Introduction
Cyprus is situated in the eastern Mediterranean, lying at the hub of 3 continents and close to the busy trade routes linking Western Europe with the Arab world and the Far East. The island’s strategic location has been a major factor shaping its history throughout the centuries and, in recent years, its development into a centre for international business.
Since 2004, Cyprus is part of the European Union. 

Limited companies
Cyprus law requires all enterprises to register with the Registrar of Companies and the Income Tax Authorities.

The authorised share capital of the company could start from say 2 Euros.

The company shall be registered with the Registrar of Companies under the Companies Law.

All companies must file with the Registrar of companies the following:

• Printed Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• Notarized declaration of compliance with the laws.
• Address of the company’s registered office.
• Names, addresses and occupation of the company’s directors and secretary.

Annual accounts for the Income Tax authorities should be certified by accountants practicing in the Republic and who are duly authorized to do so by the Ministry of Finance.

Partnerships
The procedure for registering a partnership in Cyprus is the same as that required for registering a company. The registration of a partnership in Cyprus is effected by the submission of a return to the Registrar containing the name, object and duration of the partnership, the names and addresses of the partners and their authority to bind the partnership.

It is possible to register branches in Cyprus of foreign companies. Provided that they deposit  translated in Greek the following documents:

-   Memorandum and Articles of Association

-  Address of the Registered office

Branches
The registration procedure is the same as that followed for the companies.
For the establishment of the branch, documents must be filed with the Registrar of Companies showing the name and address of at least one authorized person resident in Cyprus, particulars of the secretary and directors and a certified copy of the Charter, Memorandum and Articles of Association (translated in Greek).