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  • November 18, 2025
  • Connor Corporate Services Ltd
cyprus company

Cyprus Company Formation for Non-Residents (Step-by-Step Guide 2025)

Cyprus remains one of the most strategically positioned, tax-efficient and internationally trusted jurisdictions for foreign entrepreneurs, investors, consultants, and digital-first businesses. Non-residents can establish a Cyprus private limited company without ever visiting the island, provided all KYC and compliance procedures are met.

This guide sets out who is eligible, how to register remotely, and what to expect in terms of banking, tax residency, and substance requirements.

Who Can Open a Cyprus Company?

There are no nationality restrictions.

Foreign individuals and foreign legal entities (EU or non-EU) may incorporate a Cyprus company, including:

  • Entrepreneurs & consultants

  • International traders

  • Holding & investment structures

  • SaaS / online business founders

  • Non-EU residents seeking an EU corporate gateway

  • Groups using Cyprus as a tax-efficient HQ jurisdiction

Shareholders may be:

  • Individuals

  • Foreign companies

  • Trusts (including Cyprus International Trusts)

Directors may also be foreign, but tax residency consequences apply (see below).

Remote Setup — No Visit Required

A Cyprus company can be registered 100% remotely, including:

  • Digital identity verification

  • Remote KYC onboarding

  • Courier delivery of corporate originals

The following documents are generally required:

  • Passport copy

  • Proof of address (utility bill/bank statement)

  • CV or business profile

  • Source of funds declaration

Corporate shareholders must submit:

  • Certificate of incorporation

  • Certificate of directors/shareholders

  • UBO declaration

  • Apostilles may be required in some cases

    (Requirements depend on jurisdiction and bank policy)

The Registration Process

Step 1 — Company Name Approval

1–3 days (can be skipped if pre-approved list is used)

Step 2 — Drafting of Incorporation Documents

Memorandum & Articles, HE forms

Step 3 — Submission to Registrar of Companies

Standard timeline: 5–10 working days

(Accelerated registration possible)

Step 4 — Corporate Certificates Issued

  • Incorporation Certificate

  • Shareholder Certificate

  • Director & Secretary Certificate

  • Registered Office Certificate

Step 5 — Tax Registration

Tax number issued following incorporation

VAT registration optional (based on activity)

Total timeline: Approx. 10–15 working days

Tax Residency Options

A Cyprus company is considered tax resident if its management and control are exercised in Cyprus.

This usually means:

  • Majority Cyprus-based directors

  • Board meetings in Cyprus

  • Local decision-making documented

Main advantages of Cyprus tax residency:

  • 12.5% corporate tax (one of the lowest in the EU)

  • 0% tax on dividends received (subject to conditions)

  • 0% withholding tax on most outbound dividends

  • IP regime with effective tax of 2.5%

  • Notional Interest Deduction for capital-heavy structures

A non-resident company (managed outside Cyprus) may not qualify for these benefits.

Banking Options

Foreign-owned companies may open bank accounts:

(1) In Cyprus

Requires enhanced due diligence, including:

  • Clear business model

  • UBO transparency

  • Supporting financial documentation

(2) Internationally (Fintech / EMI solutions)

Often faster onboarding

Examples: Payoneer, Wise, Revolut Business, E-money institutions

Important:

Banks increasingly expect

real economic presence (substance).

Substance Considerations

Although Cyprus is still business-friendly, global standards are tightening.

Substance may include:

  • Local director(s)

  • Registered office & company secretary

  • Accounting & annual audit in Cyprus

  • Dedicated office & staff (for higher-risk sectors)

  • Active business activity & local contracts

For tax planning, compliance, and banking, substance now influences credibility.

Final Takeaways

  • No local residency is required to set up a Cyprus company.

  • Full remote setup is possible from anywhere in the world.

  • Cyprus offers one of the most competitive EU tax regimes.

  • Tax residency depends on management & control — not owner nationality.

  • Banking requires a clear business profile and increasingly substance.

  • Cyprus is ideal for holding structures, tech companies, trading, consulting, investment, and international business expansion.

 

If you need assistance with incorporation, remote onboarding, tax planning, or ongoing compliance, Connor Corporate Services Ltd can guide you through each stage and provide full operational support, including nominee services, accounting, and substance structuring.

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