The Cyprus Holding Company

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Choosing the appropriate location for a holding company may be a complex procedure, which involves careful consideration of various tax and non-tax factors.

The Republic of Cyprus has established itself as the most attractive jurisdiction within the EU and globally for holding companies. Its investor friendly environment, business-friendly and unique tax system, EU membership and OECD compliance made Cyprus an ideal location for holding company. Its strategic location between Europe and the Middle East makes Cyprus an ideal place for holding companies with interest in the wider region.

Due to this strategic location Cyprushas been a hub for trade and commerce in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Levant since more than 3000 years, becoming a true melting pot of cultures and customs, providing services as a bridge between East and West.

Today as an EU member state since 2004 and member of the Eurozone since 2008, Cyprus offers plenty of advantages to investors and trading partners.

Being full member of the EU, Cyprus participates in the European Single Market, which allows the free movement of goods, capital, services and labour between EU member states. The EU membership entitles resident companies to the benefits of the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive as well.

During the last decades Cyprus has proven itself as a reputable international business and financial centre with a general corporate tax level of only 12,5 %. Benefitting from specific, wisely shaped tax incentives, especially for the finance industry and the shipping industry and all proven by the EU, may even lower the applied tax rates.

Cyprus has signed Double Taxation Treaties with more than 60 countries by now and it is in negotiations with several other countries.

Furthermore, Cyprus fully complies with all relevant regulations and directives of the EU, OECD, FATF and FSF. It is on the White list of OECD and has legally committed to the highest standards of transparency, which is an essential criterion for successful businesses in today’s world.

A Cyprus holding company may serve as a perfect gateway to the EU while receiving and paying dividends does not suffer from income tax (corporate tax) or withholding taxes.

The main advantages of a Cyprus holding company are summarized below:

• No withholding tax on dividends paid to non-residents shareholders;
• No withholding tax on interest paid from Cyprus;
• No tax on dividend income received from another Cyprus tax resident company;
• No tax on dividend income received from a foreign permanent establishment (PE) of a Cyprus holding company; provided one of the following conditions are met:

1. The PE must not engage more than 50% directly or indirectly in activities which lead to passive income.

2. The foreign tax burden on the profit of the dividend paying company is not lower than 6.25%.

• No tax on dividend income received from abroad; provided

1. That they are not allowed as a tax deduction in the jurisdiction of the foreign paying company;

2. The dividend paying subsidy company must not engage directly or indirectly more than 50% in activities which lead to passive income

3. or if the foreign tax burden of the dividend paying company is not lower than 6.25%

• Dividends received from abroad are exempt from Special Defense Contribution if one of the following conditions are met:

1. The dividend paying company must not engage more than 50% directly or indirectly in activities which lead to passive income.

2. The foreign tax burden on the profit of the dividend paying company is not lower than 6.25%.

• No withholding tax on royalties paid from Cyprus in respect of intellectual property exploited outside Cyprus;
• No tax on disposal or trading of securities;
• Only 2,5% effective taxation on profits from qualifying intellectual property;
• Notional interest deduction upon the introduction of new equity

In general, a Cyprus holding company structure may help to decrease or to eliminate the tax charged on dividend income and gains.

Although there are no restrictions on the legal form of a Cyprus holding company, the most commonly used form is the Cyprus private limited liability company.

Basic requirements of a Cyprus Holding Company:

Share Capital: Legally, the minimum paid capital of a Cyprus Holding Company is the smallest payable amount, which is one Euro cent. However, as such a low capital would not make much sense, the usually authorized minimum capital is generally € 1.000,00.

But: a paid capital reflecting the actual business of a company is advisable for the financial standing of a company in general.

Shareholders: The minimum number of shareholders of a Cyprus private LTD company is 1 and the maximum is 50. The shareholder may be natural or legal person. There is no restriction on nationality or residency. A Cyprus Company can be incorporated with 100% foreign ownership. The use of nominee shareholders is allowed.

Appointment of Directors: Under the Cyprus Companies Law a Cyprus private limited company must have at least one director. The location of the management and control of a company determines the tax residency of a company. Therefore, in order to meet the requirements of the Cypriot tax legislation regarding the determination of tax residency, the director of a Cyprus holding company needs to be resident of Cyprus.

Secretary of a Cyprus Holding Company:

A company secretary must be appointed. It can be natural or legal person and has to reside in Cyprus.

Registered office of a Cyprus Holding Company:

A Cyprus holding company must have a registered office in Cyprus.

Bookkeeping and Audit of a Cyprus Holding Company:

Cyprus Holding Companies must maintain proper bookkeeping and must prepare a fully set of Financial Statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). The books of a Cyprus Holding Company do not need to be kept in Cyprus by law, but they must be immediately accessible for the Cyprus Tax Authorities at any time, without any delay

The accounts of all Cyprus Companies must be audited by an auditor licensed in Cyprus.

For more information regarding Cyprus company registration.

For more information and advise on how a Cyprus holding company could help to structure your business please contact us.

Article supplied by SHANDA CONSULT