Company name
A good company name should be distinctive, memorable, easily spelled and pronounced, and chosen to differentiate it from competitors. Words such as ‘Royal’, ‘Republic’ in the name will be rejected. Also names that are already on the register and names that are offensive or deceptive will not be accepted as company names. Clients are advised to submit the desired name together with two alternatives.
The Cyprus Companies Law provides for at least one registered shareholder. There are no restrictions on the nationality of the shareholder. Nominee Shareholders can also be appointed. Where Nominees are appointed, the Beneficial Shareholder will not appear in any of the company’s documents. The Beneficial owner will be given a Trust declaration stating that the Nominee Shareholder holds the company shares upon trust for him, and at the same time he will be also given a blank signed Share Transfer Form by the Nominee Shareholder, so he can transfer the shares on his name whenever he wishes. The following date must be provided to us for each beneficial shareholder:
• Full name
• Residential address
• Occupation
• Nationality
• Passport copies (data page)
• No. of shares to be issued to each beneficial shareholder
For non-Cypriot shareholders in a Cyprus Company the following documents are also required:
• A utility bill that certifies address
• Bank reference
If the shareholders are an existing Company, the following documents are required:
• Certified copy of the Certificate of Registration
• Copy of passport of Directors (data page)
• A utility bill that certifies address
• Bank reference
The minimum required share capital for a Cyprus Company is €2.000. The share capital can be denominated in other currencies than Euros. The authorised capital of the company is not required to be paid.
Directors
The minimum number of Directors is one. The directors may be local Cypriot individuals or foreigners. A corporate entity may also act as director. Although there are no requirements for local directors, in order to ensure that management and control is in Cyprus and to be considered as Cyprus resident for tax purposes, it is common practice for the majority of the Directors to be Cypriot residents. For each director you wish to appoint, the following details must be provided:
• Full name
• Residential address
• Occupation
• Nationality
• Passport copies (data page)
For non-Cypriots directors in a Cyprus Company the following documents are also required:
• A utility bill that certifies address
• Bank reference
If the Director is an existing Company the following documents will be required:
• Certified copy of the Certificate of Registration
• Copy of passport of Directors (data page)
• A utility bill that certifies address
• Bank reference
Registered Office and Secretary
Every company must have a registered address in Cyprus. The registered office address is the place where official documents can be served upon the company. The registered office can also be used as the trading address. Our office address may be used. The Secretary does not have to be Cypriot. An individual or a secretarial company must be appointed. The responsibilities of the secretary include mainly the maintenance of the statutory books and the minute books.