To start a business in Cyprus, a person has two options: to start a new company or to buy a ready-made company. Shelf companies are usually created with the purpose of being sold, and our lawyers can assist if you want to buy one.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Legal entities available for shelf companies |
Private and public limited liability companies |
|
Time required for purchasing |
It can take a few days to buy a shelf company in Cyprus |
|
Types of features it includes (corporate bank account, VAT number, etc) |
Trading name, bank account, statutory documents, company director, tax identification number, VAT number possibly |
| The advantages of a shelf company | Simple and easy to buy, already registered entity, possibility to use it for various purposes |
| Appointing new directors (yes/no) | YES, after buying shelf companies in Cyprus, it is possible to replace the directors |
| Capital increase allowed (yes/no) |
YES, it is possible to change the share capital of a Cypriot shelf company |
| Certificate of no commercial activities (yes/no) |
NO |
| Participants in the purchase procedure | Buyer or a local representative and the seller |
| The cost of buying a shelf company | The price depends on the age of the company, legal structure, and share capital and can be more expensive than setting up a new company in Cyprus |
| Documents necessary for the purchase |
Sale-purchase agreement, ID/passport of the buyer |
| Taxes applied to a shelf company | Corporate tax (12.5 %), VAT (19% standard rate) |
| Changing the registered address (yes/no) | YES, it is possibile to change the legal address |
| Aged shelf company available (yes/no) | YES, it is possible to buy aged shelf companies in Cyprus |
| The institution where corporate changes are registered | Cypriot Companies Register |
| Legislation applicable | There is no special legislation, however, such companies are incorporated in accordance with the Company Act. |
|
Possibility to amend company name (YES/NO) |
Yes, after buying a shelf company in Cyprus, it is possible to change its name. |
|
Special purchase requirements for non-EU investors (YES/NO) |
No, non-EU investors can acquire shelf companies without going through any special procedure. |
| Common legal forms of shelf companies | The private limited liability company. |
| Due diligence requirements (YES/NO) |
No, however, they are recommended and can be completed by our lawyers. |
| Possibility to obtain special licenses (YES/NO) |
Yes, however, they are available for certain activities only. |
| Restrictions in using a shelf company (if any) |
No. |
| Availability of nominee services with a shelf company (YES/NO) |
Yes. |
| Possibility to access loans through such entities |
Yes, this is one of the main uses of a ready-made company in Cyprus. |
| Possibility to hire employees (YES/NO) | Yes, it is possible to hire employees through such an entity. |
Table of Contents
What are the steps to buy a shelf company in Cyprus?
Here are the steps recommended to follow:
- verify the service providers in the area you are interested in;
- get information on the available types of companies for sale;
- choose 2 or 3 entities and have them verified (our lawyers can assist with the procedure);
- set up a meeting with the seller to complete the transaction;
- sign the share transfer agreement.
IMPORTANT! We can offer representation through the purchase of a shelf company in Cyprus. All we need is a power of attorney, so that we can represent you.
What can I expect when buying a shelf company in Cyprus?
Here are some of the features of such entities:
- they are registered as limited liability companies, usually, the private type, which is the most common in Cyprus;
- they will have unique trading names;
- they have all the documents in order, starting with the Articles of Association;
- they also have tax identification codes, and some of them are also registered for VAT;
- they have nominee directors and secretaries, in some cases.
Here’s an infographic on this subject:
What are the changes to be made to a Cypriot ready-made company?
Here are some of the common changes made to a ready-made enterprise:
- the trading name – many of the new owners choose to change the company’s name to give it an identity that suits its new operations;
- the local address is also a common change when someone buys a shelf company in Cyprus;
- the share capital, which is usually increased to allow the company to operate in the desired industry;
- the nominee shareholder’s name will be replaced with the new owner’s name;
- the old director’s name will also be replaced with the new manager’s identity;
- the appointment of other officers must also be written in the Articles of Association.
How long does it take to buy a ready-company in Cyprus in 2026?
The procedure is completed in a few working days, usually 2 or 3, depending on how soon the transfer agreement is ready.
What are the documents that I need to provide during the procedure?
You need the ID or passport, depending on your nationality. Also, it is important to note the visa formalities if you come from a non-EU country.
If you decide to use our representation services, we will need a copy of the same document, depending on the case.
What are the categories of shelf companies available for sale in Cyprus?
You can choose between:
- ready-made companies that are registered for 1 or 2 years;
- aged or vintage companies that are more than 3 years old.
IMPORTANT! Aged companies are more expensive than newer ones, as they have the advantage of being registered for a longer time.
Does the age of a ready-made company matter?
It depends on the case. What you should know is that:
- if you want to use it for usual operations, such as commerce, the age is not that important;
- if you want to obtain a loan with a Cypriot bank, the age matters, as banks require a financial history of the company, and an older entity is more credible; therefore, it will be easier to access financing;
- the same principle applies if you want to enter a partnership: an aged company is preferred.
What are the uses of shelf companies in Cyprus?
A Cypriot shelf company might be useful for a number of activities:
- applying for loans from local banks (certain banks check a company’s activities, and a good track record is helpful for such a company);
- forming partnerships with the Cypriot authorities in accordance with the rules governing public-private partnerships;
- forming joint ventures with other Cyprus-based businesses;
- creating branches of the shelf company, having a parent company with a certain age.
We also invite you to watch our video on how to buy a company in Cyprus.
What will I receive when I buy a shelf company in Cyprus?
You will be handed the Registration Certificate and Articles of Association.
Are there any use restrictions applicable to Cypriot ready-made companies?
No, there are no restrictions on using them.
What are the advantages of Cypriot shelf companies?
Compared to starting a new business, buying a Cypriot shelf company in 2026 may prove to be more advantageous:
- because it offers express registration, thus being the fastest way of getting your business up and running when time is an important matter;
- the buyer will have access to its history and decide if it’s the best fit;
- its purchase is done very quickly and its registration can occur in one day, as the company has already been created;
- it has a name that has already been registered with the Cyprus Company Registrar;
- it appears as the company has longevity since it was registered to the previous date. In this case, vintage companies are better as they are dated back to a longer period of time and they can add prestige to the company’s background.
How much does it cost to buy a shelf company in Cyprus in 2026?
The price range is quite large, as it depends on the age of the enterprise first, as mentioned previously, as well as on the attributes of the entity (the legal form, whether it has a VAT number or not).
Our affiliations
We can also help you incorporate a company in Dubai, through our partners from BridgeWest Dubai. The time frame for incorporation in Dubai is 1-3 weeks.
If you are interested in information about company formation in other countries, such as Italy or Turkey, you may contact our local lawyers.
Do you need more details about the process of incorporating a company in Germany? Our local partners from BridgeWest Germany can assist you.
In case you need other types of services, for example, company incorporation services in Ukraine, we can put you in contact with our partners – CompanyFormationUkraine.com.
For more details on how to acquire a company in Cyprus, feel free to get in contact with our consultants.