Cyprus has a well-established financial industry and is a popular location for the formation of investment funds. Cyprus provides an advantageous regulatory framework, tax advantages, and a robust infrastructure for investment funds.
Cyprus has an extensive legislative and regulatory framework for investment funds, which is principally administered by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). CySEC monitors and supervises investment funds to ensure that they comply with applicable rules and regulations, protect investors, and maintain market integrity.
Cyprus is in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and theoretically belongs to Asia, yet it is culturally and politically linked to Europe.
According to Worldometer’s elaboration of the most recent United Nations data, the current population of the Republic of Cyprus is 1,232,648 as of Monday, May 22, 2023.
The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. The island is divided into two parts, with the Turkish Cypriots to the north and the Greek Cypriots to the south. Around 2.7% of each also speak Armenian and Arabic, and the majority of these also speak Greek.
Cyprus is a common law jurisdiction, and its court system is adversarial in nature. The vast majority of Cypriot law is based on English common law, the fundamental concepts of which are directly applied by Cyprus courts (section 29, Courts of Justice Law).
Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU), and investment funds established there can take advantage of the EU’s regulatory framework. This permits investment funds to be passported between EU member states, facilitating fund marketing and distribution to a broader investor base inside the EU.
Cyprus has a well-established and robust investment fund regulatory structure. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) monitors and supervises investment funds, ensuring that all applicable rules and regulations are followed. This gives investors with some security and boosts market confidence.
Mutual funds, investment companies with variable capital (ICVCs), and limited partnerships are among the fund formats available in Cyprus. This adaptability enables fund managers to select the structure that best suits their investment strategy and investor preferences, while accommodating multiple asset classes and investor types.
Cyprus offers excellent tax advantages to investment funds. These include a favourable corporation tax rate, income tax exemptions, and access to Cyprus’ wide network of double tax treaties. These tax breaks can boost fund profitability while also maximising tax efficiency for both fund managers and investors.
Cyprus is strategically located, serving as a link between Europe, Asia, and Africa. This ideal position facilitates commercial and trade relations, and it can be especially useful for investment funds looking for opportunities in these regions.
Cyprus has a thriving ecosystem of professional service providers, including law firms, accounting firms, fund administration firms, and audit firms. These service companies specialise in investment funds and provide a variety of support services such as fund formation, administration, compliance, and reporting. Their understanding of local legislation and skills can help to expedite the fund registration procedure and continuing operational requirements.
Cyprus has established investor protection measures in accordance with EU directives, ensuring investor openness, disclosure, and fair treatment. This contributes to investor confidence and trust in Cyprus-registered investment funds.
License: | Undertakings For Collective Investment In Transferable Securities UCITS |
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Timeframe for Approval: | 3 to 4 months |
Regulator: | The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission |
Local Director: | At least one |
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Local Shareholder: | At least one |
Local Registered Office: | Required |
Local Staff: | Required |
Compliance Officer: | Required |
AML/KYC: | Required |
Audit: | Required |
Economic Substance: | Required |
Corporate Tax Rate: | 12.5% |
Currency: | Euro |
Minimum Paid-up Capital: | 1,000 euros |
Capital Requirement: | $125,000 |
Tax Structure: | 12.5% on offshore profits |