shareholders, and proof of registered office.

How to register a company in Cyprus in 2025

Grow in Cyprus: The island hub where low taxes meet global opportunity.

A corporate presence in Cyprus positions your business to leverage lucrative opportunities at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Its low corporate tax rate, EU membership, efficient regulatory framework, and skilled workforce make it a top choice for companies seeking global expansion in this region.

This guide offers an overview of the company registration process, outlines key financial considerations, and examines how an Employer of Record (EOR) can simplify your expansion into the Cypriot market.

The business benefits of registering your company in Cyprus

Registering a company in Cyprus offers numerous advantages that can accelerate business expansion and enhance global competitiveness.

Cyprus provides businesses with:

EU market access with streamlined trade opportunities.
One of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates (12.5%).
Strong investor protection and stable legal frameworks.
Business-friendly regulations reduce bureaucracy.
Access to skilled labor across industries like finance, IT, and shipping.
Double tax treaties with over 60 countries minimize tax burdens.

Next, we’ll explore two key expansion routes—traditional company registration and the Employer of Record (EOR) model—to help you identify which best aligns with your business goals.

What is the difference between standard company registration and expanding through an EOR?

When setting up a business in Cyprus, you can either register your entity or partner with an EOR. Each option has its unique strengths and fits different needs.

Here’s a breakdown:

Aspect	Standard company registration	Employer of Record (EOR)
Entity setup	Requires registering a legal entity with the Registrar of Companies.	No entity setup required—operate under the EOR’s legal framework.
Time to start	5–7 business days (subject to approval).	Immediate market entry.
Compliance	Must comply with Cyprus labor laws, tax regulations, and financial reporting.	Full legal compliance is handled by the EOR.
Payroll & tax filing	Self-managed; requires tax registration, payroll processing, and social security contributions.	EOR handles payroll, tax deductions, and social security on your behalf.
Upfront costs	Incorporation fees, share capital deposits, legal & administrative costs.	Predictable monthly service fee covering all HR and payroll functions.
Hiring & onboarding	Full control over employee contracts and local recruitment.	EOR manages contract drafting, local hiring compliance, and onboarding.
Risk & liability	Direct legal and financial liability in Cyprus.	EOR assumes compliance risks, reducing exposure.
Scalability	Ideal for long-term operations with physical presence.	Flexible for scaling teams quickly without permanent establishment.

Both approaches cater to different operational goals and levels of control. While standard registration gives you full ownership and authority, an EOR simplifies entry by managing compliance, payroll, and HR tasks, enabling businesses to operate without creating a local entity.

How EOR simplifies Cyprus company registration

Establishing your business in Cyprus can be exciting, but setting up a legal entity can feel complicated and overwhelming. That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) steps in. An EOR helps you start operations quickly by hiring local talent, managing compliance, and handling payroll without setting up a legal entity. This makes entering the Cyprus market faster, simpler, and less expensive.

Here’s how an EOR makes it easy:

Start your operations immediately without the hassle of company registration.
Focus on growing your business while leaving paperwork and costs to the EOR.
The EOR handles Cyprus’s labor laws, taxes, and reporting requirements.
Add employees as needed without worrying about long-term commitments.
Access Cyprus’s skilled workforce without navigating local hiring complexities.
Offer employees locally tailored benefits while the EOR manages the details.
Let the EOR take care of liabilities and administrative responsibilities.

By leveraging an EOR, you can streamline your entry into the Cypriot market and focus solely on business growth. With the heavy lifting taken care of, it’s easier than ever to scale quickly and efficiently.

Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for registering a company in Cyprus.

A step-by-step guide to registering a company in Cyprus

Registering a company in Cyprus typically takes 5–7 business days, but understanding the process is key to avoiding delays. The process is straightforward but requires adherence to specific legal requirements.

Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Step 1: Choose a business structure

Determine the appropriate legal entity for your business needs:

Private Limited Company (Ltd): Common choice with limited liability; minimum share capital is €1, though €1,000 is typical.
Public Limited Company (PLC): Suitable for larger enterprises; minimum share capital is €25,630.
Sole Proprietorship or Partnership: Simpler structures without share capital requirements.

Step 2: Reserve a company name

Your company name must be unique and approved by the Registrar of Companies. Conduct an online search through the business entities’ register to check availability. Apply for approval from the registrar of companies. Usually, the process takes 2-3 business days.

Step 3: Prepare incorporation documents

Submit the required legal documents, notarized in Greek:

Form HE1: Affidavit signed by a lawyer
Form HE2: Registered office address
Form HE3: Details of directors and secretary
Memorandum & articles of association: Signed by a Cyprus lawyer
Shareholder details

Step 4: Submit the registration application

Apply online via the e-filing system, in person or by post to the registrar of companies. The registration process typically takes 5 to 7 working days.

Standard processing: €165
Expedited registration: Additional €100
Public company HE5 form: Additional €20

Once approved, your certificate of incorporation will be issued, marking your company’s legal existence.

Step 5: Obtain tax & VAT registration

Within 60 days of incorporation, you must register with the tax department for a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

VAT registration is required if turnover exceeds €15,600/year.
Social Insurance registration is mandatory if hiring employees.
You can also register your business’ trademark.

Step 6: Open a corporate bank account

Most banks require:

Certificate of incorporation
Memorandum & articles of association
Proof of registered office address
Director and shareholder documents (IDs, utility bills, etc.)

Step 7: Maintain compliance & annual fees

Cyprus companies must adhere to annual reporting requirements:

Annual financial statements (audited if turnover exceeds €70,000)
Annual return submission (HE32)
Annual business levy: €350 (due by June 30)

Next steps: Explore the costs of registering a company in Cyprus and see how an EOR like Multiplier can simplify your expansion.

The real cost of registering a business in Cyprus

Planning your expansion into Cyprus requires a clear understanding of the associated costs. From company registration fees to operational expenses, accurate budgeting ensures a smooth entry into the market while avoiding unforeseen financial challenges.

Registration costs

Company name approval: €10 (€20 expedited)
Standard company registration: €165
Expedited registration: €100 additional
Public company HE5 form: €20

Share capital requirements

Private limited company (Ltd): Minimum €1 (Recommended: €1,000+)
Public limited company (PLC): €25,630

Operational costs

Corporate tax: 12.5% (one of the lowest in Europe)
VAT: 19% (standard) with reduced rates (9% and 5%) for certain products/services.
Payroll taxes: Employer contributions: 14.9%
Annual business levy: €350

Next, compare standard company registration and EOR to find the best fit for your business in Cyprus.

Cost comparison: Standard registration vs. EOR

Understanding the financial implications of traditional company registration versus partnering with an Employer of Record (EOR) can help you make an informed decision.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison for Cyprus:

Cost aspect	Standard registration	Employer of Record (EOR)
Setup fees	€500–€2,500 (includes notary, gov. registration)	No setup fees
Company name reservation	€10–€20	Included
Company registration	€165 (standard), €265 (expedited)	Not required
Legal documentation	€300–€800 for incorporation papers and translations	Included
Notary/legal services	€200–€500 depending on provider	Not required
Share capital	€1–€25,630 (depending on structure)	No share capital required
Compliance costs	Annual filings, audits, legal fees	Fully managed
Payroll & HR	Monthly payroll, tax filings, insurance contributions	Included in EOR services
Employer payroll tax	14.9% of gross salary	Covered by EOR
Time to market	5–7 business days (after approvals)	Immediate

Traditional registration involves upfront investments and ongoing administrative management, making it a better fit for long-term, large-scale operations. In contrast, an EOR offers a more streamlined, cost-effective alternative. With predictable fees covering compliance, payroll, and other operational needs, an EOR is ideal for businesses looking for an efficient and scalable market entry solution in Cyprus.

Let’s see how an EOR can accelerate your business growth while ensuring compliance with Cyprus’s regulatory framework.

Take the stress out of your Cyprus expansion with Multiplier

Expanding into Cyprus doesn’t have to be complex. With Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) solution, you can focus on business growth while we handle compliance, payroll, and administrative requirements.

Why choose Multiplier for your Cyprus expansion?

Local hiring expertise

Effortlessly onboard employees with fully compliant contracts, background checks, and legal documentation.

Effortless payroll management

Say goodbye to payroll headaches. Multiplier ensures accurate payroll processing, tax compliance, and social security contributions, adhering to the Cypriot labor laws.