Subject to the legislation of the relevant jurisdictions, a Company can transfer its current domicile (or registered seat) to another jurisdiction, but keep its legal personality. The Cyprus Companies Law Cap. 113 (as amended) (“Companies Law”) provides the statutory framework as regards the migration of foreign companies in and out of Cyprus. A Company can do so if the laws of its current jurisdiction permit such migration and the process is undertaken according to its respective requirements.
Headquarters
Cyprus has long been a fundamental, geostrategic location as the third largest island in the Mediterranean crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. Organisations ranging from private or family businesses, startups and multinationals establish and relocate companies in Cyprus. As a member of the European Union since 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008, Cyprus enhanced its role as robust and reliable destination for key players in various industries. The professional services industry evolved to cater for businesses of local and international clients, in line with the risks of the Digital Age and the challenges of globalisation.
Law & Tax
The Cyprus legal system is largely based on English common law principles. This provides comfort through familiarity to international executives who conduct local or cross-border business through Cyprus. Cyprus law is formulated to facilitate compliant transactions of businesses smoothly. The national tax framework and incentives as well as international or bilateral treaties with countries worldwide remain useful business structuring tools. Cyprus has 12.5% corporate tax rate, limitless tax structuring opportunities and contemporary banking infrastructure - in line with the applicable EU AML legislation.
Migration Process
From a Cyprus legal perspective the migration process of a foreign Company to Cyprus is conducted as follows:
the Cyprus Registrar of Companies (“Registrar”) issues a Certificate of Temporary Registration in Cyprus that usually permits the deregistration of the Company from its current (foreign) jurisdiction; and
the submission of the requisite documents evidencing deregistration of the Company from the place of its current (original) jurisdiction and, subsequently, the approval of the Registrar upon issuance of the Certificate of Continuation, which confirms that the Company is formally registered in Cyprus.
Importantly, the Company will first need to obtain any required licence or authorisation before continuing in Cyprus.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. For specific legal guidance on Cyprus legal matters, it is advisable to consult with a qualified legal professional. If you have any questions or require any legal advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at contact@kourtellos.com.