Private Limited Company (Ltd) — The Most Common Choice
The Cyprus Private Limited Company (Idiotiki Etaireia Periorismenis Efthynis) is by far the most popular structure for both local and international businesses. It offers:
- Limited liability for shareholders
- Separate legal personality
- 12.5% corporate tax rate
- Minimum 1 shareholder, 1 director, 1 company secretary
- No minimum share capital requirement (€1 is sufficient)
See our full company registration guide for the step-by-step process.
Public Limited Company (PLC)
Required for companies listed on a stock exchange or with more than 50 shareholders. Higher regulatory requirements, mandatory audit, and minimum share capital of €25,629. Rarely used by startups or small businesses.
General Partnership
Two or more partners sharing unlimited joint and several liability for the partnership's debts. No separate legal personality. Simple to set up, but the unlimited liability is a significant drawback — all partners' personal assets are at risk.
Limited Partnership
Combines general partners (unlimited liability, manage the business) and limited partners (liability limited to their investment, no management role). Used for certain fund structures and investment vehicles.
Sole Trader / Self-Employed
The simplest structure — no registration required beyond registering as self-employed with the Tax Department and Social Insurance. No limited liability protection. Most appropriate for freelancers and sole professionals. Income is taxed at personal income tax rates (0%–35%).
Branch Office
A foreign company can establish a branch in Cyprus rather than incorporating a separate company. The branch is an extension of the parent entity — it is not a separate legal person and the parent company bears full liability. Must be registered with the Registrar of Companies within one month of establishment.