Services - Cyprus

Updated 06/2011

Legal requirements

European Directive 2006/123/EC on Services in the Internal Market applies in Cyprus since July 16, 2010 through a horizontal law titled "Act Regulating Issues related to the Freedom of Establishment for Service Providers and Free Movement of Services, No. 76(Ι), 2010."

Administrative procedures

In the framework of complying with Directive 2006/123/EC on Services in the Internal Market, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has upgraded and extended the One-Stop Shop, in order for this to constitute the Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (Cyprus PSC), as defined in the relevant Directive provisions.

The Point of Single Contact aims to become the single institutional interlocutor for the service provider, so that there will be no need for the latter to contact multiple competent authorities or bodies in order to collect all the relevant information and to expedite all the necessary actions regarding access to service provision activities and carrying out such activities.

The Cyprus PSC,

Provides information and services to investors on the development of business activities in Cyprus.

Provides information related to the procedures and formalities required to access and carry out service provision activities in the framework of the Services Directive implementation, either through establishing a business or through cross-border provision of services.

Provides information regarding the horizontal procedures required for the establishment of an enterprise in the Republic of Cyprus, such as registration with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver.

Expedites the following procedures related to the establishment of an enterprise in Cyprus:

Registration with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver

The establishment of an enterprise may be effected in the form of two different legal entities, which may be registered with the Registrar of Companies and Official Receiver in Nicosia. For additional information, please click the following link:

Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (PSC)

Registration with the VAT Service Register

Any natural person or legal entity established in the Republic of Cyprus may register with the VAT Register. For additional information, please click the following link:

Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (PSC)

Issuance of Residence and Work Permits

Residence and work permits are granted mainly on a provisional basis and for a specific job by the Civil Registry and Migration Department. For additional information, please click the following link:

Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (PSC)

Registration for Income Tax

Natural persons or legal entities may register with the Inland Revenue Department and obtain a Tax Registry Number.

Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (PSC)

Electronic submission of application forms

Through the Cyprus PSC it is possible for service providers to submit application forms electronically, so long as they are holders of an acknowledged electronic signature, for certain procedures required to access and carry out various service provision activities (veterinary services, real estate services, tour guide services, tour operators and travel agencies, recreation centres, architects, engineers, etc.) as well as certain horizontal procedures related to the establishment of an enterprise in Cyprus (registration with the employer registry, registration with the VAT register, registration with the Income Tax Register). Thus, the specific service provider may easily and remotely expedite a particular activity.

Monitoring procedure processing

Through the personal space of the Cyprus PSC e-portal, registered users are able to view their submitted applications and monitor the progress of the procedure.

Point of Single Contact of Cyprus (PSC)

13-15 Andrea Araouzou str.

1421 Nicosia, Cyprus

Tel.: + 35722409433

Fax: +35722409432

Email: psccyprus@mcit.gov.cy

www.businessincyprus.gov.cy

www.eu-go.gov.cy

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

Services - Cyprus

Legal requirements