29.11.2022 Views

Doing Business Cyprus (USA Edition)

Transform your PDFs into Flipbooks and boost your revenue!

Leverage SEO-optimized Flipbooks, powerful backlinks, and multimedia content to professionally showcase your products and significantly increase your reach.

TheProfilerGroup<br />

DOING BUSINESS<br />

CYPRUS<br />

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA EDITION


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

2<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

TheProfilerGroup<br />

The Profiler Group is a specialist publisher of country information that assists<br />

corporations managing operations across national borders with trade, investment<br />

and relocation decisions. The Profiler Group is recognised by senior business<br />

executives, government representatives, institutions and global organisations<br />

as a leading provider of informative and insightful country intelligence.<br />

Kristina Ernst<br />

Director<br />

ernst@theprofilergroup.com<br />

Heidi Marttinen<br />

Editor<br />

marttinen@theprofilergroup.com<br />

Victoria Vasiliou<br />

Administrative Manager<br />

vasiliou@theprofilergroup.com<br />

EUROPE<br />

16, Elia Papakyriakou, Suite 101,<br />

Engomi, 2415 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

cyprus@theprofilergroup.com<br />

www.theprofilergroup.com<br />

www.cyprusprofile.com<br />

NORTH AMERICA<br />

21-2123 Walkers Line,<br />

Burlington Ontario, L7M 4Z9, Canada<br />

RESEARCH & CONTRIBUTIONS<br />

The Profiler Group staff<br />

PUBLICATION DATE<br />

September 2022<br />

The information included in this publication is<br />

for information purposes only and is subject<br />

to change. With regard to the licensing of a<br />

business, income generation or any other legal<br />

or accounting matters, the Publisher strongly<br />

recommends that the reader seeks the advice<br />

of an appropriately licensed professional.<br />

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part<br />

is strictly prohibited without written permission.<br />

Opinions expressed in this publication are not<br />

necessarily those of the editor or publisher. All<br />

reasonable care is taken to ensure truth and<br />

accuracy, but the editor and publishers cannot<br />

be held responsible for errors or omissions in<br />

articles, advertising, photographs or illustrations.<br />

COOPERATION PARTNERS


The New Equation<br />

The New Equation is a community of solvers coming together<br />

in unexpected ways. It’s human-led and tech-powered.<br />

It’s how we build trust for today and tomorrow.<br />

Learn more at www.pwc.com.cy/en/the-new-equation.html


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

4<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Contents<br />

06<br />

10<br />

18<br />

22<br />

34<br />

36<br />

42<br />

46<br />

53<br />

56<br />

58<br />

64<br />

69<br />

75<br />

CYPRUS AT A GLANCE<br />

Key Facts & Figures<br />

COUNTRY OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>: Work-Life Balance<br />

INSIGHT<br />

Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry Natasa Pilides<br />

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT<br />

Investment Gateway<br />

INSIGHT<br />

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Judith Garber<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

Ambassador of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> to the United States of America<br />

Marios Lysiotis<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Real Estate<br />

PROPERTY SHOWCASE<br />

Leading Developments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

INSIGHT<br />

CEO of Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> George Campanellas<br />

INCENTIVES<br />

New Government Action Plan<br />

BUSINESS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />

<strong>Business</strong> operating environment guide including taxation, business<br />

costs, commercial and residential property, and salary survey<br />

TAXATION<br />

Tax and Regulatory Regime of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

WHO’S WHO IN CYPRUS<br />

The definitive guide to <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ leading companies,<br />

executives, and professional advisors


There are new<br />

competitors with a<br />

fresh vision.<br />

Is your company agile enough<br />

to outpace them?<br />

Using innovative tools, thinking and<br />

frameworks, KPMG can help adapt your<br />

business in the face of constant disruption.<br />

Learn more at kpmg.com.cy<br />

©2022 KPMG Limited, a <strong>Cyprus</strong> limited liability company and a member firm of the KPMG global organization of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG<br />

International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.<br />

The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

6<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> at a Glance<br />

Lying at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has long served as a<br />

major eastern trading post. It is a small country, but the third largest island in<br />

the Mediterranean Sea and shares a maritime border with Egypt 300km to the<br />

south, Lebanon 108km to the east and Turkey 71km to the north, while mainland<br />

Greece lies 800km to the north-west. With 10,000 years of history, the island’s<br />

strategic location has long made it a jewel in the crown of the powers of the day.<br />

PAPHOS<br />

(Pafos)<br />

101,900<br />

Paphos<br />

International<br />

Airport<br />

LIMASSOL<br />

(Lemesos)<br />

258,900<br />

NICOSIA<br />

(Lefkosia)<br />

351,600<br />

Larnaca<br />

International<br />

Airport<br />

LARNACA<br />

(Larnaka)<br />

154,200<br />

35ºN<br />

33ºE<br />

FAMAGUSTA<br />

(Ammochostos)<br />

51,500


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

7<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CYPRUS<br />

DATA<br />

MEMBERSHIPS<br />

EU & Eurozone<br />

World Trade<br />

Organization<br />

United Nations<br />

Council of Europe<br />

Commonwealth<br />

World Bank & IMF<br />

RELIGION<br />

89.1%<br />

Greek Orthodox<br />

2.9% Roman Catholic<br />

2.0% Protestant/Anglican<br />

1.8% Muslim<br />

1.7% Unknown/Atheist<br />

1.0% Buddhist<br />

1.5% Other<br />

TOTAL POPULATION<br />

918,100<br />

Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

79%<br />

Cypriot<br />

21%<br />

Non-Cypriot<br />

OFFICIAL LANGUAGES<br />

Greek &<br />

Turkish<br />

(business generally<br />

conducted in English)<br />

TIME<br />

+2 Hours<br />

ahead of GMT<br />

SUNSHINE<br />

340 days<br />

of sunshine/year<br />

AREA & SIZE<br />

9,251 km 2<br />

(3,355 km 2 in the<br />

occupied area)<br />

POPULATION DENSITY<br />

132<br />

(persons per km 2 )<br />

MEDIAN AGE<br />

38<br />

CURRENCY<br />

Euro (€)<br />

RAINFALL<br />

503 mm<br />

average annual<br />

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE<br />

+13ºC<br />

Winter<br />

+34ºC<br />

Summer<br />

MAIN MEDIA<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Mail<br />

Phileleftheros<br />

Politis<br />

CyBC


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

8<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CYPRUS<br />

BUSINESS<br />

FIGURES<br />

TOTAL GDP<br />

€23.4<br />

billion<br />

(2021)<br />

GDP PER CAPITA<br />

€26,031<br />

(2021)<br />

12.3%<br />

Taxes & Subsidies<br />

5.4%<br />

Construction<br />

7.5%<br />

Mining, manufacturing,<br />

electricity & water<br />

GDP<br />

BY SECTOR<br />

73.1%<br />

Services<br />

1.8%<br />

Agriculture,<br />

forestry & fishing<br />

UNEMPLOYMENT<br />

7.5%<br />

(2021)<br />

GDP GROWTH<br />

5.5%<br />

(2021)<br />

INFLATION<br />

2.3%<br />

(2021)<br />

INTERNATIONAL RANKINGS<br />

Standard & Poor’s<br />

BBB<br />

CORPORATE<br />

TAX RATE<br />

12.5%<br />

TIME TO START<br />

UP A BUSINESS<br />

1.3 days<br />

ACCOUNTING<br />

STANDARD<br />

IFRS<br />

Fitch<br />

BBB- Moody’s<br />

Ba1<br />

(September 2022)<br />

MAIN TRADING PARTNERS<br />

UK<br />

Germany<br />

Italy<br />

France<br />

Israel<br />

Greece<br />

China<br />

CRIME<br />

0.9 per<br />

100 persons<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is the safest<br />

country in the world for<br />

young people out of<br />

184 countries across<br />

the globe.


Aboveall<br />

Your ultimate destination<br />

Visit our show apartments or contact us<br />

for more information on our properties.<br />

Prime location & design<br />

Right on the seafront, in the city centre.<br />

The only place to live, work and play<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with sea view apartments,<br />

offices and first-class amenities.<br />

Unrivalled facilities & services<br />

Indoor leisure retreats, an outdoor oasis,<br />

and a thriving plaza with restaurants,<br />

bars and shops. All complemented with<br />

on-site management, concierge<br />

and rental services.<br />

Renowned credibility<br />

Reputable local and international<br />

experts in high-rise development with<br />

a proven history and track record.<br />

We deliver on our promise!<br />

Excellent value<br />

The best product, at the best price<br />

in Limassol. Financing secured, all<br />

permits issued and delivery scheduled<br />

for the end of the year.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> +357 8000 50 30<br />

TR I LOGYLI MAS S O L .COM<br />

SHOW APARTMENT


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

10<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

COUNTRY OVERVIEW<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>: Work-Life Balance<br />

Renowned since antiquity, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has reinvented<br />

itself multiple times and is going through another<br />

exciting transformation today. The island nation has<br />

big ambitions to diversify its economy by placing<br />

innovation at its core, while it continues to attract<br />

professional expats and foreign investors to its<br />

shores thanks to its relaxed lifestyle coupled with<br />

bourgeoning prospects in multiple sectors.<br />

L<br />

ocated in the eastern Mediterranean at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East<br />

and Africa, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ strategic position has always played a key role in shaping its<br />

10,000-year history and in developing the island into a convenient centre for trade<br />

and international business. Despite being a country of less than a million people,<br />

the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> has steadily built itself into a thriving business centre over<br />

the decades. An EU and eurozone member for over a decade, and with one of the<br />

highest educated populations in Europe, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has built a strong service-based<br />

economy. Its low-cost business environment with a wealth of support services, a<br />

sophisticated ICT infrastructure and investor-friendly tax regime – backed up by an<br />

extensive network of double taxation agreements with 67 countries – has developed<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> into an important European and regional financial and business services<br />

hub. The country is also one of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations, enjoying<br />

340 days of glorious sunshine a year and boasts a beautiful coastline teeming with


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

11<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

stretches of golden sand, secluded bays and rocky coves, all surrounded by some of<br />

the cleanest beaches and waters in the Mediterranean Sea. The landscape is dotted<br />

with the fascinating remains of history, from Neolithic settlements and ancient citykingdoms<br />

to exquisite Byzantine art and magnificent Venetian architecture. Add to<br />

this the vibrant and cosmopolitan lifestyle where East meets West, <strong>Cyprus</strong> offers the<br />

perfect balance between business and leisure.<br />

PEOPLE & CULTURE<br />

While the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a<br />

Greek-speaking nation, English<br />

is almost universally spoken and is the<br />

language of international business.<br />

German, French and Russian speakers<br />

are also easily found, thanks to the high<br />

number of Cypriots with international<br />

degrees, the country’s commercial ties<br />

with the global business community,<br />

and the island’s popularity as a tourist<br />

destination. <strong>Cyprus</strong> is well known for its<br />

hospitality, a fact reflected in the Greek<br />

word, xenos, used for both stranger and<br />

guest. Life is meant to be enjoyed in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>, which is renowned for its excellent quality of life. Cafe culture predominates,<br />

with both business and social meetings taking place over a leisurely frappe (iced<br />

coffee) in the numerous cafes in every town and city. As with most Mediterranean<br />

cultures, food also plays a vital role in family and social life. The famous <strong>Cyprus</strong> meze<br />

– a large selection of small, delectable dishes – is best enjoyed siga siga (slowly) and<br />

al fresco.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has a resilient economy that<br />

has time and time again proven<br />

its capacity to adjust to continuously<br />

changing conditions and bounce<br />

back from external shocks. Before its<br />

independence from the UK in 1960, the<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> economy was primarily based on<br />

agriculture and the export of minerals.<br />

However, in the last few decades the<br />

country has established itself as a serious<br />

international business and service centre<br />

for shipping, financial services and<br />

commerce, and is classified by the World<br />

Bank as a high-income country. The<br />

island’s accession to the EU in 2004 with<br />

I<br />

Offering a tax-efficient<br />

EU company domicile, the<br />

country is also emerging as<br />

a compelling destination for<br />

regional headquarters and<br />

a base for tech companies,<br />

as well as an increasingly<br />

attractive location for fund<br />

managers and promoters<br />

RESILIENT EU ECONOMY<br />

the subsequent adoption of the euro in 2008, was the catalyst for its transformation<br />

into a competitive financial and business services hub. Following the country’s financial


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

12<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

crisis in 2013, <strong>Cyprus</strong> undertook a major<br />

reform agenda and while still facing<br />

some economic challenges, the small<br />

EU nation has demonstrated resilience<br />

and an ability to bounce back to growth.<br />

The year 2015 signalled a sooner-thanexpected<br />

exit from recession and a rapid<br />

economic turnaround followed, with 2017<br />

recording almost 4% growth – earning<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> praise as an economic success<br />

story. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ resilience in the face of the<br />

pandemic was once again evident with<br />

GDP growth reaching a strong 5.5% in<br />

2021, although the European Commission<br />

forecasts a downturn to 3.2% growth in<br />

2022. Consistent credit rating upgrades<br />

have further boosted confidence and<br />

foreign direct investment has been<br />

flowing into all key sectors. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has<br />

retained and strengthened its status as an<br />

attractive investment gateway to the EU<br />

and other high-growth markets, as well<br />

as a secure base to tap into opportunities<br />

in the Middle East. Offering a tax-efficient<br />

EU company domicile, the country is also<br />

emerging as a compelling destination<br />

for regional headquarters and a base for<br />

tech companies, as well as an increasingly<br />

attractive location for fund managers and<br />

promoters.<br />

GROWING INVESTMENT FUND SECTOR<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has big ambitions in the<br />

investment funds sector to establish<br />

itself as a contender in the global asset<br />

management industry. The steady growth<br />

in both Assets under Management and in<br />

the number of fund structures licensed<br />

and active in <strong>Cyprus</strong> have underlined<br />

the strength and appeal of the novice<br />

domicile. Assets under Management<br />

(AuM) have seen a formidable increase<br />

from €2.7 billion in 2016 to €11.1 billion in<br />

the first quarter of 2022, showing that it is<br />

not the sector’s size but its fast growth that<br />

has impressed, and is being recognised<br />

by the global asset management and<br />

investor community. Investment funds<br />

CYPRUS FACTS<br />

& FIGURES<br />

EU Member since 2004,<br />

Eurozone member since 2008<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ maritime sector accounts<br />

for €1 billion in annual revenue and<br />

is around 7% of the island’s GDP<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is an established<br />

international business and service<br />

centre for shipping, financial<br />

services and commerce, and is<br />

classified by the World Bank as<br />

a high-income country<br />

Investment funds have already<br />

invested more than €2 billion<br />

in several sectors of the Cypriot<br />

economy, such as shipping,<br />

hospitality, education, healthcare,<br />

and renewable energy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

13<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

have already invested more than €2 billion in several sectors of the Cypriot economy,<br />

such as shipping, hospitality, education, healthcare, and renewable energy. <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

offers both EU-regulated Undertakings of Collective Investment in Transferable<br />

Securities (UCITS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs). In July 2018, the country<br />

upgraded its AIF framework and introduced Registered AIFs (RAIFs), which do not<br />

require authorisation by the supervising <strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission<br />

(CySEC) to commence operations provided they are externally managed by an<br />

Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM) based in <strong>Cyprus</strong> or another EU country.<br />

The upgraded legislation has been hailed ‘ground-breaking’ and offers a significantly<br />

more time- and cost-efficient means of establishing AIFs in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Today, the majority<br />

of alternative investment funds in <strong>Cyprus</strong> are of a small and medium size and focus<br />

on debt and equity securities, real estate and private equity. However, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has also<br />

attracted larger funds including one with assets of €500 million under management.<br />

The number of alternative investment funds has more than doubled in the last five<br />

years and foreign UCITS are now widely marketed in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, including ones promoted<br />

by international financial institutions such as JP Morgan, UBS and Julius Baer.<br />

GLOBAL SHIPPING HUB<br />

major success story for <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been the maritime sector, which accounts for<br />

A around €1 billion in annual revenue and approximately 7% of the island’s GDP<br />

– and of this figure, shipmanagement alone accounts for 5%. Apart from offering<br />

shipmanagement and business services to the industry, the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Registry is<br />

classified as the third largest merchant fleet in the European Union and the 11 th largest<br />

in the world. The country is also the EU’s largest shipmanagement centre and amongst<br />

the top three in the world. The sector has seen growth in the past few years and <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

is currently looking at restructuring the commercial shipping sector to strengthen its<br />

competitive edge. Since introducing an advantageous EU-approved tonnage tax system<br />

in 2010, the island has continued to attract increasing numbers of shipping companies<br />

from across the world. The country’s maritime capital, Limassol, is home to some of the<br />

most influential names in shipping today managing around 20% of the world’s thirdparty<br />

managed fleet.<br />

I<br />

Apart from offering shipmanagement and<br />

business services to the industry, the<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Registry is classified as the third<br />

largest merchant fleet in the European<br />

Union and the 11th largest in the world.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

14<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Apart from the sun and the sea,<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has few natural resources<br />

and has been dependent on oil imports<br />

to satisfy its energy demands. However,<br />

the substantial discovery of natural gas<br />

and potential oil deposits in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in<br />

the Mediterranean Sea is expected to<br />

change all this. Exploratory drillings by<br />

global energy giants have confirmed<br />

natural gas reserves that could meet<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ domestic gas demand for over<br />

EAST MED ENERGY CENTRE<br />

IThe country’s top-tier<br />

universities and research<br />

institutes are also playing a<br />

pivotal part in these efforts<br />

to create a more sustainable<br />

energy mix through innovation<br />

in smart tech and research in<br />

ways to battle climate change<br />

100 years, and a surplus for export. The<br />

hydrocarbons race in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ waters has attracted international energy heavyweights,<br />

such as Total, ENI, Kogas, Royal Dutch Shell, and ExxonMobil to explore the island’s<br />

waters for new discoveries and multiple auxiliary services companies have set up<br />

to support these efforts. With 340 days of sunshine to harness, solar energy has also<br />

become a bit of a boom segment for <strong>Cyprus</strong> recently. The government is placing strong<br />

focus on renewable energy and working towards achieving a zero-carbon economy.<br />

The country’s top-tier universities and research institutes are also playing a pivotal role<br />

in these efforts to create a more sustainable energy mix through innovation in smart<br />

tech and research in ways to battle climate change.<br />

TECH AND INNOVATION TAKING THE LEAD<br />

The technology space in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is seeing a fresh boost with more state support to the<br />

sector, the launch of new national strategies to integrate innovative tech, and fresh<br />

incentives to attract more digital nomads, IT start-ups and regional headquarters. With<br />

its new focus on long-term development outcomes, <strong>Cyprus</strong> is determined to diversify<br />

and harness growth with a technology-driven economy. The biggest spender by far on<br />

IT in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the financial sector, followed by the telecoms providers and the public<br />

service. Albeit one of the smallest EU member states, research and development is an<br />

area where <strong>Cyprus</strong> punches well above its weight. Unprecedented investment into the<br />

sector and ground-breaking projects are establishing this small island, not only as an<br />

innovation and research hub, but as a regional centre of excellence providing strong<br />

links with the global scientific and technical innovation community.<br />

POPULAR TOURISM DESTINATION<br />

Tourism has been a key driving force of the Cypriot economy for decades, and pre-<br />

Covid the country saw consecutive years of record-breaking numbers of tourist<br />

arrivals and revenue. Although the pandemic temporarily stifled the thriving sector,<br />

tourist arrival figures are rebounding and new projects currently underway are<br />

set to strengthen and upgrade <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ tourism product and encourage more yearround<br />

visitors, a strategy <strong>Cyprus</strong> is fully committed to. These projects range from the<br />

construction of new golf courses, luxury marina developments and the upgrading of<br />

the island’s wellness and medical tourism product. A new and exciting prospect is the


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

15<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Kourion<br />

current construction of the Republic’s first-ever luxury casino resort. The €600 million<br />

integrated resort, run by a consortium with renowned Hong Kong player Melco, will<br />

exceed five-star status and open a whole new market for niche tourism on the island.<br />

ATTRACTIVE REAL ESTATE<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> real estate sector was showing strong market performance straight<br />

through to 2019, but 2020 marked a turning point as the pandemic hit worldwide.<br />

However, by October 2021, sales to the European market increased 68% and 2022<br />

has shown dynamic momentum in sales so far. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ appeal has remained strong<br />

amongst international investors, expats and retirees thanks to its Mediterranean<br />

climate, high quality of life and safety, as well as its status as an EU member state<br />

conveniently located between three continents. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has one of the highest home<br />

ownership rates in Europe and also has a longstanding market for second homes and<br />

holiday villas, making the economy heavily reliant on the sector. With new up-market<br />

developments, increased foreign investment in top hotels and major infrastructure<br />

projects springing up, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ attractiveness as a property investment location is set to<br />

grow in the coming years.<br />

Limassol Marina


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

16<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

FDI APPEAL<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ FDI appeal has been on an upward trajectory thanks to a robust economy.<br />

Real GDP growth averaged 4.6% in 2015-19 and in 2021 the economy showed<br />

strong performance with 5.5% growth, regaining lost ground from the height of the<br />

Covid-19 pandemic. For the last several years, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been a hive of activity with<br />

several notable projects already implemented or in the pipeline, strengthening the<br />

country’s image and appeal. Foreign investment flows have been significant. In the<br />

ten-year period 2011-2020, cumulative net FDI reached €22.2 billion. This investment<br />

was driven by equity, with the shipping/shipping finance and real estate sectors<br />

playing a significant role, while investment in communications is now also beginning<br />

to gain importance. Ongoing improvements in the macroeconomic and financial<br />

environment have also revived international interest in around 30 major development<br />

projects on the island. Investment opportunities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ large-scale projects span<br />

various sectors, including high-value tourism and housing developments, projects with<br />

a special focus on golf courses and luxury marinas, as well as education, energy, and<br />

more recently the international film sector. The growth performance of <strong>Cyprus</strong> over<br />

the last five years has been exceptional and even exceeded international expectations,<br />

while successive credit rating upgrades and new incentives have attracted billions in<br />

foreign investment since 2015, with significant inflows from the US, Asia, Russia and the<br />

Middle East. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ liberalised Foreign Direct Investment Policy, both for EU citizens<br />

and investors from third countries, along with its favourable tax regime makes it one of<br />

the most attractive centres for FDI in Europe.<br />

Parklane Limassol<br />

A DIVERSIFIED FUTURE<br />

Offering a professional yet relaxed atmosphere that makes doing business<br />

pleasurable as well as profitable, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Mediterranean lifestyle coexists happily<br />

with a cutting-edge international business hub, allowing investors to enjoy the best of<br />

both worlds: a safe and comfortable environment for family life and a sophisticated<br />

infrastructure from which to grow and develop business. <strong>Cyprus</strong> combines numerous<br />

advantages as a business base with its EU-approved tax regime, competitive 12.5%<br />

corporate tax rate and tax breaks for high earners, its pro-business government<br />

and highly skilled workforce – as well as promising growth and development across<br />

numerous economic sectors. With <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ prospects on the rise, the country has all the<br />

right elements firmly in place to strengthen its reputation as an international centre of<br />

business excellence in one of Europe’s most interesting investment locations. n


THERE IS A PLACE WHERE…<br />

you have a local partner<br />

on the ground.<br />

As the national investment authority, Invest<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> acts as a single point of contact and one<br />

stop shop for existing and potential investors.<br />

Our dedicated team provides after care and<br />

facilitation services, including supporting you in<br />

site selection, setting up offices, staff immigration<br />

and relocation procedures while continuing to<br />

grow its extensive portfolio of available<br />

projects and investment opportunities.<br />

www.investcyprus.org.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

18<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INSIGHT<br />

Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry<br />

Natasa Pilides


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

19<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US have a strong partnership<br />

and longstanding cooperation in multiple areas.<br />

Which sectors are providing the most investment<br />

potential at the moment, and how can <strong>Cyprus</strong> attract<br />

more business and investment from the <strong>USA</strong>?<br />

As an EU Member State since 2004 and Eurozone Member since 2008, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

has been steadily improving its economic performance over the past years,<br />

evolving into a modern, cosmopolitan, and transparent business centre and offering<br />

opportunities for investment across a wide range of sectors.<br />

In recent years, the island has been attracting a fast-growing number of international<br />

companies operating in the areas of technology, shipping and financial services.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> can serve as an ideal business and trade hub for American companies, as well<br />

as a welcoming destination for those interested in expanding their regional operations<br />

or entering the European Market. <strong>Cyprus</strong>, through its 67 double taxation agreements –<br />

including with the US – and enjoying the benefits afforded by more than 40 EU trade<br />

agreements with third countries, provides US multinationals a gateway to the European<br />

Union and a portal for investment outside the EU, namely into the Middle East, India<br />

and North Africa. This holds especially true following Brexit, as <strong>Cyprus</strong> is now one of the<br />

very few Common Law jurisdictions in the EU.<br />

The country is also fast becoming one of the top emerging investment fund centres<br />

in Europe, in part due to its continuous efforts to upgrade its legislative and regulatory<br />

framework, which is backed by an attractive tax regime and a strong network of financial<br />

and professional services providers. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has developed into a key regional and costefficient<br />

domicile for investment funds, private equity firms and asset managers, with<br />

its many advantages beginning to attract notable interest from the US.<br />

We have confidence in our country’s existing dynamic investment portfolio, and we<br />

are positive that there is great potential in investing in even more sectors of strategic<br />

importance for the Government, such as research and innovation, information and<br />

communication technology, hospitality and tourism, healthcare, education and<br />

renewable energy.<br />

A case in point is <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ energy sector, with the discovery of significant hydrocarbon<br />

deposits in the Exclusive Economic<br />

Zone (EEZ) of the Republic having<br />

driven major FDI by US multinationals<br />

has developed into a<br />

in recent years. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ commitment<br />

key regional and cost-efficient<br />

to the green transition, combined<br />

with the development of the EuroAsia domicile for investment funds,<br />

Interconnector and the liberalisation<br />

private equity firms and asset<br />

of the electricity market, creates new<br />

opportunities for US investment in managers, with its many<br />

infrastructure, especially for power<br />

advantages beginning to attract<br />

generation from Renewable Energy<br />

Sources (RES) and for energy storage.I<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

notable interest from the US.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

20<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

IOur growing ICT innovation and<br />

Additionally, our growing ICT<br />

innovation and research sector, which<br />

is able to serve the entire Eastern research sector, which is able<br />

Mediterranean while bridging Europe,<br />

to serve the entire Eastern<br />

the Middle East, and North Africa, has<br />

transformed <strong>Cyprus</strong> into a promising Mediterranean while bridging<br />

location for high-technology businesses.<br />

Europe, the Middle East, and<br />

Well-known global technology companies<br />

such as Amdocs, NCR, Wargaming, eToro North Africa, has transformed<br />

and 3CX, have already established their<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> into a promising location<br />

presence on the island.<br />

A number of Government initiatives for high-technology businesses.<br />

have paved the way for a vibrant<br />

technology ecosystem in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, where tech companies have the opportunity to<br />

grow and expand in today’s ever-changing global market. According to the European<br />

Innovation Scoreboard of 2022, <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a strong innovator, ranked 10 th in the EU,<br />

performing above the Union’s average and labelled as the most improved across Europe<br />

in the period since 2015.<br />

The Government has also introduced a new strategy for attracting both high-skilled<br />

talent and international businesses that wish to set up, relocate or expand their<br />

activities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Furthermore, the existing investment policy has been radically<br />

reviewed, broadened and simplified to<br />

include a series of actions and reforms,<br />

has been radically reviewed, which aim at enhancing <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ position<br />

as an international high-growth business<br />

broadened and simplified to<br />

centre.<br />

include a series of actions<br />

A big part of our new Strategy has been<br />

the launch of the <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation<br />

and reforms, which aim at<br />

Unit, as of 1 st January 2022, that operates<br />

enhancing <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ position<br />

under the auspices of the Ministry<br />

of Energy, Commerce and Industry,<br />

as an international high-<br />

providing fast-track business setup to<br />

international companies. n<br />

IThe existing investment policy<br />

growth business centre.


asgleasing.cy<br />

FOCUS<br />

ON WHAT<br />

MATTERS*<br />

*FOCUS ON DEVELOPING YOUR BUSINESS,<br />

NOT MANAGING YOUR FLEET.<br />

by


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

22<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT<br />

Investment Gateway<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has attracted formidable foreign<br />

investment from around the world with billions<br />

flowing into new projects in multiple sectors,<br />

proving the island nation continues to have a<br />

strong pull factor with global investors.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has been a hive of activity in recent years, with several notable projects<br />

already implemented or in the pipeline, strengthening the country’s image and<br />

foreign direct investment (FDI) appeal. Large-scale real estate projects, luxury marinas<br />

and tourism infrastructure, coupled with developing opportunities in the energy, asset<br />

management and shipping sectors have all reinforced <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ status as an interesting<br />

investment destination.<br />

An added benefit of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is its geostrategic location and secure and stable EU<br />

environment in an often-turbulent region. These factors coupled with the introduction<br />

of new incentives are encouraging increasing numbers of companies from across<br />

the world to set up headquarters on the island, solidifying its position as an attractive<br />

gateway to both established and developing markets. More recently, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has also<br />

started to gain serious traction in attracting more innovative high-tech organisations<br />

to set up on its shores – rebranding itself as an emerging tech hub.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

23<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS<br />

Successive credit rating upgrades over the years and the continuous introduction<br />

of new incentives have attracted billions in foreign investment to <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with<br />

substantial inflows from the US, Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The sectors<br />

that have seen the most significant FDI so far are: finance, most notably in shipping;<br />

real estate in new luxury developments and infrastructure projects; information and<br />

communication; retail trade; and professional services, in particular head-office<br />

activities.<br />

Although having faced some serious<br />

economic shocks over the last ten years,<br />

the resilience and growth performance<br />

of <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been exceptional and even<br />

exceeded international expectations.<br />

Real GDP growth averaged 5.3% in 2015-<br />

19, and while 2020 marked a critical<br />

downturn due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 2021 saw a strong rebound with growth<br />

bouncing back to 5.5%. Foreign investment flows have been significant. In the tenyear<br />

period 2012-2021, net inflows reached almost €18 billion. This investment was<br />

driven by equity, with the shipping/shipping finance and real estate sectors playing<br />

an important role.<br />

GROWING TECH INVESTMENT<br />

The technology and communications sector in <strong>Cyprus</strong> has become fiercely<br />

competitive, with a number of players deploying cutting edge solutions to both<br />

increase their local market share and generate growth through the launch of new<br />

technology and products. 5G was rolled out in 2021, making <strong>Cyprus</strong> the first EU state to<br />

achieve 100% 5G coverage.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is already home to a number<br />

of major tech firms, such as NCR,<br />

Amdocs, Wargaming, 3CX, Exness,<br />

Bolt, Thomson Reuters, Melsoft Games,<br />

and Nexters, and has gained ground<br />

in successfully attracting investment<br />

capital in blockchain. The country’s startup<br />

community has also grown stronger<br />

with more than 200 enterprises and<br />

4,000 entrepreneurs, fostering more<br />

opportunities for business angels and<br />

venture capitalists looking to invest<br />

risk capital in exchange for equity in<br />

promising business ideas. In addition, a<br />

key attraction for high-tech companies<br />

is the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Intellectual IP Box Regime,<br />

I5G was rolled out in 2021, making<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> the first EU state to achieve<br />

100% coverage<br />

IIn the ten-year period 2012-2021,<br />

net inflows reached almost<br />

€18 billion<br />

which provides a competitive maximum<br />

tax rate of 2.5% on income earned from<br />

IP assets. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ regime also applies to<br />

a wider range of income compared to


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

24<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

other European schemes, most of which restrict benefits to income from patents and<br />

supplementary patent certificates.<br />

2022 saw more global names invest in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with European digital neobanking<br />

platform Revolut, valued at US$33 billion, becoming the first entity to receive approval<br />

as a crypto-asset service provider from the <strong>Cyprus</strong> regulator. The authorisation<br />

will enable Revolut to offer crypto services to its 17 million customers in the EEA<br />

out of a new crypto-asset hub in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Revolut said its choice was down to the<br />

sophisticated regulatory regime of the country, which has already attracted the likes<br />

of Crypto.com, eToro and BitPanda. A leading US consumer services and applications<br />

software provider, TangoMe, also announced plans to launch offices in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The<br />

internationally renowned tech company, with an annual revenue of around US$350<br />

million, will establish a strong presence in Limassol with a sizeable number of<br />

employees relocating to <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

Another project set to bolster <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ efforts to become a regional telecoms and data<br />

hub and attract more investment, was <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ leading telecoms provider Cyta signing<br />

a €850 million venture with Greece and Saudi Arabia for the construction of the East<br />

Med Corridor (EMC) for a global digital highway linking Europe with Asia. In addition,<br />

the modernisation of state infrastructure and speeding up the adoption of cloud<br />

services in <strong>Cyprus</strong> were key targets of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding<br />

with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2022, a collaboration that will open up a new era<br />

of opportunities.<br />

INVESTING IN EDUCATION<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is developing into a regional<br />

education and knowledge hub with<br />

the rapid expansion of tertiary education<br />

and its universities steadily climbing up<br />

global rankings. The country has already<br />

established synergies with international<br />

universities, most notably the University<br />

of Nicosia launching the island’s first degree<br />

programme in medicine in collaboration<br />

with St George’s Medical School at<br />

the University of London, and University<br />

of Central Lancashire – <strong>Cyprus</strong> (UCLan),<br />

IThe number of foreign<br />

students choosing <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

for their studies has almost<br />

tripled in the last five years,<br />

representing over 60 different<br />

countries and supporting the<br />

growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong> into a true<br />

global educational centre


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

25<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

18th<br />

á 50 PLACES<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> ranked in 18th place in the<br />

2021 Greenfield FDI Performance<br />

Index, climbing 50 places<br />

compared to the year before<br />

á150%<br />

Greenfield investments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

rose by 150% in the first half of 2022<br />

from the same period of 2019<br />

Top 10<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is in the top10<br />

ranking of countries that<br />

stand out for the post-pandemic<br />

investment recovery<br />

á600%<br />

increase in software and<br />

IT investments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

between 2019 and 2022<br />

Source: FDI Intelligence<br />

Source: FDI Intelligence<br />

CUMULATIVE FDI LIABILITIES (INVESTMENTS) BY SECTOR 2016-2020<br />

Sector<br />

€/Billion<br />

Finance & Insurance 41.7<br />

Real Estate 4.8<br />

Information & Communication 1.4<br />

Professional Scientific & Technical 1.3<br />

Total (including others) 52.7<br />

being the first British university to establish a campus on the island. This has since<br />

been followed by the announcement of the American University of Beirut (AUB) to establish<br />

a €29 million campus in Paphos in 2023 – branded the American University of<br />

Beirut-Mediterraneo. The aim is to accommodate over 2,000 students in the coming<br />

years.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts an impressive and<br />

fast-growing R&I ecosystem, featuring<br />

high quality academic and research institutions<br />

and six Centres of Excellence (CoE).<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute has established itself<br />

as a significant research institute with<br />

global networks of excellence supported<br />

by significant EU funding. The number<br />

I<strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts an impressive and<br />

fast-growing R&I ecosystem,<br />

featuring high quality academic<br />

and research institutions and<br />

six Centres of Excellence (CoE)<br />

of foreign students choosing <strong>Cyprus</strong> for their studies has almost tripled in the last five<br />

years, representing over 60 different countries and supporting the growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

into a true global educational centre. This fact underlines the great opportunities that<br />

exist in <strong>Cyprus</strong> for the establishment of new universities, colleges and institutes.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

26<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PORTS AND SHIPPING<br />

The 2017 commercialisation of the country’s largest port in Limassol marked a new<br />

era for <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a commercial hub. The port privatisation came in the context of<br />

the first discovery of natural gas in 2011, the launch of the €300 million VTTV oil trading<br />

terminal in 2014, and a dedicated Shipping Deputy Minister in 2018. The privatisation<br />

deal with Eurogate International GmbH and leading Emirati logistics giant DP World<br />

Limited is expected to boost state coffers with €2 billion over the next 25 years, while<br />

the new port operators have injected millions in upgrading services and infrastructure.<br />

The more recent contract for the Larnaca<br />

port and marina was signed with<br />

a Cypriot-Israeli consortium, Eldeman<br />

Holding BV and Alexandrou Corporate<br />

Services Ltd, in late 2020 and is expected<br />

to attract around €1.2 billion in construction<br />

and real estate development – making<br />

it one of the biggest infrastructure investments<br />

to date in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

One of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ most successful export<br />

services has been the maritime industry.<br />

The growth of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ resident shipping<br />

sector over the past 50 years has developed<br />

IThere has been a fivefold<br />

increase in the number of<br />

shipping companies that have<br />

registered with <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />

specialised shipping<br />

taxation system<br />

boosting the sector’s<br />

revenue by around 25%<br />

a strong maritime cluster that caters to the<br />

needs of <strong>Cyprus</strong>-based companies, including banking, professional services, insurance<br />

and IT. The cluster is consistently attracting more quality tonnage and shipping-related<br />

companies to its shores. Between 2010 – when the <strong>Cyprus</strong> tonnage tax system was<br />

approved by the European Commission – and 2021, there has been a fivefold increase<br />

in the number of shipping companies that have registered with <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ specialised<br />

shipping taxation system, boosting the sector’s revenue by around 25%.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

27<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Some examples include the decision in 2018 by leading London ship insurer P&I Club<br />

to open a post-Brexit EU subsidiary in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, reaffirming the island’s position as one<br />

of the top global hubs for shipping. Another triumph came in early 2019, when British<br />

shipping firm P&O Ferries decided to register its English Channel operating fleet<br />

under the <strong>Cyprus</strong> flag to take advantage of the benefits and security it provides. Two<br />

of the industry’s most highly respected privately-owned shipmanagement companies,<br />

Columbia Shipmanagement and Marlow Navigation – both based in <strong>Cyprus</strong> – merged<br />

in 2017 to form Columbia Marlow, creating one of the world’s largest ship and crewmanagement<br />

companies. Another transaction constituting FDI was the 2018 buyout<br />

of Limassol-based Songa Offshore SE by Transocean Ltd, the world’s largest offshore<br />

drilling contractor for oil and gas wells, in a deal worth US$3.4 billion. In addition,<br />

natural gas finds within <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and efforts to exploit<br />

it in cooperation with neighbouring countries have expanded opportunities for the<br />

island’s already thriving shipping sector.<br />

DEVELOPING AN ENERGY HUB<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ hydrocarbons discoveries captured the attention of global energy<br />

heavyweights when US company Noble Energy, now acquired by US giant Chevron,<br />

made the first natural gas discovery in 2011 with estimated resources of 4.5 trillion cubic<br />

feet (tcf) in the Aphrodite field. ENI, Kogas, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, and Total<br />

have all secured exploration licences and conducted exploratory drilling. ExxonMobil<br />

announced the discovery of an estimated 5 to 8 tcf in Block 10 in early 2019, while ENI<br />

confirmed a discovery in Block 6 – which it operates with Total – of around 2.5 tcf in<br />

August 2022. Further discoveries could be announced within the next year.<br />

In 2019 <strong>Cyprus</strong> agreed to build a subsea pipeline connecting Aphrodite to Egypt’s<br />

liquefaction plants and concluded a production-sharing deal with Noble Energy<br />

(now Chevron) and its partners over the Aphrodite gas reservoir. The development of<br />

ENI, Kogas, ExxonMobil,<br />

Royal Dutch Shell,<br />

and Total have all<br />

secured exploration<br />

licences and conducted<br />

exploratory drilling


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

28<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Aphrodite is now expected in 2026. Since the start of the pandemic, activity and works<br />

worth US$200 million have been completed in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ EEZ by oil and gas companies,<br />

underlining their continued commitment to <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

In addition to offshore discoveries in the last decade, a range of other new energy<br />

opportunities have come to the fore. In December 2019, <strong>Cyprus</strong> signed a landmark<br />

deal with a Chinese-led consortium to build a €290 million LNG import terminal at<br />

Vassilikos. The consortium constructing the project includes China Petroleum Pipeline<br />

Engineering CO LTD, Metron SA, Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and Wilhelmsen<br />

Ship Management. The terminal will include a floating storage and regasification unit<br />

(FSRU), a jetty for mooring the FSRU and related infrastructure at Vassilikos. The FSRU,<br />

expected to be completed in 2023, attracted €150 million in finance from the European<br />

Investment Bank (EIB), €80 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and<br />

Development (EBRD), €101 million from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility as well as<br />

an equity contribution of €43 million from the Electricity Authority of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (EAC).<br />

Parallel to this, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been ramping up its renewables capacity, with support<br />

from the EU’s €1.2 billion Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF). The renewable energy<br />

sector could be one of the most attractive areas for investment and joint ventures<br />

with other countries. For example, Israel has been interested in cooperating with its<br />

Cypriot counterparts in establishing pilot projects where new Israeli tech could be<br />

tested in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Also, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been pioneers in clean energy,<br />

especially in the field of hydrogen, and are keen to export its RES know-how and create<br />

synergies. For example, Saudi Arabia – dubbed to become one of the biggest producers<br />

of clean energy – could support the EU’s<br />

hydrogen strategy through <strong>Cyprus</strong> as<br />

I<strong>Cyprus</strong> has been ramping<br />

up its renewables capacity,<br />

with support from the EU’s<br />

€1.2 billion Recovery and<br />

Resilience Facility (RFF)<br />

an interconnector to Saudi’s biggest<br />

hydrogen production plant currently<br />

under construction. The long-awaited full<br />

liberalisation of the electricity production<br />

market in <strong>Cyprus</strong> has seen many delays,<br />

but once this materialises it would


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

29<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

allow a fresh inflow of new private players operating in both renewables and gas to<br />

compete in the local market – and in a broader regional market thanks to the EuroAsia<br />

Interconnector project to connect <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Israel and Greece via submarine electricity<br />

cable and the related EuroAfrica Interconnector to connect Egypt.<br />

STABLE BANKING SECTOR AND GROWING INVESTMENT FUNDS<br />

Today, <strong>Cyprus</strong> banks maintain high levels of capital adequacy and liquidity but<br />

continue to grapple with managing their non-performing loan (NPL) portfolios.<br />

The restructuring of the banking sector after 2013 attracted important international<br />

institutional investors and fresh foreign capital and encouraged accelerated sales of<br />

NPLs. These developments substantially<br />

reduced risk and enabled the financial<br />

system to operate on a healthier basis.<br />

The island also hosts a thriving forex<br />

industry with many global giants basing<br />

their operational headquarters in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

In addition, the investment funds sector<br />

has grown exponentially in the last few<br />

years with Assets under Management<br />

(AuM) seeing a staggering increase from<br />

€2.7 billion in 2016 to €11.1 billion in the<br />

first quarter of 2022, proving <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

is being recognised by the global asset<br />

management community. Investment<br />

funds have already invested more than<br />

€2 billion in several sectors of the Cypriot<br />

economy, such as shipping, hospitality,<br />

education, healthcare, and renewable<br />

energy.<br />

IThe investment funds sector<br />

LUXURY TOURISM AND HIGH-END REAL ESTATE<br />

has grown exponentially in<br />

the last few years with Assets<br />

under Management (AuM)<br />

seeing a staggering increase<br />

from €2.7 billion in 2016 to<br />

€11.1 billion<br />

in the first quarter of 2022,<br />

proving <strong>Cyprus</strong> is being<br />

recognised by the global asset<br />

management community<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> continues to be on the top of the list for investors, holiday-home seekers, expats<br />

and retirees. Tourism and real estate have always been robust sectors of the Cypriot<br />

economy, and a concerted effort to diversify the <strong>Cyprus</strong> offering in recent years has paid<br />

off. The number of foreign investors closing multimillion-euro deals in the last several<br />

years underlines the fact that tourism-related real estate and infrastructure continues<br />

to be one of the most attractive investment opportunities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Pre-pandemic years<br />

of record-breaking tourism numbers saw the island attract new interest in conference,<br />

sports, health and wellness tourism. The construction and investment in multipurpose<br />

projects and mixed-use developments such as luxury marinas, golf courses and more<br />

recently the island’s first-ever and only integrated luxury casino resort, are all part of<br />

the ongoing strategy to upgrade <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ tourism product. The new casino resort, City<br />

of Dreams Mediterranean, will have extensive facilities and five-star status. The casino<br />

resort is Hong Kong-based Melco’s first expansion outside of Asia and will be the biggest<br />

casino of its kind in Europe, with the investment for this mega project at €600 million.<br />

Spurred by this unique development, <strong>Cyprus</strong> garnered another landmark investment<br />

deal in 2022 with Israeli business magnate Gilad Shabtai investing in over 130,000 m 2


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

30<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Artist Impression: City of Dreams Mediterranean<br />

Artist Impression: Grand Hyatt Limassol<br />

Artist Impression: Ritz-Carlton Residences<br />

IMajor investments have also<br />

of land for development surrounding the<br />

new integrated casino resort in Limassol.<br />

been made in the hospitality<br />

The destination and value of the area are<br />

set to be elevated by this key real estate<br />

industry with acquisitions<br />

investment.<br />

and the construction of new<br />

Proposals include the development<br />

of exclusive seven-star facilities<br />

luxury hotels by renowned<br />

providing bespoke services for owners<br />

hotel management chains<br />

and investors. Plans are also in place<br />

for additional investment by the former<br />

majority shareholder of telecoms start-up Viber into the further expansion of the area<br />

in the future – which is a solid vote of confidence in the vast growth potential of <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

Following the success of Limassol Marina, more investment has flowed into marina<br />

developments on the Cypriot coast. The €300 million luxury Ayia Napa Marina is under<br />

construction with berthing facilities and a commercial village now fully operational.<br />

The marina offers capacity for 600 yachts of up to 60 metres, a shipyard, and a range of


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

31<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

luxury villas, apartments and facilities. With significant Egyptian investment backing<br />

the innovative project and the seafront residences are expected to be completed by<br />

2023. In addition, the €110 million Paralimni Marina project is set to be completed in<br />

2024, while a tender was signed in August 2021 with Deloitte Ltd and Triton Consulting<br />

Engineers SA for a luxury marina in Paphos.<br />

Major investments have also been made in the hospitality industry with acquisitions<br />

and the construction of new luxury hotels by renowned hotel management chains. The<br />

Radisson Hotel Group, one of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups in the world,<br />

has big plans to grow its existing portfolio in the country to six hotels and almost 1,000<br />

rooms by 2025, one of which is the Radisson Larnaca Beach Resort, the very first beach<br />

resort by the Radisson Hotel Group worldwide.<br />

In 2019, the Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, opened the Parklane<br />

Luxury Collection Resort & Spa resort in Limassol, marking Marriott International’s<br />

entry into <strong>Cyprus</strong>. In July 2020, Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced a management<br />

agreement with Anolia Holdings Limited for the launch of the first Hyatt hotel in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

The 300-room luxury resort Grand Hyatt Limassol is expected to open in 2025. The<br />

new beachfront resort will also be a key element of Zaria Resort, a mixed-use luxury<br />

development, comprised of residential apartments and private villas totalling more<br />

than 80,000 m 2 . One of the latest projects is the Sofitel Resort & Spa, a joint venture<br />

between Singapore-headquartered Oxley Holdings and Planetvision on the Limassol<br />

beachfront. The project will be the first Sofitel Resort with branded residences in<br />

Europe and is expected to be completed by 2023.<br />

Following global trends and faced with an aging population, investing in health and<br />

wellness developments as well as rehabilitation and bespoke retirement villages has<br />

enormous potential. An early example of this is the Eden Seniors Resort in Larnaca<br />

which opened its doors in 2018. Paphos is due to see the first dedicated retirement<br />

village in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The €16 million retirement village, branded Lazaris Mill, will consist<br />

of 82 individual apartments, ranging from studios to larger flats and a small 24-<br />

room hotel, and provide bespoke facilities. The first residents are expected in spring<br />

2023. Another upcoming project in Paphos is Cypress Park, a new luxury residential<br />

development turning retirement into a five-star resort stay.<br />

FOCUS ON INVESTOR SUPPORT<br />

Not one to rest on its laurels, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been steadily sharpening its competitive<br />

edge by streamlining processes to better cater to investors and by strengthening<br />

new sectors to support its already more established industries.<br />

Investment opportunities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ large-scale projects span various sectors,<br />

including high-value tourism and housing developments, projects with a special focus<br />

on golf courses and luxury marinas, as well as education, energy, and more lately, the<br />

international film sector.<br />

Special schemes and incentives are<br />

in place to facilitate headquartering,<br />

which covers the sectors of technology,<br />

asset management, investment funds,<br />

550 COMPANIES<br />

shipping and higher education, and<br />

‘Olivewood’ for the international film that have relocated or expanded<br />

industry. A new government Action<br />

their activities in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Plan launched in 2021 also provides<br />

Ithe BFU has catered to more than


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

32<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

new incentives to attract non-EU talent<br />

and companies to establish operations<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The recent introduction of a<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit (BFU) promises<br />

to be a gamechanger for ease of setting<br />

up in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The BFU specialises in fasttracking<br />

business setup, permitting and<br />

licensing for companies, their employees<br />

and families, and in less than two years of<br />

operation, the BFU has catered to more<br />

than 550 companies that have relocated<br />

or expanded their activities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

To better facilitate FDI, the country’s<br />

investment promotion agency, Invest<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>, has also developed an online<br />

investment matchmaking platform<br />

branded the Project Bank, to help<br />

investors identify the right market<br />

opportunities for projects based in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>. In addition, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> hosts<br />

the annual International Investment<br />

Awards, where it honoured seven companies in 2022 for their contributions to <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

namely BrainRocket, ECOMMBX, CVC, TheSoul Publishing, Murex, Medicover and<br />

SYKES.<br />

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ liberalised FDI Policy, both for EU citizens and investors from third countries,<br />

along with its favourable tax regime makes it one of the most attractive investment<br />

targets in Europe. At 12.5% <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ corporate tax rate is one of the most competitive in<br />

the EU and new tax-neutral reforms that are on the way will simplify and modernise<br />

the tax system further. The country’s extensive network of double taxation treaties<br />

with 67 countries have strengthened its position as a business gateway and a preferred<br />

location for corporate headquarters. The country’s skilled talent, low cost of doing<br />

business, top-tier professional services, and high quality of life renders <strong>Cyprus</strong> not only<br />

a wise business and investment choice but also a great relocation destination. n<br />

With solid and continuous interest in the tourism sector, Invest<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has set up a dedicated and specialised unit, TourInvest, to<br />

promote investment opportunities in the tourism and hospitality<br />

sector. In cooperation with the Deputy Ministry of Tourism and<br />

other stakeholders, the unit focuses on attracting multimillioneuro<br />

investment into large-scale infrastructure projects


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

33<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CYPRUS-US RELATIONS<br />

T<br />

he Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the United States of America share friendly ties and<br />

have been close allies for decades in building a strategic partnership covering<br />

multiple areas. <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ geographic location, long-term diplomatic relations in the<br />

region, and its EU membership have established it as a reliable strategic partner<br />

for the US. In addition, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ political stability, commitment to democracy and<br />

its Western alignment, has made it a dependable ally in the region.<br />

Traditionally, the cooperation between the two nations has been more focused<br />

on fields such as defence and regional security, but in recent years the island<br />

nation has seen more US investment pour into sectors such as banking, energy,<br />

communications and technology.<br />

Since 2019, the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act<br />

(East Med Act) has served as the cornerstone to facilitate and enhance both US-<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> relations and regional collaboration. This growing cooperation between<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the United States in areas such as, cybersecurity, maritime/port<br />

security, border security, customs, counterterrorism, and hybrid threats, is<br />

reflected by the inauguration of CYCLOPS (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Centre for Land, Open-Seas and<br />

Port Security). CYCLOPS is a state-of-the-art training facility enhancing security<br />

capacity building in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the EU and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and<br />

Middle East regions.<br />

The United States also participates as an observer on cooperation platforms<br />

such as the Eastern Mediterranean Energy Forum (EMGF), and in the successful<br />

example of the 3+1 cooperation format together with <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Greece and Israel,<br />

which is fostering regional cooperation and stability.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ growing ICT innovation and research sector, which is able to serve the<br />

entire Eastern Mediterranean while bridging Europe, the Middle East, and North<br />

Africa, has transformed the country into a promising location and headquartering<br />

destination for high-technology business. Recognising these developments, the<br />

two countries recently signed a Science and Technology Agreement to create<br />

an even more attractive information and communications ecosystem and a<br />

business environment that will attract additional investments in the sector. The<br />

cooperation aims to promote and facilitate research and innovation, and business<br />

partnerships in fields such as energy, climate change, marine waste, space, ICT,<br />

security, education and health.<br />

With relations between the two countries being strengthened on both a<br />

political and economic level, <strong>Cyprus</strong> can serve as an ideal business and trade hub<br />

for American companies, as well as a welcoming destination for those interested<br />

in expanding their regional operations or entering the European Market. <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

through its 67 double taxation agreements – including with the US – and enjoying<br />

the benefits afforded by more than 40 EU trade agreements with third countries,<br />

provides US multinationals a gateway to the European Union and a portal for<br />

investment outside the EU, namely into the Middle East, India and North Africa.<br />

In addition, the potential inclusion of <strong>Cyprus</strong> to the US Visa Waiver Program<br />

would positively impact people-to-people contacts, as well as business and<br />

economic collaborations. The wider Eastern Mediterranean is a region of growing<br />

geopolitical importance and a coherent strategic space for both the EU and the<br />

US with enormous positive influence potential for economic growth and shared<br />

interests in fields like energy diversification, addressing asymmetric threats,<br />

environmental sustainability, high-tech business ventures, and science and<br />

technology joint projects. n


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

34<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INSIGHT<br />

Minister of Foreign Affairs<br />

Ioannis Kasoulides<br />

The US is a strategic ally for <strong>Cyprus</strong> in the<br />

Eastern Mediterranean region, and the two<br />

nations enjoy strong political cooperation. What<br />

are the key pillars that form this diplomatic<br />

relationship and how do you see this bilateral<br />

partnership developing in the future?


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

35<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

In recent years the bilateral relationship between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the United States<br />

has been a timeline of success. The substantial cooperation spans across security,<br />

defence, energy, science and archaeology, to mention a few. Our partnership has<br />

evolved into one of strategic depth, working together on issues of global concern on a<br />

regional and international level.<br />

Our joint commitment, among others, in the fight against terrorism, illegal drugs,<br />

and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has made our region safer,<br />

fairer, and better. This is tangibly manifested through our endeavour in setting up the<br />

CYCLOPS training centre on security matters, which is already operating successfully.<br />

We are pleased for the concrete contribution of the US to this major development as<br />

well as this year’s decision for the complete lifting of the arms embargo.<br />

During my recent visit to the US and the meeting with Secretary of State Mr Blinken,<br />

we had the opportunity to go through all major aspects of our cooperation and agree<br />

on further synergies. We are vigorously working on building beneficial economic and<br />

investment relations and the US and <strong>Cyprus</strong> are in a dialogue addressing issues of<br />

economic cooperation, particularly as regards to US investments in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, where we<br />

have already seen significant increase, with an aim to facilitate even more.<br />

In the field of energy, the presence<br />

and involvement of American companies<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Exclusive Economic Zone<br />

for the exploitation of hydrocarbons<br />

is a trademark of trust to the reliable,<br />

predictable and stabilising role we have<br />

assumed in our volatile region, and to<br />

our efforts to substantially contribute<br />

to energy security for our country, our<br />

neighbourhood and the European Union.<br />

We are committed to transforming<br />

the Eastern Mediterranean into an<br />

energy hub that would contribute to the<br />

region’s stability, inter alia, through the<br />

diversification of energy sources and<br />

IWe are vigorously working on<br />

building beneficial economic and<br />

investment relations and the<br />

US and <strong>Cyprus</strong> are in a dialogue<br />

addressing issues of economic<br />

cooperation, particularly as<br />

regards to US investments in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>, where we have already<br />

seen significant increase, with<br />

an aim to facilitate even more.<br />

routes.<br />

We welcome the support of the United States on cooperation platforms such as the<br />

Eastern Mediterranean Energy Forum, in which the US participates as an observer, as<br />

well as the successful example of the 3+1 cooperation format to which the United States<br />

participates together with <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Greece and Israel, which is fostering cooperation<br />

and stability.<br />

There is of course much space for the relationship to develop further. With<br />

the proactivity of the United States Embassy in Nicosia and the readiness of our<br />

government, we wish to see an even more results-oriented period ahead. For example,<br />

facilitating travel through an improved visa regime will enhance people-to-people<br />

contact, bringing our two nations closer.<br />

I wish to reiterate the importance the Government attaches to our partnership<br />

with the United States and our aim remains none other than to maintain the current<br />

momentum and to continue working on a positive agenda to further reinforce this<br />

mutually beneficial relationship. n


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

36<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

Ambassador of the United States of<br />

America to the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Judith Garber<br />

The excellent relationship between the United States<br />

and <strong>Cyprus</strong> has set solid foundations to widen the<br />

scope of collaboration between the two countries<br />

and promote more trade and investment between<br />

the two nations, says Ambassador Judith Garber.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

37<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

How would you describe the current bilateral<br />

relations between the United States and <strong>Cyprus</strong>?<br />

Relations between the United States and the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> have never been<br />

better. We continue to deepen our engagement across the board, in economic,<br />

social, and security spheres. Ensuring our trading partners are prosperous, stable, and<br />

secure remains a priority for the United States, and we are committed to working with<br />

the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and its business community to achieve our common goals.<br />

What significant key projects are there between<br />

the United States and <strong>Cyprus</strong> at the moment?<br />

We have many projects of various types and scale, but I will focus on two that<br />

are ‘key’ right now. First, the free world is focused on responding to Russia’s<br />

continued illegal war against the Ukrainian people, and the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a<br />

strong partner with us, and with other partners and allies around the world, to counter<br />

Russia’s unprovoked aggression. Sanctions are having an impact, imposing costs on<br />

Russia. Secondly, the United States remains committed to a resolution of the tragic<br />

division of the island and regards the status quo in <strong>Cyprus</strong> as unacceptable. We support<br />

United Nations-facilitated, Cypriot-led efforts to reach a comprehensive settlement to<br />

reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has been an attractive base for international<br />

business for decades, in your view what factors have<br />

contributed to the appeal of <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a jurisdiction?<br />

C<br />

ontributing factors are that <strong>Cyprus</strong> has a talented, highly educated, Englishspeaking<br />

workforce, professional services at competitive prices compared with the<br />

EU average, a low corporate tax rate, and a liberal investment regime with 67 double<br />

taxation treaties, including with the United States. Recent incentives and initiatives to<br />

further expand the information and communications technology sector, support the<br />

entrepreneurship and start-up ecosystem, promote the digital transformation of both<br />

the public and private sectors, and turn <strong>Cyprus</strong> into an innovation hub will also make<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> more attractive to investors. Investors from the United States and elsewhere<br />

look for predictable, stable environments, with assurances that agreements and<br />

contracts will be honoured, backed by secure financial institutions to manage income<br />

and expenses, and have efficient dispute resolution systems.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

38<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

What kind of opportunities does <strong>Cyprus</strong> offer US<br />

business or investment at the moment, and vice versa?<br />

The Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> offers a<br />

wide variety of opportunities,<br />

spanning multiple sectors, including<br />

energy, legal, and business services;<br />

transportation; tourism infrastructure<br />

projects; education; and banking<br />

and finance, to name a few. Major US<br />

energy companies’ interest for further<br />

exploration and potential development<br />

of their licensed blocks in the Republic<br />

of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Exclusive Economic Zone<br />

(EEZ) remains solid. I have also seen<br />

increasing interest from US companies<br />

in the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ information<br />

and communications technology sector,<br />

I<strong>Cyprus</strong> has a talented, highly<br />

educated, English-speaking<br />

workforce, professional<br />

services at competitive<br />

prices compared with the EU<br />

average, a low corporate tax<br />

rate, and a liberal investment<br />

regime with 67 double<br />

taxation treaties, including<br />

with the United States.<br />

where US companies are leading the<br />

island’s digital transformation efforts. The United States is an attractive environment<br />

for Cypriot businesses and investors. The upcoming Select<strong>USA</strong> Investment Summit<br />

(www.selectusasummit.us) in May 2023 provides another opportunity to advance and<br />

enrich US-Cypriot business ties, and our commercial team at the US Embassy Nicosia<br />

provides ongoing support to further deepen US-Cypriot business relations.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

39<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

What type of collaboration<br />

could be fostered in the<br />

future between the two<br />

countries to deepen<br />

economic relations?<br />

The selection of the United States as<br />

the partner of choice for the Ministry<br />

of Foreign Affairs’ Economic Diplomacy<br />

department for its first Integrated<br />

Strategy Action Plan laid a great<br />

framework for future collaboration.<br />

Tackling a market the size of the<br />

United States, and building economic<br />

bridges, requires perseverance and an<br />

organised and collaborative approach.<br />

The Action Plan helps lay some of that<br />

IMajor US energy companies’<br />

interest for further exploration<br />

and potential development of<br />

their licensed blocks in the<br />

Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Exclusive<br />

Economic Zone (EEZ) remains<br />

solid. I have also seen<br />

increasing interest from US<br />

companies in the Republic<br />

of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ information and<br />

communications technology<br />

sector, where US companies<br />

are leading the island’s digital<br />

transformation efforts.<br />

groundwork. The stakeholders in the<br />

Plan include the business community as<br />

well as government entities, and I look forward to seeing everyone work together to<br />

contribute to its implementation.<br />

Moreover, we can now implement projects under the recently signed Science<br />

and Technology Agreement between the United States and the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

40<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

within the span of the next decade. We have a US information and communications<br />

technology team working with <strong>Cyprus</strong> to create an even more attractive information<br />

and communications ecosystem and a business environment that will attract<br />

additional investments in the sector, but also to help with required digital skilling and<br />

re-skilling of the public and private sectors. We are also collaborating with the Digital<br />

Security Authority and the Office of the Commissioner of Electronic Communications<br />

to strengthen cybersecurity – an important aspect for US companies.<br />

The United States has been an important ally<br />

for <strong>Cyprus</strong>; how do you see the relationship of<br />

the two countries developing in the future?<br />

W<br />

e look forward to the continued deepening of the bilateral relationship between<br />

the United States and the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, particularly as we deepen our<br />

partnership with the European Union, our partner of ‘first resort’. One of the most<br />

important aspects of our relationship is continued work towards the reunification of<br />

the island under the long-standing principles of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.<br />

After that, I see almost unlimited opportunities for our two countries to cooperate in<br />

security, economic, and people-to-people connections. n


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

42<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INTERVIEW<br />

Ambassador of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

to the United States of America<br />

Marios Lysiotis<br />

Strategic cooperation in sectors such as<br />

energy and security has forged a strong<br />

partnership between the US and <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

and bilateral ties between the two countries<br />

are set to expand even further with growing<br />

prospects for US investment in the tech<br />

sector, says Ambassador Lysiotis.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

43<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

How would you describe the current<br />

relationship between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US?<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>-US relations have never been stronger, and we are encouraged by the solid<br />

bipartisan effort in supporting, through tangible ways, the further fostering of this<br />

relationship.<br />

The signing in November 2018 of the Statement of Intent catalysed the already<br />

significant progress in US-<strong>Cyprus</strong> relations. It signalled the evolution of the US-<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

relationship into a strategic partnership, setting a framework for operationalising<br />

cooperation. The remarkable leaps made both in the bilateral relationship – in areas<br />

such as regional security and defence, energy, and anti-terrorism – as well as in the<br />

regional context, including with the growing trilateral nexus of regional synergies and<br />

in the 3+1 format with Greece and Israel, are evident.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ geographic location, long-I<strong>Cyprus</strong>term diplomatic relationships in the<br />

geographic location, long-<br />

region, and EU membership make <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

term diplomatic relationships in<br />

a reliable strategic partner for the US.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ political stability, commitment the region, and EU membership<br />

to democracy, human rights and the<br />

make <strong>Cyprus</strong> a reliable<br />

rule of law, and its Western orientation,<br />

with shared values and principles, make strategic partner for the US<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> both more predictable and<br />

dependable than other traditional partners in the region. This partnership has already<br />

proven to be of mutual benefit, contributing to peace and regional stability, and still has<br />

significant room for growth.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US are close allies and partners, what<br />

key projects are there between the two countries<br />

at the moment, and what kind of cooperation<br />

would you like to see developed in the future?<br />

Since 2019, the Eastern Mediterranean Security and Energy Partnership Act (East<br />

Med Act), has served as the cornerstone for the facilitation and enhancement of<br />

US-<strong>Cyprus</strong> relations, as well as for regional cooperation.<br />

The growing cooperation between <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the United States in areas such as,<br />

cybersecurity, maritime/port security, border security, customs, counterterrorism,<br />

and hybrid threats, is reflected by the inauguration of CYCLOPS (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Centre for<br />

Land, Open-Seas and Port Security). CYCLOPS is a state-of-the-art training facility<br />

enhancing security capacity building in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the EU and the wider Eastern<br />

Mediterranean and Middle East regions.<br />

Acknowledging the prospects of further enhancing the bilateral relations of<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the <strong>USA</strong>, our two countries have signed an agreement to strengthen<br />

their cooperation in science and technology to promote and facilitate research and<br />

innovation, and business partnerships in fields such as energy, climate change, marine


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

44<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ISignificant US direct investment<br />

waste, space, ICT, security, education<br />

and health. Furthermore, the potential<br />

inclusion of <strong>Cyprus</strong> to the US Visa Waiver has flowed into the banking<br />

Program would positively impact peopleto-people<br />

contacts, as well as business<br />

and energy sectors and<br />

and economic collaborations.<br />

more recently we are seeing<br />

The stated intention of the US for a<br />

investments in the tech sector<br />

more active engagement in our region is<br />

a welcome development. In line with this approach, the US has joined the Eastern<br />

Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMFG) as an observer. At the same time US energy<br />

companies are operating in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Moreover, the provision<br />

of the East Med Act 2019 on the establishment of a Joint US-Eastern Mediterranean<br />

Energy Centre is a welcome development that we are ready to cooperate on. Moving<br />

ahead with this initiative would create an additional platform for our 3+1 cooperation,<br />

which we wish to see further enhanced, including in areas such as climate change<br />

and blue economy. Security, including energy security, is a core component of the<br />

positive agenda driven by trilateral cooperation mechanisms <strong>Cyprus</strong> and Greece<br />

have launched in recent years with countries in the region, including Israel, Jordan,<br />

and Egypt.<br />

Taking stock of existing cooperation, and cognizant of the strategic importance of<br />

strengthening synergies, there are numerous areas on which work has been initiated<br />

and on which <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US can work together to further advance them.<br />

These developments are a solid product of our common appreciation of the value of<br />

our bilateral relations and of the understanding that the wider Eastern Mediterranean<br />

is a region of growing geopolitical importance and a coherent strategic space for both<br />

the EU and the US with enormous positive influence potential for economic growth<br />

and shared interests in fields like energy diversification, addressing asymmetric<br />

threats, environmental sustainability, high-tech business ventures, science and<br />

technology joint projects.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> is an established and stable international<br />

business centre, what advantages and opportunities<br />

can the country offer specifically to US business?<br />

ICT and innovation are considered key growth drivers, receiving increased support<br />

from the government in the form of national strategies to integrate innovative tech,<br />

as well as incentives to attract IT companies, datacentres, shared service centres, and<br />

regional headquarters.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> offers wide access to markets due to its geostrategic location to serve Southeastern<br />

Europe, the Mediterranean, Mid and Near East and North African markets.<br />

Positioned as a gateway into and out of the EU, it acts as a regional base for delivery of<br />

a wide range of high-tech services – a sandbox for new emerging technologies such<br />

as blockchain, AI, and big data and it is emerging as a prime location for the fintech<br />

industry, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

45<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

What kind of US foreign direct investment has<br />

flowed into <strong>Cyprus</strong> and into what sectors?<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US have a strong partnership and longstanding cooperation in<br />

multiple areas. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis US Department of<br />

Commerce, US direct investment position in <strong>Cyprus</strong> as of 2021 was US$6.7 billion,<br />

an increase of 10.8% from 2020. Over the years, significant US direct investment<br />

has flowed into the banking and energy sectors and more recently we are seeing<br />

investments in the tech sector among others. In terms of trade, 2021 imports from<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> were US$1.7 billion, up 42.1% from 2020, most notably in the services sector in<br />

ICT and financial services.<br />

What kind of US know-how or expertise could be applied<br />

and attracted to <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and into what sectors?<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> already features a fast-growing ecosystem of ICT companies, who have<br />

chosen it as their regional or global base, as well as a strong and skilled talent pool<br />

to support their activities and growth. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has unique strengths that can position it<br />

as a key regional and global tech hub. Increased engagement from the US would be a<br />

win-win for both.<br />

What new prospects are on the horizon that<br />

could help strengthen the bilateral and trade<br />

relations between the US and <strong>Cyprus</strong>?<br />

T<br />

he green transition offers major opportunities for US investment in green tech, clean<br />

tech and renewable energy sectors in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and major infrastructure projects,<br />

such as the Eurasia Interconnector which contributes to regional and European energy<br />

security, could also result in opportunities of US investment. n


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

46<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

SPOTLIGHT<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Real Estate<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> real estate industry has proven its resilience<br />

with 2022 so far exhibiting dynamic momentum in the<br />

sector underlining strong confidence of both Cypriot<br />

and foreign property buyers. First quarter sales reached<br />

€1.3 billion, with coastal business hub Limassol and<br />

capital city Nicosia taking the lion’s share of contracts.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

47<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

C<br />

yprus has long been a firm favourite for property buyers worldwide thanks to its<br />

high quality of life, safe environment and Mediterranean climate. In addition, the<br />

country’s EU membership, its thriving international business centre and strategic<br />

position at the crossroads of three continents remain key pull-factors for residential<br />

buyers, relocating companies and investors alike.<br />

Property sales have bounced back post-pandemic and have remained strong in the<br />

last year. In the second quarter of 2022 real estate sales in <strong>Cyprus</strong> rose year on year by a<br />

robust 29.3%. This was slower than the 51.6% recorded in the first quarter and analysts<br />

say this is likely related to the end of lending subsidies for first-time buyers. In terms of<br />

absolute volume, the largest increase in sales was in Limassol, where sales rose by 293<br />

to 1,130, marking a year-on-year increase of 35%. However, the fastest pace of growth<br />

was in Paphos, where sales rose by 229 or 54.1% to 652.<br />

Sales to Cypriots continue to dominate, accounting for 58.5% of the total in the<br />

second quarter of 2022 and 58% on average in the first half of 2022. This was lower<br />

than in 2020-21, when sales to Cypriots averaged 65%. However, the years 2021-22<br />

were somewhat unusual given pandemic-related travel restrictions. In 2018-19 the<br />

proportion of sales to Cypriots was 55%, therefore closer to the average in the first half<br />

of 2022. Sales to Cypriots are driven both by the abovementioned subsidies but also<br />

growth in population size. According to the latest Labour Force Survey the number of<br />

private households rose year on year by 1.4% in the first quarter of 2022 to 347,650.<br />

REAL ESTATE SALES BY REGION<br />

Contracts of sale unless otherwise indicated<br />

2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1 2022 Q2<br />

Nicosia 690 632 856 673 705<br />

% change year on year 118.4 4.8 37.8 4.2 2.2<br />

Limassol 837 825 1,118 1,019 1,130<br />

% change year on year 116.8 17.9 32.2 82.3 35.0<br />

Larnaca 396 422 541 512 610<br />

% change year on year 106.3 26.0 35.9 62.5 54.0<br />

Famagusta 170 181 211 152 157<br />

% change year on year 80.9 14.6 8.8 16.9 -7.6<br />

Paphos 423 442 618 653 652<br />

% change year on year 44.4 17.6 32.9 94.9 54.1<br />

All <strong>Cyprus</strong> 2,516 2,502 3,344 3,009 3,254<br />

% change year on year 96.4 15.2 32.5 51.6 29.3<br />

Source: Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

48<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CYPRIOT AND NON-CYPRIOT PROPERTY SALES<br />

Number of contracts 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1 2022 Q2<br />

Cypriot contracts 1,663 1,602 1,992 1,732 1,903<br />

EU contracts 421 459 696 628 625<br />

Non-EU contracts 432 441 656 649 726<br />

Total contracts 2,516 2,502 3,344 3,009 3,254<br />

% change over same period of previous year<br />

Cypriot contracts 117.7 10.9 20.1 23.8 14.4<br />

EU contracts 182.6 35.8 89.6 141.5 48.5<br />

Non-EU contracts 17.4 13.1 31.5 99.1 68.1<br />

Total contracts 96.4 15.2 32.5 51.6 29.3<br />

Source: Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.<br />

PROPERTY PRICE INDICATORS SHOW INCREASE IN PRICES<br />

G<br />

iven the strength of sales, it is not surprising that the various indices for<br />

residential property prices point to rising property prices, even though the<br />

degree of increase differs depending on the index. The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> index,<br />

which is based on a large sample of valuations, reports a year-on-year increase in<br />

prices of 3.2% in the first quarter of 2022, compared with 2.6% in the fourth quarter<br />

of 2021. This is the fastest pace of growth since 2008 according to the Central Bank<br />

index.<br />

The index prepared by the Statistical Service, Cystat, which is based on a smaller<br />

sample of actual sales, reports an increase in prices of 1.1% in the first quarter of 2022,<br />

compared with a fairly sharp decline of 5.1% in the previous quarter. According to the<br />

Central Bank index, apartment prices are clearly rising faster than those of houses,<br />

rising by 6.8% compared with an increase of 1.5% for houses in the first quarter. This<br />

probably also underlines the importance of the local residential market in property<br />

purchases, especially after the withdrawal of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Programme in<br />

2020.<br />

However, the Central Bank index shows a fairly large discrepancy by district. While<br />

apartment prices in Paphos rose by 4.0%, thanks to the abovementioned strength<br />

of sales, apartment prices in Nicosia actually declined by 0.2%. Nicosia was the only<br />

district that saw a decline in apartment prices according to this index.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

49<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

All residential property<br />

PROPERTY PRICE INDICATORS<br />

% change over the same period of the previous year<br />

2021 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2022 Q1<br />

Cystat<br />

(hedonic, based on actual sales) -5.8 -4.8 2.5 -5.2 1.1<br />

Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(hedonic, based on valuations) 0.9 0.3 1.2 2.6 3.2<br />

Houses<br />

Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(hedonic, based on valuations) 0.2 -1.0 -0.3 1.0 1.5<br />

WiRE FS residential houses<br />

(proprietary methodology) 1.5 1.7 0.1 -0.5 n/a<br />

Apartments<br />

Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(hedonic, based on valuations) 2.5 3.3 4.5 6.3 6.8<br />

WiRE FS residential apartments<br />

(proprietary methodology) 0.5 0.3 0.7 2.2 n/a<br />

Other<br />

WiRE FS holiday houses<br />

(proprietary methodology) -3.2 -3.8 -4.3 -3.7 n/a<br />

Land Registry: average unit<br />

value of parcel transfers (a) -20.5 -3.9 -21.6 17.9 31.2<br />

(a) Parcels may vary in size; Sapienta Economics calculations.<br />

Sources: Cystat; Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong>; WireFS; Department of Lands and Surveys. © Sapienta Economics Ltd.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

50<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PROPERTY-PRICE INDICES<br />

CYPRUS PROPERTY-PRICE INDICES<br />

There are three regular property-price<br />

indices produced in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and one which<br />

Sapienta calculates from parcel transfers.<br />

u The Cystat index is hedonic (adjusted for changes in quality) and is based<br />

on actual sales. The Cystat index does not give a breakdown by region or<br />

by property type.<br />

u The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> index is also hedonic but is based on bank<br />

valuations, as opposed to current sales, although recent sales are also<br />

considered in valuations. The Central Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> index gives a<br />

breakdown by region and by property type (apartments and houses).<br />

u The WiRE FS index, which is a fairly new index largely based on actual<br />

sales prices but also adjusted to consider “thin trading and an inherent<br />

lag in price recording” in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. It gives a breakdown by region and<br />

property type, including commercial property (retail, warehouses and<br />

offices). It also distinguishes between residential and holiday houses/<br />

apartments.<br />

u Sapienta Economics also uses data from the Department of Lands and<br />

Surveys (Land Registry) to calculate the average price per unit of parcel<br />

transfers. This is not a market price, as it will include, for example, debtfor-property<br />

swaps by banks, and parcels may also vary in size. However,<br />

it can be an indicator of forced acquisitions.<br />

The three public indices give different results because of their different<br />

focus. Out of the three the Central Bank probably lags the most, as<br />

property valuations tend to be made on the basis of sales in the previous<br />

period. However, it has the advantage of being based on a larger data set<br />

than the Cystat index, especially in periods when sales are stagnant.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

53<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PROPERTY<br />

SHOWCASE<br />

Leading<br />

Developments<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

LARNACA<br />

Blue Sky Villas<br />

Perivolia,<br />

Larnaca<br />

Type: Luxury Villas<br />

Price: Upon Request<br />

Developer: Quality Group<br />

Contact: (+357) 24 821 855<br />

info@qualitydevelopments.com<br />

qualitygroupcyprus.com<br />

Watch: Property Video<br />

Download: Brochure


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

54<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PROPERTY SHOWCASE: Leading Developments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

LARNACA<br />

Habitat Residences<br />

Mall Area,<br />

Larnaca<br />

Type: 1,2,3 bedroom apartments<br />

Price: Upon Request<br />

Developer: Quality Group<br />

Contact: (+357) 24 821 855<br />

info@qualitydevelopments.com<br />

qualitygroupcyprus.com<br />

Watch: Property Video<br />

Download: Brochure<br />

LIMASSOL<br />

Trilogy Limassol Seafront<br />

Limassol<br />

Type: 1 to 5-bedroom<br />

apartments and penthouses<br />

Price: €510,000 - €10,500,000<br />

Developer: Cybarco<br />

Development Ltd<br />

Contact: (+357) 25 362 800<br />

info@trilogylimassol.com<br />

Trilogylimassol.com<br />

Watch: Property Video<br />

Download: Brochure<br />

PAPHOS<br />

Akamas Bay Villas<br />

Latchi,<br />

Paphos<br />

Type: 3 and 4-bedroom<br />

beachfront villas<br />

Price: €1,390,000 - €3,000,000<br />

Developer: Cybarco<br />

Development Ltd<br />

Contact: (+357) 25 820 511<br />

info@cybarco.com<br />

Akamasbay.com<br />

Watch: Property Video<br />

Download: Brochure


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

55<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PROPERTY SHOWCASE: Leading Developments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

PAPHOS<br />

Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort<br />

Akamas,<br />

Paphos<br />

Type: Villas, 3, 4, 5 and<br />

6-bedroom villas<br />

Price: From €1,800,000 +<br />

Developer: Korantina Homes<br />

info@korantinahomes.com<br />

www.korantinahomes.com<br />

PAPHOS<br />

SOHO Resort<br />

Tourist Area,<br />

Paphos<br />

Type: Apartments on<br />

15-floor tower and Villas<br />

Price: €1,200,000 – 6,000,000<br />

Developer: Korantina Homes<br />

info@korantinahomes.com<br />

www.korantinahomes.com<br />

PAPHOS<br />

Topos Residence – Alto Design<br />

Minthis,<br />

Paphos<br />

Type: 2-bedroom suites and<br />

duplexes, 3-bedroom villas,<br />

3, 4 and 5+ bedroom residences<br />

Price: From €783,000<br />

Developer: Pafilia<br />

Property Developers<br />

Contact: (+357) 26 848 800<br />

info@pafilia.com<br />

www.minthisresort.com<br />

Watch: Property Video<br />

Watch: Resort Video


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

56<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INSIGHT<br />

CEO, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

George Campanellas<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the US have excellent bilateral relations<br />

and the two countries have been fostering<br />

opportunities for more trade and cooperation.<br />

What kind of US investment has <strong>Cyprus</strong> seen<br />

in recent years, and what type of FDI would<br />

you like to see from the US in the future?


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

57<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> is committed to strengthening the economic and business ties between<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the United States, a country recognised as a traditional strategic ally.<br />

Especially in recent years, the bilateral partnership has grown exponentially in sectors<br />

of common interest, such as energy, technology, and trade. Other US investments are<br />

observed in the financial services, tourism, education, logistics, and consumer goods<br />

sectors. There may be additional opportunities for investment in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ growing<br />

energy sector, including regional energy services, domestic renewable energy, and<br />

energy storage technologies.<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>, an EU member state, is strategically positioned at the crossroads of three<br />

continents. It is an ideal destination for US companies as it offers a modern and<br />

transparent legal and regulatory framework combined with low set-up costs and a<br />

highly skilled workforce. Equally important is the fact that <strong>Cyprus</strong> is a safe place to live,<br />

also providing a high standard of living.<br />

In the last couple of years, a significant number of international companies have<br />

set up regional headquarters in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, taking advantage of the business-friendly<br />

environment and targeted governmental incentives. Amongst them are many USbased<br />

tech multinationals, like IBM, Microsoft, NCR, Oracle, Kyndryl, and TSYS, to<br />

name a few. We are confident that <strong>Cyprus</strong> can become a primary option for American<br />

organisations in search of a jurisdiction through which they can develop their regional<br />

and international activities. What is more, at Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>, we maintain a continually<br />

updated portfolio of greenfield projects in various sectors, and our team regularly<br />

presents those investment opportunities to US investors.<br />

The ability of the Cypriot economy to show unique resilience and maintain a positive<br />

momentum despite major disruptive exogenous shocks has been proven several times<br />

in the past. The IMF has upgraded its forecast on the growth rate of the Cypriot economy<br />

in 2022 to 3.5% of the GDP from 2.1% expected in April 2022. While it downgraded its<br />

estimation for the 2023 growth rate from 3.5% to 2.5%, we remain optimistic that, once<br />

again, we can surprise them positively.<br />

What is more, <strong>Cyprus</strong> has achieved a<br />

50-place improvement and climbed to<br />

18th place in the latest global ranking<br />

of the 7th Greenfield FDI Performance<br />

Index, by FDI Intelligence, for 2021. The<br />

increase in software and IT investments<br />

is also impressive, reaching 600% in<br />

the first half of 2022 compared to 2019,<br />

confirming that the country has become<br />

an emerging technology hub. In recent<br />

years, we have witnessed a steady increase<br />

in the number of mainly technology and<br />

Ithe bilateral partnership has<br />

grown exponentially in sectors<br />

of common interest, such as<br />

energy, technology, and trade.<br />

Other US investments are<br />

observed in the financial services,<br />

tourism, education, logistics,<br />

and consumer goods sectors.<br />

financial companies selecting <strong>Cyprus</strong> as<br />

a preferred location to establish their next European office. There is also an excellent<br />

investment momentum in greenfield projects in several sectors, mainly commercial<br />

and residential real estate projects. As evident from our discussions with those investors,<br />

they acknowledge the huge steps taken in the last few years that have enhanced the<br />

ability of <strong>Cyprus</strong> to attract foreign investment. They also recognise the opportunities<br />

that arise from the country’s Recovery and Resilience Plan and the implementation of<br />

the recently adopted long-term growth strategy ‘<strong>Cyprus</strong> Vision 2035’. n


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

58<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

INCENTIVES<br />

New Government<br />

Action Plan<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> has launched a new action plan to attract foreign businesses<br />

to establish or expand their activities on the island. <strong>Cyprus</strong> already<br />

provides many competitive advantages, but this new set of incentives<br />

is geared to ramp up interest for companies to set up headquarters<br />

in the country. The plan has taken into account the best practices<br />

from other European countries, with emphasis on domains related<br />

to technology, shipping, innovation, research and development,<br />

biogenetics and biotechnology, without excluding any other<br />

companies that choose <strong>Cyprus</strong> as their place of business. The new<br />

strategy which aims to promote foreign investment and stimulate<br />

economic activity was implemented on January 1, 2022.<br />

The Presidential Palace<br />

THE BUSINESS FACILITATION UNIT<br />

The previous Fast Track <strong>Business</strong> Activation mechanism for companies of foreign<br />

interest has been transformed into a <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit for foreign<br />

companies operating in <strong>Cyprus</strong> or for foreign companies that wish to expand their<br />

operations in the country. The new Unit is responsible for the various services required<br />

for the establishment of corporate entities:<br />

• new company name approval and registration<br />

• registration with Social Insurance and VAT authorities, and with Income Tax<br />

authorities<br />

• guidance in relation to the establishment, licensing and operations of companies<br />

• issuance and renewal of residence and employment permits for staff employed by<br />

foreign companies


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

59<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

RESIDENCE AND EMPLOYMENT PERMITS TO HIGHLY SKILLED<br />

THIRD-COUNTRY NATIONALS AND SUPPORTING STAFF<br />

The government has revised the policy for the employment of highly skilled<br />

personnel from third countries employed by companies of foreign interests, as well<br />

as for those employed by Cypriot companies which give added value to the economy<br />

and the local workforce.<br />

ELIGIBLE COMPANIES:<br />

• companies operating in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and are of foreign interest/shareholding and<br />

maintain fully fledged offices<br />

• <strong>Cyprus</strong> shipping companies<br />

• <strong>Cyprus</strong> companies involved in innovation and technology<br />

• <strong>Cyprus</strong> pharmaceutical companies or companies that operate in the fields of<br />

biogenetics or biotechnology<br />

ELIGIBLE COMPANIES CAN EMPLOY HIGHLY SKILLED THIRD COUNTRY<br />

NATIONALS IN KEY POSITIONS IF THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA IS MET:<br />

• a minimum monthly gross salary of €2,500<br />

• candidate must hold a university degree or equivalent, or have a minimum 2 years’<br />

relevant experience<br />

• minimum two-year contract<br />

• work permits will be issued within a one-month period and will be valid for three<br />

years<br />

• a work permit can also be granted to the spouse of the eligible individual that<br />

obtains a visa with this scheme<br />

There is a maximum number of third country nationals that may be employed under<br />

this policy. Only 70% of the total number of all employees may be employed under it<br />

in a period of five years from the date of<br />

joining the <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit.<br />

Wargaming Headquarters, Nicosia<br />

In case five years have passed and it is<br />

not possible to employ 30% of Cypriot<br />

workers, it will be re-examined on a caseby-case<br />

basis.<br />

Eligible companies will also be allowed<br />

to employ third-country nationals as<br />

support staff with a gross monthly salary<br />

less than €2,500. The employment of<br />

third-country nationals as support staff<br />

is allowed, provided that it does not<br />

exceed 30% of the total support staff and<br />

provided that the third country nationals<br />

and the employers have entered into an<br />

employment contract approved by the<br />

relevant authority in accordance with<br />

the applicable law. The amount of their<br />

salary is to be determined by the current<br />

legislation.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

60<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CASE STUDY<br />

THREE-STEP<br />

COMPANY<br />

REGISTRATION<br />

Company registration in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is simple and<br />

efficient. This is an example of the required<br />

steps for a simple and straightforward set up in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> for a small or medium sized company.<br />

THREE EASY STEPS:<br />

1REGISTRATION OF THE COMPANY<br />

Registration must be done at the Department of Registrar of Companies<br />

and Intellectual Property. It is advised to seek professional advice and<br />

once your lawyer has filed for registration, it can be expedited and<br />

completed in one (1) business day. The administrative cost is €395, lawyer’s<br />

or administrative service provider’s fees not included.<br />

2SUBMIT A ‘LETTER OF INTENT’<br />

A ‘Letter of Intent’ must be submitted along with the supportive<br />

documents required through email to the <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit<br />

(BFU) to register the company as Company with Foreign Interests.<br />

This takes no more than seven (7) business days.<br />

3BOOK AN APPOINTMENT<br />

Finally, you must book an appointment to register the company’s<br />

employees with the Civil Registry & Migration Department (CRMD).<br />

Only 3-5 employees per appointment, administrative cost is<br />

€330 per employee, lawyer’s or administrative service provider’s fees not<br />

included. Once you book an appointment, the licence of the employee for<br />

temporary residence and employment takes 40 days to be issued.<br />

• Simply visit the booking website. Select a convenient language<br />

option and choose: Town (Nicosia)→ Third-country nationals→<br />

Companies registered at the <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit and select a date.<br />

• Regarding the stipulations for ‘Employing Third-Country<br />

Nationals’ please visit this webpage of the CRMD’s website and have a<br />

look at the documents and fees.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

61<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

FAMILY REUNIFICATION RIGHTS<br />

Family reunification rights are granted to third-country nationals employed by this<br />

revised policy and regulated by the <strong>Business</strong> Facilitation Unit. Direct and free access<br />

to the labour market as paid employees is granted to spouses of the third-country<br />

nationals who have obtained a residence and work permit in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, through this<br />

revised policy and who receive a minimum gross monthly salary of €2,500. This right<br />

does not extend to supporting staff who receive a monthly salary of less than €2,500.<br />

SIMPLIFICATION OF GRANTING WORK PERMITS UNDER CATEGORY E<br />

The action plan provides for the simplification and acceleration of the process of<br />

granting immigration and work permits under Category E – Long-Term Resident Status<br />

to persons who have been offered permanent employment and whose employment<br />

does not create undue local competition.<br />

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA<br />

Significantly the new Action Plan provides for the introduction and the issuing of Digital<br />

Nomad Visas with a maximum initial limit of 100 beneficiaries.<br />

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:<br />

Third-country nationals who are either self-employed or are employees who work<br />

remotely using information and communication technologies to communicate with<br />

their clients or employers who must be outside <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

WHAT RIGHTS DO YOU GET:<br />

• right to stay in the country for up to one year, with the right to renew their visas for<br />

another two years<br />

• can be accompanied by family members, to whom a residence permit is granted<br />

upon request, which will expire at the same time as that of the main applicant<br />

• during their stay in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the spouse or partner and the minor members of the<br />

main applicant’s family are not allowed to engage in any kind of economic activity<br />

in the country<br />

WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS:<br />

• must show evidence of sufficient resources at a fixed income level of a minimum<br />

€3,500/month to cover living expenses during their stay without burdening the<br />

national and welfare system (the amount is increased by 20% in case they have a<br />

wife/husband/partner and another 10% per child)<br />

• must have insurance coverage and a clean criminal record<br />

• the aforementioned prerequisites are indicative and additional requirements are<br />

applicable<br />

In the event that the holders of Digital Nomad Visas reside in the Republic for one or more<br />

periods that in total exceed 183 days within the same tax year, then they are considered<br />

tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> provided they are not tax residents in any other state.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

62<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

NEW TAX INCENTIVES<br />

The new Action Plan also includes the introduction of new tax benefits and tax<br />

breaks which were submitted to the House of Representatives in 2021.<br />

NEW INCENTIVES:<br />

• a 50% tax exemption to be granted to new residents/employees who receive an<br />

annual income from their employment of €55,000<br />

• extension of the tax exemption applicable to eligible employees in <strong>Cyprus</strong> who<br />

have an income below €100,000 from 10 years to 17 years provided they were not<br />

domiciled in the Republic for a period of 17 years prior to the commencement of<br />

their employment<br />

• beneficiaries of this tax benefit with an income of €55,000-€100,000 should be<br />

entitled to benefit from this exemption for the remaining period of the 17 years<br />

• extension of the 50% tax exemption for investment in certified innovative<br />

companies to corporate investors. The regime that was in force until the end of<br />

June 2021 allowed the tax exemption only to natural persons<br />

• a 120% capital allowance on expenses that relate to R&D<br />

View from 360, Cyfield<br />

NATURALISATION<br />

The government has introduced the right to submit an application for naturalisation<br />

after five years of residency and employment in <strong>Cyprus</strong> instead of the former sevenyear<br />

rule or a further reduction to four years if the potential applicants meet the<br />

criteria of holding a recognised certificate of very good knowledge of the Greek<br />

language. n


Flavours<br />

oF<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

ts@meci.gov.cy<br />

www.meci.gov.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

64<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

BUSINESS OPERATING ENVIRONMENT<br />

DOING<br />

BUSINESS<br />

INCYPRUS<br />

€<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>’ business-friendly infrastructure and cando<br />

attitude has brought it worldwide recognition<br />

as an international business centre. The country<br />

offers a winning package for both international<br />

entrepreneurs and investors with its sophisticated<br />

business environment, highly skilled workforce<br />

and cost-effective, yet high quality of life.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

65<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

BUSINESS CULTURE<br />

Respect, hospitality and personal trust are the cornerstones of the Cypriot business<br />

environment. An island nation with a long history of dealing with foreign traders<br />

and businesses, Cypriot businesspeople are international in their outlook and astute<br />

and knowledgeable in their negotiations. Punctuality is expected, business dress is<br />

formal for both men and women, especially at the beginning of a business relationship,<br />

and even in warm weather. Most Cypriots prefer face-to-face meetings to telephone<br />

conferences or written communications, which are regarded as too impersonal, and<br />

place great importance on building personal relationships with business partners or<br />

connections. Trust is the key to successful business dealings in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

LANGUAGE<br />

Greek and Turkish are the official languages of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. However, English, the<br />

legacy of the British who ruled <strong>Cyprus</strong> from 1878 to 1960, is widely spoken and is<br />

the language of business. Many Cypriots also speak French, German or Russian.<br />

BUSINESS HOURS<br />

Office hours are generally 8.30am to 1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.30pm, Monday to<br />

Friday. Although in summer some offices take a longer lunch break or finish early.<br />

Nicosia


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

66<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

BUSINESS COSTS<br />

An EU base within the eurozone, <strong>Cyprus</strong> remains one of the few international<br />

business centres offering low operational costs and a high standard of living.<br />

Office space and residential property in Nicosia, the capital and major business<br />

centre, is relatively inexpensive when compared to other European capitals.<br />

In terms of cost of living, <strong>Cyprus</strong> remains one of the most advantageous places to<br />

live, with cost of living lower than in most Western European countries. At the same<br />

time, residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> enjoy a high standard of living and exceptional quality of<br />

life, as the balmy climate and low crime rate offer both comfort and peace of mind.<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Costs <strong>Cyprus</strong> EU27 Average<br />

Labour (business sector) €18.30 €29.10<br />

Communications (services & equipment)* 109 100<br />

Electricity (households) €0.2204/kWh €0.2369/kWh<br />

Electricity (non-households) €0.1946/kWh €0.1445/kWh<br />

* EU average is set to equal 100<br />

Source: Eurostat (2021)<br />

Limassol Marina<br />

COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> offers a full range of properties for both commercial and residential use<br />

situated in key locations across the island. While the exclusive, top-level market<br />

is currently the most sought after, the island has a good stock of properties available,<br />

from townhouses and apartments, to villas and seaside bungalows in five-star gated<br />

developments. Nicosia and Limassol are the main business centres. Office space<br />

is available in purpose-built office blocks, in converted houses or flats. A number of<br />

business centres also offer ready-to-move-into offices. They usually include fully<br />

equipped offices that are available on demand with flexible terms, meeting rooms<br />

and a receptionist service. Overall, rentals are around two-thirds of those charged<br />

for comparable commercial spaces in continental Europe, and offices, retail or other<br />

commercial space is widely available for purchase or for rent.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

67<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

300<br />

200<br />

COMPARISON OF ESTIMATED AVERAGE RENT LEVELS<br />

FOR FLATS, 2021 (BRUSSELS = 100)<br />

European<br />

Union<br />

Europe<br />

(others)<br />

100<br />

0<br />

225<br />

216<br />

199<br />

199<br />

197<br />

171<br />

134<br />

128<br />

122<br />

122<br />

119<br />

109<br />

104<br />

100<br />

99<br />

99<br />

Dublin<br />

Copenhagen<br />

Paris<br />

Luxembourg<br />

Stockholm<br />

Helsinki<br />

Berlin<br />

The Hague<br />

Madrid<br />

Vienna<br />

Lisbon<br />

Rome<br />

Vilnius<br />

Brussels<br />

Valletta<br />

Ljubljana<br />

Budapest<br />

Tallinn<br />

Athens<br />

Prague<br />

Zagreb<br />

Riga<br />

Bratislava<br />

Warsaw<br />

Bucharest<br />

Nicosia<br />

Sofia<br />

London<br />

Geneva<br />

Rejkjavik<br />

Oslo<br />

Podgorica<br />

98<br />

98<br />

98<br />

96<br />

94<br />

84<br />

81<br />

74<br />

71<br />

64<br />

46<br />

278<br />

227<br />

188<br />

178<br />

54<br />

Note: Rents in currencies other than the Euro were converted according to the exchange rate as of 1 July 2021.<br />

Source: Eurostat<br />

OFFICE SPACE<br />

In terms of office rental and sales prices, Limassol continues to be the most expensive<br />

region followed by Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos and Famagusta respectively.<br />

OFFICE SALE AND RENTAL PRICES PER CITY (2022)<br />

Sale Prices (per m 2 ) Rental Prices (per m 2 )<br />

Famagusta €1,300-€1,500 €6-€10<br />

Larnaca €1,800-€2,500 €8-€10<br />

LImassol €4,500-€6,500 €20-€40<br />

Nicosia €3,500-€4,500 €12-€22<br />

Paphos €1,400-€2,000 €7-€10<br />

Source: Danos International Property Consultants<br />

HUMAN RESOURCES<br />

Well-trained and versatile, the Cypriot workforce is one of the island’s most<br />

valuable resources, offering high standards of productivity, technical expertise<br />

and professional excellence at reasonable costs to businesses.<br />

According to the Statistical Service in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, the country records the most higher<br />

education graduates per capita (age 30-34) in the European Union.<br />

The Cypriot labour force amounted to 482,385 persons or 65.1% of the population<br />

(males 71.2%, females 59.5%) in the Q2 of 2022. The biggest percentage of employed<br />

persons was in services (80.7%), followed by manufacturing (16.8%) and agriculture<br />

(2.5%).


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

68<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

SALARY SURVEY 2022 Source: GRS Recruitment<br />

JOB TITLE LOW (€) MID (€) HIGH (€)<br />

Management CEO 60,000 100,000 150,000<br />

Executive Director 60,000 100,000 140,000<br />

CFO 65,000 80,000 120,000<br />

Accounting & Finance Financial Controller 55,000 60,000 75,000<br />

Finance Manager / Senior Accountant 40,000 55,000 65,000<br />

Accountant / Auditor (Qualified) 34,000 38,000 45,000<br />

Accountant / Auditor (Part Qualified or QBE) 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />

Account Assistant 16,000 22,000 25,000<br />

HR Department Head of HR / Group of HRM 55,000 80,000 120,000<br />

HR Manager 40,000 50,000 60,000<br />

HR Executive 18,000 21,000 24,000<br />

Legal Deparment Head of Legal / Group Legal Head 60,000 90,000 130,000<br />

Legal Advisor (Qualified Lawyer) 24,000 39,000 54,000<br />

Legal Assistant / Paralegal / None Qualified Lawyer 18,000 20,000 24,000<br />

Compliance, Anti-Money Head of Compliance 50,000 64,000 72,000<br />

Laundering (AML), Counter - Compliance / AML / CTF / Manager 42,000 46,000 52,000<br />

Terrorist Financing (CTF) Compliance / AML / CTF / Officer 26,000 32,000 40,000<br />

Dealing Room Chief Dealer 45,000 52,000 60,000<br />

Dealer 24,000 33,000 45,000<br />

Junior Dealer 18,000 20,000 22,000<br />

IT Development Head of IT / CTO 60,000 80,000 140,000<br />

IT Manager / Development Manager 50,000 60,000 80,000<br />

Quality Assurance (QA) / Tester 26,000 36,000 46,000<br />

IT Technician 20,000 24,000 36,000<br />

Developer* 28,000 42,000 60,000<br />

Marketing Department Head of Marketing 42,000 50,000 72,000<br />

Marketing Officer 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />

Digital Marketing Specialist (Social, PPC / SEO) 26,000 34,000 42,000<br />

Marketing Executive 18,000 22,000 24,000<br />

Graphic Designer 24,000 30,000 36,000<br />

Content Writer 24,000 32,000 40,000<br />

Sales Department Head of Sales 42,000 60,000 75,000<br />

FX Sales* 20,000 24,000 30,000<br />

Sales Executive (Industries other than FX / Fintech) 18,000 22,000 26,000<br />

Administration Office Manager / PA / EA 18,000 28,000 39,000<br />

Administator / Receptionist 17,000 20,000 24,000<br />

Corporate Administrator 20,000 28,000 36,000


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

69<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

Taxation<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> offers one of the most attractive tax regimes<br />

in Europe. A member of the European Union since<br />

2004, <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ regulatory regime is in full compliance<br />

with the requirements of the EU and OECD. <strong>Cyprus</strong> has<br />

one of the lowest EU corporate tax rates at 12.5%. The<br />

island’s advantageous tax rate coupled with an extensive<br />

list of double tax treaties places it high on the list of<br />

preferred jurisdictions for international tax planners.<br />

CORPORATION TAX<br />

The Corporation Tax Rate in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is 12.5%.<br />

BASIS OF TAXATION<br />

All companies that are tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> are taxed on their income accrued or<br />

derived from all sources in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and abroad. A non-<strong>Cyprus</strong> tax resident company<br />

is taxed on income accrued or derived from a business activity which is carried out<br />

through a permanent establishment in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and on certain income arising from<br />

sources in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. A company is considered tax resident of <strong>Cyprus</strong> if it is managed and<br />

controlled from <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

Trilogy, Limassol


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

70<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

SPECIAL TYPES OF COMPANIES<br />

SHIPPING COMPANIES<br />

The Merchant Shipping Legislation, fully approved by the EU, provides for an exemption<br />

from all direct taxes and taxation under tonnage tax regime. The merchant shipping<br />

legislation applies to qualifying shipowners, charterers and ship managers, which<br />

are involved with the operation of qualifying community ships (ships under a CY flag<br />

or a flag of an EU member state or of a country in the European Economic Area) and<br />

foreign (non-community) ships (under conditions) and provided that they engage in<br />

qualifying activities. The legislation allows non community vessels to enter the tonnage<br />

tax regime provided the fleet is composed by at least 60% community vessels. If this<br />

requirement is not met, then non community vessels can still qualify if certain criteria<br />

are met. Exemption is also given in relation to the salaries of officers and crew aboard<br />

a <strong>Cyprus</strong> ship.<br />

INSURANCE COMPANIES<br />

Profits of insurance companies are liable to corporation tax similar to all other<br />

companies except in the case where the corporation tax payable on taxable profit of life<br />

insurance business is less than 1.5% of the gross premium. In this case the difference is<br />

paid as additional corporation tax.<br />

ADMINISTRATION AND COMPLIANCE<br />

The tax year is the calendar year. The accounts of a company may be closed on a date<br />

different from 31 st of December, in which case taxable profits are apportioned on a time<br />

basis relevant to the tax years.<br />

CONSOLIDATED RETURNS<br />

Taxation on a consolidated basis is not permitted and each company is required to<br />

submit a separate standalone tax return. A set-off of group losses is possible provided<br />

there is a 75% parent subsidiary relationship, including subsidiaries under 75% control<br />

of a common parent company. Group loss relief is available only between resident<br />

companies (and EU-based companies/companies with which <strong>Cyprus</strong> has concluded a<br />

double tax treaty, provided that they have exhausted all options to utilise the losses in<br />

their country of residence).<br />

FILING REQUIREMENTS<br />

Corporate tax returns must be filed electronically by the 31 st of March of the year following<br />

the year under consideration (i.e. 15 months from the year-end). Companies are required<br />

to pay provisional tax in two equal instalments by 31 st of July and 31 st of December of the<br />

year under consideration. Any underpayment is due to be settled via self-assessment by<br />

1 st of August of the following year. If the income declared for the payment of the provisional<br />

tax is lower than 75% of the actual income as finally determined, an additional tax equal<br />

to 10% of the difference between the final and provisional tax is payable.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

71<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

PERSONAL INCOME TAX<br />

BASIS OF TAXATION<br />

All <strong>Cyprus</strong> tax residents are taxed in <strong>Cyprus</strong> on all income accrued or derived from<br />

all sources in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and abroad such as employment income, rental income etc. (i.e.<br />

worldwide income).<br />

Individuals who are not tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> are taxed on income accrued or<br />

derived from sources in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

An individual is tax resident in <strong>Cyprus</strong> if one of the following conditions are met:<br />

• he/she spends physically in <strong>Cyprus</strong> over 183 days during the relevant tax year, or<br />

• he/she does not remain in any other state for one or more periods which altogether<br />

exceed 183 days in the same tax year and he/she is not tax resident in any other<br />

state for the same tax year and all the following conditions are cumulatively met:<br />

• he/she should remain in <strong>Cyprus</strong> for at least 60 days during the tax year<br />

• he/she should pursue any business in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and/or to work in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and/or to be<br />

a director in a company tax resident in <strong>Cyprus</strong> at any time during the tax year<br />

• he/she should maintain a permanent residence in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, which can be either<br />

owned or rented by him/her<br />

The personal income tax rates that apply to individuals are as follows:<br />

Taxable Income TaxRate (%) Tax (€) Accumulated Tax (€)<br />

0-19,500 0 0 0<br />

19,501- 28,000 20 1,700 1,700<br />

28,001-36,300 25 2,075 3,775<br />

36,301-60,000 30 7,110 10,885<br />

60,001 and over 35


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

72<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

TAX INCENTIVES FOR EXPATRIATE EMPLOYEES TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT IN CYPRUS:<br />

The individuals who were non-Cypriot tax residents prior to the commencement of<br />

their employment, but become Cypriot tax residents afterwards, are eligible for a 50%<br />

exemption from income tax if all the following conditions are met:<br />

• their remuneration from the employment exercised in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is over €55,000 per<br />

annum; and<br />

• they were not tax residents of <strong>Cyprus</strong> for 10 consecutive years prior to the<br />

commencement of their employment; and<br />

• the exemption is available from 1 January 2022, it is granted from the first year of<br />

employment and it can be enjoyed for a period of 17 years<br />

• individuals with annual remuneration below €55,000 who were non-Cypriot<br />

tax residents in the 3 years preceding their employment, are eligible for a 20%<br />

exemption from income tax (maximum exempt amount is €8,550 per year)<br />

The exemption is available from the 1 st of January following the year of commencement<br />

of the employment and can be enjoyed for a period of 7 years.<br />

It is important to note that the above provisions were recently introduced (published<br />

in the Official Gazette of the Republic on 26/07/2022 ) as amendments to the previous<br />

rules that were applicable until the publication date. The amended provisions also<br />

include certain transitional provisions that may enable the individuals that claimed<br />

the exemptions based on the previous rules to enjoy the exemptions based on the<br />

provisions included in the new rules. Furthermore, the individuals that do not fall within<br />

the transitional provisions, are eligible to continue claiming the exemption based on the<br />

previous rules for the remaining years, without being affected by the new rules.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

73<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

SUBMISSION OF TAX RETURNS<br />

The tax year is the calendar year. Tax on employment income is withheld by the<br />

employer under the PAYE system and remitted to the tax authorities.<br />

Self-employed individuals pay tax through the provisional and self-assessment<br />

systems. Tax returns must be filed electronically by 31 st of July following the tax year for<br />

employees, 30 th of September for self-employed persons who are not required to file<br />

audited/reviewed financial statements and 31 st of March of the year following the year<br />

under consideration (i.e. 15 months from the year-end) for self-employed persons whose<br />

returns are accompanied by audited/reviewed financial statements. Sole proprietors with<br />

an annual turnover of more than €70,000 are obliged to prepare financial statements<br />

that are either audited or are subject to a review by a statutory auditor (in case their<br />

net turnover does not exceed the amount of €200,000 and the total value of the assets<br />

without deducting liabilities does not exceed the amount of €500,000).<br />

Limassol Seafront<br />

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)<br />

Imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) is imposed on the supply of all goods and services<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, on the acquisition of goods from other Member States and on the importation<br />

of goods from third countries. The standard rate of 19% applies to the supplies of all<br />

goods and services in <strong>Cyprus</strong> which are not subject to the zero rate, the reduced rates<br />

(5% and 9%) or are not exempt. <strong>Cyprus</strong> constitutes an attractive EU VAT jurisdiction<br />

applying several options permissible by the EU Directive among others a flexible VAT<br />

Grouping. As long as the pre-requisite links are satisfied, and governmental revenues<br />

are not put into jeopardy, related entities can form a VAT group disregarding intragroup<br />

transactions and having a representative member submitting a single VAT<br />

return. Even such entities not incorporated in <strong>Cyprus</strong> can form a VAT Group in case<br />

they are tax resident or possessing an establishment in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION FOR DEFENCE<br />

Special contribution for defence (SDC) is imposed on the dividend, interest and rental<br />

income earned by Cypriot tax resident and domiciled individuals. Non-domiciled<br />

Cypriot tax residents are exempt from SDC.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

74<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

KEY FEATURES OF THE CYPRUS TAX SYSTEM<br />

Simple, transparent and EU harmonised tax system following recommended<br />

OECD practices.<br />

Enjoys the tax benefits of EU Directives (Parent – Subsidiary Directive, Merger<br />

Directive and Interest and Royalties Directive).<br />

Extensive Tax Treaty network with 67 countries.<br />

A corporate income tax rate of 12.5%, one of the lowest within the EU with<br />

possibility to enjoy a much lower effective tax rate.<br />

Availability of a Notional Interest Deduction for companies receiving new equity<br />

funding. The tax deduction can reach up to 80% of the taxable income generated<br />

by the new equity.<br />

IP Box regime based on the nexus approach which allows 80% deemed deduction<br />

on qualifying profits from the business use of qualifying IP.<br />

Increased deduction of 20% on the actual expenditure incurred for scientific<br />

research as well as research and development, subject to conditions.<br />

Attractive Tonnage Tax (TT) regime for ship owners, managers and charterers.<br />

Attractive tax jurisdiction for funds and attractive tax regime for fund managers.<br />

Capital gains are exempt from tax (except for capital gains arising from the<br />

disposal of immovable property located in <strong>Cyprus</strong>).<br />

Profits of a foreign Permanent Establishment exempt from tax.<br />

Gains from trading in securities (shares, bonds and certain other financial<br />

instruments) are exempt from tax.<br />

Unilateral credit relief for foreign taxes.<br />

No withholding tax on dividend, interest or royalty payments (for use of royalties<br />

outside of <strong>Cyprus</strong>) made abroad.<br />

No taxes on entry and on qualifying reorganisations.<br />

Carry forward of tax losses for five years.<br />

Tax incentives for expatriate employees taking up employment in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(20%/50% exemption).<br />

Dividend income and interest income are exempt from SDC for non-domiciled<br />

individuals taking up tax residency in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

Possibility to obtain <strong>Cyprus</strong> tax residency by spending only 60-days in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(subject to conditions).<br />

No inheritance tax.<br />

No immovable property tax.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

75<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

WHO’S<br />

WHO<br />

CYPRUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY<br />

The definitive guide<br />

to <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ leading<br />

companies, executives<br />

and professional advisers.


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

76<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

A. Zemenides & Co Ltd......................................................................................................................................79<br />

Baker Tilly South East Europe.......................................................................................................................79<br />

Deloitte <strong>Cyprus</strong>.....................................................................................................................................................79<br />

Demetriou & Associates <strong>Business</strong> Advisers Ltd (DBA).....................................................................79<br />

Joannides + Co Ltd..............................................................................................................................................80<br />

KPMG........................................................................................................................................................................80<br />

PwC <strong>Cyprus</strong>............................................................................................................................................................80<br />

ServPro Accountants & Consultants........................................................................................................80<br />

ASSOCIATIONS<br />

Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Banks.........................................................................................................................81<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Cannabis Association (CYCA)........................................................................................................81<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry......................................................................................81<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Fiduciary Association.......................................................................................................................81<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Healthcare Tourism (CHT)............................................................................................................. 82<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association............................................................................................................................... 82<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> International <strong>Business</strong> Association (CIBA).......................................................................... 82<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Funds Association (CIFA)..................................................................................... 82<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipping Chamber............................................................................................................................ 83<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Union of Shipowners (CUS).......................................................................................................... 83<br />

Insurance Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong>............................................................................................................... 83<br />

Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) ............................................................................... 83<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB)............................................................84<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Tech Association.......................................................................................................................84<br />

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (ICPAC)..............................................84<br />

BANKING<br />

Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> PLC............................................................................................................................................84<br />

cdbbank (The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Development Bank Public Company Ltd)................................................ 85<br />

Societe Generale Bank – <strong>Cyprus</strong>................................................................................................................ 85<br />

CONSULTING<br />

e-CNHC – E-C Natural Hydrocarbons Company Ltd....................................................................... 85<br />

PIVOT Consultants (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited........................................................................................................ 85


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

77<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

Alter Domus (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Ltd...............................................................................................................................86<br />

Andersen.................................................................................................................................................................86<br />

Aspen Trust Group.............................................................................................................................................86<br />

ATG Corporate Services...................................................................................................................................86<br />

Executive <strong>Business</strong> Constultants Ltd....................................................................................................... 87<br />

GFSC Global........................................................................................................................................................... 87<br />

KENDRIS (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited............................................................................................................................ 87<br />

Pagecorp Group................................................................................................................................................... 87<br />

Sovereign Group – <strong>Cyprus</strong>.............................................................................................................................88<br />

Trident Trust Company (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Limited..............................................................................................88<br />

Vistra (<strong>Cyprus</strong>) Ltd..............................................................................................................................................88<br />

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS<br />

Sapienta Economics Ltd..................................................................................................................................88<br />

ENERGY<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Hydrocarbons Company (CHC)...................................................................................................89<br />

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION<br />

European Institute of Management and Finance (EIMF)..............................................................89<br />

FINANCIAL ADVISORY<br />

MAP S.Platis Group............................................................................................................................................89<br />

FUND ADMINISTRATION<br />

ATG Fund Services.............................................................................................................................................89<br />

FUND MANAGEMENT<br />

Inveqo Fund Management Ltd.....................................................................................................................90<br />

Leon MFO Investments Ltd............................................................................................................................90<br />

Wealth Fund Services Ltd...............................................................................................................................90<br />

INVESTMENT PROMOTION<br />

Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>........................................................................................................................................................90


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

78<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

LAW FIRMS<br />

A.G. Paphitis & Co LLC........................................................................................................................................91<br />

Agni Livera LLC.....................................................................................................................................................91<br />

Andreas Th.Sofokleous LLC............................................................................................................................91<br />

Antonis Paschalides & Co LLC.......................................................................................................................91<br />

Areti Charidemou & Associates LLC......................................................................................................... 92<br />

E. Tzioni & Associates LLC.............................................................................................................................. 92<br />

Elias Neocleous & Co LLC................................................................................................................................ 92<br />

George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC...................................................................................................... 92<br />

N. Xenofontos LLC Law Firm......................................................................................................................... 93<br />

Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC............................................................................................................. 93<br />

Pourgoura & Aspri LLC..................................................................................................................................... 93<br />

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC........................................................................................................................ 93<br />

NON PROFIT<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds......................................................................................................................................................... 94<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

Cybarco Development Ltd.............................................................................................................................. 94<br />

Korantina Homes............................................................................................................................................... 94<br />

Pafilia Property Developers Ltd................................................................................................................... 94<br />

Trilogy Limassol Seafront ............................................................................................................................. 95<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

CareerFinders Recruitment Services Limited.................................................................................... 95<br />

GRS Recruitment ............................................................................................................................................... 95<br />

RESEARCH INSTITUTION<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute ......................................................................................................................................... 95<br />

WEB DEVELOPMENT<br />

Ideaseven Digital................................................................................................................................................ 96


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

79<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

AFXENTIS ZEMENIDES<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

A. ZEMENIDES & CO LTD<br />

A.ZEMENIDES & CO LTD is a boutique firm of auditors, accountants,<br />

tax consultants and business advisors based in Limassol, <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

We aim to provide excellent service in a professional manner and<br />

of the highest standards to our clients, both local and international.<br />

We aim to act as one-stop-shop for our clients providing them a<br />

full range of services. The boutique nature of our firm ensures that<br />

the clients enjoy personalized attention. Through our participation<br />

in the international network of associates IR GLOBAL we provide<br />

solutions to corporate and individual clients worldwide. Our<br />

objective is to assist our clients to achieve their goals.<br />

Omirou Street 61, Joanna Court,<br />

3rd Floor, 3091 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Afxentis Zemenides<br />

- Managing Director<br />

(+357) 25 745 800<br />

azemenides@zemenides.com.cy<br />

www.zemenides.com.cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

MARIOS A. KLITOU<br />

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />

BAKER TILLY SOUTH EAST EUROPE<br />

Baker Tilly South East Europe is a full-service accounting<br />

and advisory firm, that offers industry specialised services<br />

in assurance, tax and advisory. Every day, more than 500<br />

professionals located in 16 offices throughout South East Europe<br />

(<strong>Cyprus</strong>, Greece, Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova) share their<br />

expertise to accelerate your business growth, by operating under a<br />

unified structure, directed by a single, central management team<br />

of 44 directors. At Baker Tilly, we are ready now, for tomorrow’s<br />

challenges. We believe in the power of great relationships, by<br />

leading and listening to great conversations. Baker Tilly South East<br />

Europe is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, one<br />

of the world’s leading networks, uniting independent companies<br />

to provide top-quality professional services in both international<br />

and regional markets.<br />

Corner C Hatzopoulou & 30<br />

Griva Digheni Avenue,<br />

1066 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> P.O.Box<br />

27783, 2433 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Marios A. Klitou -<br />

Chief Executive Officer<br />

(+357) 22 458 500<br />

info@bakertilly.com.cy<br />

www.bakertilly.com.cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

PIERIS MARKOU<br />

CEO, DELOITTE CYPRUS<br />

DELOITTE CYPRUS<br />

Deloitte Limited is among the leading professional services firms<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, providing audit & assurance, consulting, financial<br />

advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services, as well as a<br />

complete range of services to international business, through<br />

over 750 people in Nicosia and Limassol. Deloitte Limited, is the<br />

sub-licensed affiliate for <strong>Cyprus</strong> of Deloitte NSE LLP. As part<br />

of the Deloitte global network, with more than 345,000 people<br />

in over 150 countries and territories, Deloitte Limited has the<br />

advantage of global sharing of knowledge with local adaptation<br />

and personal approach, built on the solid foundations of over 60<br />

years of successful operations on the island.<br />

24 Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue,<br />

CY 1075, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Michelle Karaolides -<br />

Head of Marketing & Communications<br />

(+357) 22 360 300<br />

infonicosia@deloitte.com<br />

www.deloitte.com/cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

ELIAS DEMETRIOU<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

DEMETRIOU & ASSOCIATES BUSINESS ADVISERS LTD (DBA)<br />

dba was established in 2017 by a team with more than 30 years<br />

experience in the professional financial services industry.<br />

The company provides an extensive range of services on most<br />

financial matters including auditing, accounting, taxation,<br />

financial and business consulting. We also specialise in the<br />

formation and management of companies, liquidation and<br />

dissolution of companies, the creation and administration<br />

of trusts and estates, IT consulting, and much more. dba<br />

comprises of 3 directors and more than 20 members of staff.<br />

Our commitment is to provide exceptional quality services to<br />

our clients, tailored to all their needs. dba is passionate about<br />

ideas, innovation, and always adopts a forward-looking proactive<br />

approach. The firm is a member of DFK International, the<br />

number 6 Association in the world.<br />

1 Salaminos Avenue, 1045 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Elias Demetriou – Director<br />

(+357) 22 799 900<br />

e.demetriou@dbacy.com<br />

www.dbacy.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

80<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

DAVINIA JOANNIDOU<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

JOANNIDES + CO LTD<br />

Joannides + Co. Ltd is a leading firm of accountants and<br />

management consultants established in <strong>Cyprus</strong> for over 40<br />

years providing audit and assurance, taxation, business support<br />

services and management consulting to international companies<br />

and private clients. The firm has offices in Nicosia, Limassol<br />

and Larnaca offering its services with the utmost integrity,<br />

independence and objectivity with the aim to add significant<br />

value to its clients’ business performance. Joannides + Co. Ltd<br />

is a member of AGN International Ltd, a worldwide association<br />

of independent accounting and consulting firms operating in<br />

85 countries, is an approved training centre of the professional<br />

accounting institutes ICAEW and ACCA and in 2010 was awarded<br />

the quality award certification from the Institute of Certified<br />

Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

13, Agiou Prokopiou Str. 2406<br />

Egkomi, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

P.O.Box 25411, Nicosia 1309 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Davinia Joannidou - Director<br />

(+357) 22 556 556<br />

cy@joannides.com.cy<br />

www.joannides.com.cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

CHRISTOS V. VASILIOU<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

KPMG<br />

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services<br />

firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG operates<br />

in 144 countries and territories and has approximately 236.000<br />

people working in member firms around the world. KPMG has<br />

been operating in <strong>Cyprus</strong> since 1948 and currently employs more<br />

than 850 professionals working from 6 offices across the island<br />

(Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaka, Paralimni, Pafos, Polis Chrysochous).<br />

By utilising the whole spectrum of KPMG International services<br />

and the deep knowledge in all major industries, KPMG provides its<br />

clients with solutions which address their unique characteristics.<br />

Clients look to KPMG for a consistent standard of service based<br />

on high-order professional capabilities, industry insight, local<br />

knowledge and expertise.<br />

14 Esperidon Street, 1087, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Maria A. Papacosta -<br />

Board Member, Head of Clients and Markets<br />

(+357) 22 209 000<br />

maria.papacosta@kpmg.com.cy<br />

www.kpmg.com.cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

PHILIPPOS SOSEILOS<br />

CEO, PwC CYPRUS<br />

PWC CYPRUS<br />

In a world that is constantly evolving, our aim at PwC <strong>Cyprus</strong> is to<br />

find the right solutions to complex problems. We focus on quality<br />

and build strong relationships based on trust, creating value for<br />

our clients, stakeholders and society. Based on PwC’s new global<br />

strategy, “The New Equation”, we look at problems from different<br />

angles and present innovative solutions that make a difference<br />

and lead to sustained outcomes. More than 1,000 people in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

join forces with 327,000 professionals of our global network in<br />

155 countries and create an experienced team that combines<br />

intelligent approaches, experience and technological innovation.<br />

www.pwc.com.cy<br />

PwC Central, 43 Demostheni Severi Avenue,<br />

CY-1080 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Konstantina Logotheti -<br />

Director, Marketing & Communications<br />

(+357) 22 555 000<br />

konstantina.logotheti@pwc.com<br />

www.pwc.com.cy<br />

ACCOUNTING & AUDITING<br />

PETROS THEODOTOU<br />

FCCA<br />

FOUNDER & CEO<br />

SERVPRO ACCOUNTANTS & CONSULTANTS<br />

ServPRO is a team of accountants, auditors, lawyers and<br />

consultants. A practicing member of ICPAC and ACCA, a National<br />

Member of Auditaxes International, an ACCA Approved Employer,<br />

an ISO 9001:2015 and an ISO 27001:2013 Certified Company.<br />

Our areas of expertise are Accounting & Finance, Advisory &<br />

Consulting, Audit & Assurance, Corporate & Legal, Economic<br />

Substance and Taxation. We have a stellar track record in<br />

delivering practical solutions to corporate and individual clients<br />

with a spherical, solution-driven and detail-oriented approach,<br />

while demonstrating an aptitude of professionalism, integrity and<br />

commercial acumen. During the remarkable year of 2021, we have<br />

celebrated 10 years of delivering an impeccable quality of services<br />

and practical solutions across a diversified range of industries to a<br />

growing multinational clientele.<br />

Accountants & Consultants<br />

1 Kinyra Street, Kinyras Tower,<br />

3rd Floor, 1102 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Petros Theodotou FCCA -<br />

Founder & CEO<br />

(+357) 22 021 100<br />

info@servpro.com.cy<br />

www.servpro.com.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

81<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

DR. MICHAEL KAMMAS<br />

DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />

ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS BANKS<br />

Through its representation of ten member banks that hold more<br />

than 95% market share, the Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Banks (ACB)<br />

is the voice of the local banking system. Its primary target is to<br />

promote best practices for the interest of the banking sector<br />

and the local economy. The ACB is a non-profit organization<br />

through which common positions are formulated and promoted<br />

on banking and financial issues when local legislative and<br />

governmental policies are determined. Through its more than<br />

53 years of operations, the ACB has gained the reputation of a<br />

prudent, reliable and consistent partner for various policy makers,<br />

organizations, media, institutions and the local society.<br />

15 Demetriou Karatasou Str, Office 401,<br />

P.O. Box 16113, 2086 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Dr. Michael Kammas<br />

- Director General<br />

(+357) 22 664 293<br />

info@acb.com.cy<br />

www.acb.com.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

ANDRIA ANDREOU<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS CANNABIS ASSOCIATION (CYCA)<br />

CYCA was formed in October 2019 under the auspices of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Chamber of Commerce & Industry. We are leading the collective of<br />

individuals and businesses that will build the legal Cannabis Ecosystem<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and advancing the interests of a responsible,<br />

compliant, transparent and high-quality industry. As global<br />

recognition of the benefits of legal Cannabis increases with<br />

governments around the world steadily moving to full legalization,<br />

there is a burgeoning need for high-quality products with known<br />

components; cultivated at large scale for consistent, reliable supply<br />

to users. <strong>Cyprus</strong> is primely positioned as an attractive center of<br />

excellence for production; research; genetics, and intellectual<br />

property from which the legal Cannabis industry can flourish.<br />

38 Grivas Dhigenis Ave. & 3 Deligiogis<br />

1066 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andria Andreou - President<br />

(+357) 99 672 366<br />

a.andreou@cy-ca.org<br />

www.cy-ca.org<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

CHRISTODOULOS E.<br />

ANGASTINIOTIS<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) membership<br />

exceeds 10.000 enterprises representing over 95% of the local<br />

business community. 160 Professional Associations are affiliated<br />

to the CCCI including 41 Bilateral Associations. Its wide range of<br />

services include advisory, provision of business information,<br />

foreign trade exhibitions, trade missions & business fora abroad,<br />

business training courses & seminars, advice on European Union<br />

issues, labour relations matters, issue of Certificates of Origin and<br />

ATA-CARNETS and participation in EU programmes. CCCI is a full<br />

member of 12 International organizations including Eurochambers,<br />

the International Chamber of Commerce, SME United,<br />

Eurocommerce, GS1 and many other international organisations.<br />

Follow us on twitter @ccci_cyprus.<br />

38, Grivas Digenis Ave. &<br />

3 Deligiorgis Str. Chamber Building - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Marios Tsiakkis - Secretary General<br />

(+357) 22 660 066<br />

secgen@ccci.org.cy<br />

www.ccci.org.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

CHRIS KOUTOUROUSSIS<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS FIDUCIARY ASSOCIATION<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Fiduciary Association (CYFA), established in 2011,<br />

is the representative body of regulated Administrative Service<br />

Providers (ASP’s) in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With a vision to assist in forming a<br />

solid international business sector in <strong>Cyprus</strong> operating on high<br />

professional standards, ethics and integrity, the Association aims<br />

to serve industry providers by promoting their interests, raising<br />

sector awareness, supporting their operations, contributing to<br />

new legislations and delivering valuable training to professionals.<br />

The Association’s commitment to its purpose has established it<br />

among the most reputable and recognised organisations within<br />

the country, before public and regulatory authorities, other<br />

associations, as well as the business community in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />

overseas.<br />

6, Emmanuel Roide Street, Fourth floor,<br />

Office 402, 1095, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(+357) 22 256 263<br />

info@cyfa.org.cy<br />

www.cyfa.org.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

82<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

YIOTA SKITINI-<br />

FLOURENTZOU<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS HEALTHCARE TOURISM (CHT)<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Healthcare Tourism (CHT) is a non-profit organization<br />

that was founded in November 2006 after an initiative taken by<br />

the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) aiming<br />

to develop and promote <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a high quality Health Tourism<br />

destination. The CHT currently has more than 80 members who<br />

are actively involved in the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Health Tourism Industry. These<br />

vary from state-of-the-art hospitals and clinics to specialized<br />

travel agencies, wellness and rehabilitation centres as well as<br />

consulting firms. Most of the largest and best equipped hospitals<br />

are members of the CHT and they are all licensed by the <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Government and comply with EU regulations. Some of them have<br />

moved a step ahead towards gaining international accreditations.<br />

38 Grivas Dighenis & 3 Deligiorgis<br />

Street, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Polis Peratikos - Executive Secretary<br />

+357) 22 889 744<br />

cyprushealth@ccci.org.cy<br />

www.cyhealthservices.com<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

HARIS LOIZIDES<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS HOTEL ASSOCIATION<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association is the Hoteliers National Trade<br />

Union. The history of its foundation goes back to the beginning of<br />

the 1930s. Today the vast majority of all hotel establishments and<br />

other licensed tourist accommodation units, all over <strong>Cyprus</strong>, are<br />

members of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Hotel Association. The most important<br />

aims of the Association are as follows: The protection and<br />

promotion of the interests of the hoteliers as employers and as<br />

professionals, as well as of the interests of <strong>Cyprus</strong> in general; The<br />

promotion and upgrading of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> tourism development; The<br />

upgrading and development of the hotel establishments in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

and the improvement of the professional level of the hoteliers; The<br />

solidarity between its members.<br />

Andreas Araouzos Str., No 12,<br />

Hesperides Building, 1076 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Philokypros Roussounides<br />

- Director General<br />

(+357) 22 452 820<br />

cha@cyprushotelassociation.org<br />

www.cyprushotelassociation.org<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

DOXIA NIKIA<br />

HADJIVASSILIOU<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES ASSOCIATION<br />

CIBA is a non-governmental, fully independent association,<br />

financed by membership fees only. Its activities and initiatives are<br />

organised and carried out by its General Secretary and Executive<br />

Committee of (max.) 12 persons. CIBA represents and safeguards<br />

the interests of the international businesses, their shareholders,<br />

managers and staff. The authorities recognize that CIBA<br />

represents the whole of the international business community<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and that it is instrumental in finding compromises<br />

between the required EU-driven legislation and international<br />

business requirements. CIBA annually awards the prestigious<br />

CIBA Excellence award to a member company that fulfils the<br />

specific criteria as set out by the Association.<br />

10 Pikionis Street, Highsight House<br />

3075 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andreas Pishias - General Secretary<br />

(+357) 25 583 400<br />

ciba@ciba-cy.org<br />

www.ciba-cy.org<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

ANDREAS YIASEMIDES<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

CYPRUS INVESTMENT FUNDS ASSOCIATION (CIFA)<br />

CIFA is the Association of professionals, businesses, and<br />

organizations involved in the Investment Funds and Asset<br />

Management Sector in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. CIFA has nearly 400 members, legal<br />

and physical. The Mission of CIFA is to: Help its members capitalize<br />

on industry trends; Shape regulation; Enhance professionalism,<br />

integrity, and quality and Promote the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Fund<br />

Industry. The Board is comprised of highly reputable industry<br />

professionals experienced in all aspects of the industry. CIFA is<br />

a full member of the European Funds and Asset Management<br />

Association and the International Investment Funds Association.<br />

The fund industry in <strong>Cyprus</strong> has been on a continuous increase,<br />

with Assets under Management exceeding €11 billion.<br />

Severis Building, 9 Makarios III Ave.,<br />

4th Floor, Lefkosia 1065 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Maria Panayiotou - Board Secretary<br />

(+357) 22 441 133<br />

info@cifacyprus.org<br />

www.cifacyprus.org


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

83<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

THOMAS A. KAZAKOS<br />

DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />

CYPRUS SHIPPING CHAMBER<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipping Chamber is the trade association of the<br />

Shipping Industry in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The main purpose of the Chamber<br />

is to promote the interests of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Shipping and to further<br />

the reputation of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> flag. The Chamber also acts as a<br />

lobbying group for the promotion and safeguard of the legitimate<br />

interests of its Member-companies, at national and international<br />

level. On the local front, the Chamber co-operates very closely<br />

with the Government in all shipping related matters. Moreover,<br />

the Chamber operates as a roving ambassador of <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Shipping through its membership and active participation at<br />

the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the European<br />

Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA).<br />

City Chambers, 6 Regas Fereos Str.<br />

P.O.Box 56607, 3309, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Thomas A. Kazakos<br />

– Director General<br />

(+357) 25 360 717<br />

csc@csc-cy.org<br />

www.csc-cy.org<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

MICHAEL FILIPPOU<br />

CEO<br />

CYPRUS UNION OF SHIPOWNERS (CUS)<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Union of Shipowners, as the major representative<br />

Organization of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Flag vessels, is committed to the firm<br />

growth of our National Registry and the establishment of Limassol<br />

as a world-class Maritime Centre. The cooperation between<br />

our Union, the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Ministry of<br />

Finance resulted to an exceptional Framework that induced<br />

prominent Shipping Companies, P&I Clubs and other Shipping<br />

related Service Providers to establish management offices in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>. Moreover, the solidification of the global reach of our<br />

Union and its institutional status has curved our participation in<br />

IMO Committees, as Government Consultants, both mandatory<br />

and effective.<br />

17, Gordonos Str., Suite 301,<br />

3070 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Katerina Michael - PR Manager<br />

(+357) 25 818 161<br />

cus@cus.com.cy<br />

www.cus.com.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

EVANGELOS<br />

ANASTASIADES<br />

CHAIRMAN<br />

INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF CYPRUS<br />

The Insurance Association of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the accredited and<br />

representative body of the Cypriot insurance industry, with 29<br />

member insurance companies operating in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, accounting<br />

for approximately 98% of total gross written premiums. As<br />

the leading and united voice of the <strong>Cyprus</strong> insurance market<br />

its mission is to promote the industry’s views and positions to<br />

policymakers and legislators. It is also particularly active with<br />

respect to work aiming at the modernization of the sector, the<br />

continuous improvement of the level and quality of service to the<br />

public, the enhancement of consumers’ trust and confidence in<br />

insurance products and their providers, and the strengthening of<br />

the institution of insurance.<br />

23, Zenon Sozos str., 1st floor<br />

1075 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andreas Athanasiades<br />

– Director General<br />

(+357) 22 452 990<br />

info@iac.org.cy<br />

www.iac.org.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

STELLA KAMMITSI<br />

STEP CYPRUS CHAIRWOMAN<br />

SOCIETY OF TRUST AND ESTATE PRACTITIONERS (STEP)<br />

STEP is the global professional association for practitioners who<br />

specialise in family inheritance and succession planning. STEP<br />

works to improve public understanding of the issues families<br />

face in this area and promotes education and high professional<br />

standards among its members. STEP members help families<br />

plan for their futures, from drafting a will to advising on issues<br />

concerning international families, protection of the vulnerable,<br />

family businesses and philanthropic giving. Today STEP has<br />

more than 20,000 members across 96 countries from a range of<br />

professions, including lawyers, accountants and other specialists.<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> branch of STEP numbers over 185 experienced<br />

professionals from all over <strong>Cyprus</strong>, and is active in the spread of<br />

industry related knowledge, through regular conferences and<br />

presentations.<br />

P.O.Box 24789, 1303 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

itsi - STEP <strong>Cyprus</strong> Chairwoman<br />

(+357) 22 777 787<br />

Contact: Stella Kammitsi<br />

skammitsi@raza.com.cy<br />

www.step.org


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

84<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

ANTONIS ANTONIOU<br />

CHAIRMAN<br />

THE CYPRUS EMPLOYERS AND<br />

INDUSTRIALISTS FEDERATION (OEB)<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEB) was<br />

founded in 1960. Today, its members are active in all sectors of<br />

the economy and employ more than 60% of the private sector’s<br />

workforce. OEB is a pancyprian independent organisation<br />

comprising of more than 100 of the main professional / sectoral<br />

Associations, as well as hundreds of companies from the<br />

Agricultural, Manufacturing, Construction, Commercial and<br />

Services Sectors. In total, OEB has more than 10.000 Members<br />

/ Enterprises. OEB is established as a dynamic force in <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />

socio - economic development and welfare and acts as the main<br />

advocate and representative of the business community.<br />

`<br />

years<br />

4, <strong>Cyprus</strong> Employers & Industrialists<br />

Federation Street, 2000 Nicosia /<br />

P.O.Box 21657, 1511 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Michalis Antoniou - Director General<br />

(+357) 22 643 000<br />

info@oeb.org.cy<br />

www.oeb.org.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

KYRIAKOS KYRIAKOU<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

THE CYPRUS TECH ASSOCIATION<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Tech Association, a non-for-profit entity, aspires<br />

to provide a dynamic platform for all tech professionals and<br />

international ICT companies established in <strong>Cyprus</strong> to discuss,<br />

promote, and address common challenges. It also provides a<br />

formal representation to all its members to forums, public and<br />

private entities, as well as offers direction on key strategic issues,<br />

including the economic importance of the ICT sector and policy<br />

advocacy.<br />

Makariou III Avenue,<br />

4th Floor, 1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(+357) 22 441 133<br />

info@techcyprus.org.cy<br />

www.cyprustechassociation.org.cy<br />

ASSOCIATION<br />

KYRIAKOS IORDANOU<br />

GENERAL MANAGER<br />

THE INSTITUTE OF CERTIFIED PUBLIC<br />

ACCOUNTANTS OF CYPRUS (ICPAC)<br />

The Institute of Certified Public Accountants of <strong>Cyprus</strong> (ICPAC) is the<br />

competent authority for regulating the accounting profession and the<br />

sole recognised body of Auditors by the state in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Established in<br />

1961, ICPAC currently has more than 5.500 professional accountants<br />

as members and 3.500 students. ICPAC houses all professional<br />

accountants, supports and promotes the activities and interests of the<br />

accountancy profession, safeguards the reputation of the profession<br />

and adherence to the Code of Ethics, as well as provides for the<br />

continuous professional development and updating of members. In<br />

addition, ICPAC is also a competent authority under the Anti-Money<br />

Laundering law, the laws on the Regulation of Enterprises Providing<br />

Administrative Services and the Insolvency Practitioners Law, as well<br />

as one of the primary stakeholders of the economy of the country.<br />

11 Byron Avenue, CY-1096, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Kyriakos Iordanou<br />

– General Manager<br />

(+357) 22 870 030<br />

info@icpac.org.cy<br />

www.icpac.org.cy<br />

BANKING<br />

PANICOS NICOLAOU<br />

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />

BANK OF CYPRUS PLC<br />

Established in 1899, Bank of <strong>Cyprus</strong> is currently the leading<br />

banking and financial services Group in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, operating 64<br />

branches in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and representative offices in Russia, Ukraine<br />

an China. The Bank is the only financial institution in the region<br />

that is concurrently regulated by three different corporate<br />

governance codes (UK Corporate Governance Code, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Code and Central Bank<br />

of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Internal Governance Directive) and in four different<br />

European jurisdictions (<strong>Cyprus</strong>, Ireland, the UK and the EU).<br />

Through the Wealth Services Division we offer a wide range of<br />

investment products and specialized services, including Private<br />

Banking, Affluent Banking, Institutional Wealth & Custody,<br />

Brokerage & Asset Management as well as Investment Banking.<br />

51 Stassinou, 2002 Strovolos,<br />

Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Emilios Tannousis -<br />

Manager Wealth Management<br />

(+357) 22 128 000<br />

info@bankofcyprus.com<br />

www.bankofcyprus.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

85<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

BANKING<br />

LOUCAS MARANGOS<br />

CEO<br />

CDBBANK (THE CYPRUS DEVELOPMENT<br />

BANK PUBLIC COMPANY LTD)<br />

Founded in 1963, cdbbank (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Development Bank) is today one<br />

of the country’s leading niche financial institutions dedicated to<br />

satisfying the needs of domestic and international clients. cdbbank<br />

offers a wide range of specialised financial services and products,<br />

designed to accommodate the sophisticated requirements of its<br />

clientele which consists of corporate and institutional clients and<br />

high net worth individuals. The Bank’s vision is to be the reference<br />

Bank for businesspeople. Relying on its long-term experience and<br />

high level of expertise, cdbbank aspires to establish long-term<br />

relationships of trust with its clients, always delivering excellence<br />

and value.<br />

50 Arch. Makarios III Ave.,<br />

1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Liza Philippou - Head, Network<br />

<strong>Business</strong> and Communication<br />

(+357) 22 846 500<br />

info@cdb.com.cy<br />

www.cdb.com.cy<br />

BANKING<br />

KHALIL LETAYF<br />

CEO<br />

SOCIETE GENERALE BANK – CYPRUS<br />

Societe General Bank – <strong>Cyprus</strong> (SGBCy) draws on more than thirty<br />

years of accumulated experience in global banking in <strong>Cyprus</strong> as<br />

well as all the advantages of being part of an international Group.<br />

The bank is present in the most important big cities in <strong>Cyprus</strong>:<br />

Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca. SGBCy activities are organized<br />

around private banking, corporate banking and international<br />

businesses. Banking services encompass a wide range of<br />

diversified, standard and tailor-made services that are conceived<br />

to answer the broadest range of customers’ needs. The bank<br />

pursues long-term relationships with its high net worth and<br />

corporate customers in order to meet fully their expectations.<br />

88 Dighenis Akritas & 36 Kypranoros<br />

Street, 1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Hovik Arslanian -<br />

Assistant General Manager<br />

(+357) 80 007 777<br />

Hovik.Arslanian@sgbcy.com<br />

www.sgcyprus.com<br />

CONSULTING<br />

CHARLES ELLINAS<br />

CEO<br />

E-CNHC – E-C NATURAL HYDROCARBONS COMPANY LTD<br />

The company provides advisory, project management and<br />

consultancy services in the oil & gas and energy sectors and aims<br />

to contribute to the successful development of these Sectors for<br />

the future of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. The CEO has over 35-years international<br />

experience in promoting and developing oil & gas business and<br />

projects spanning Europe, Asia and Africa. We can assist our clients<br />

in developing their business in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, evaluating opportunities<br />

and providing in depth professional advice and support.<br />

11 Tyrtaiou Street, 1087 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Dr Charles Ellinas - CEO<br />

(+357) 97 705 060<br />

Charles.ellinas@yahoo.com<br />

www.e-cnhc.com<br />

CONSULTING<br />

PANAYIOTIS GREGORIADES<br />

CEO & DIRECTOR<br />

PIVOT CONSULTANTS (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />

We are a leading contributor of simplified, nimble integrated,<br />

customized solutions, Cross-border <strong>Business</strong> transactions and<br />

strategies in Asia and Europe. Deep well recognized local expertise<br />

with Global connectivity and vision form part of the solutions<br />

we deliver to entrepreneurs and Government clients looking<br />

for substance in Financial services Industry, Capital markets,<br />

Taxation, Corporate advisory and Investment funds Industry. Our<br />

insights assist you to be more proactive, effective and profitable<br />

especially in fast growing India, Greece and <strong>Cyprus</strong>. We are<br />

committed to providing best in class service, compliant and<br />

transparent solutions, with increased focus on localization and<br />

developing local markets.<br />

<br />

<br />

PIVOT, member of TSSAG<br />

<br />

88 Markarios III Avenue<br />

1077 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Panayiotis Gregoriades<br />

The - CEO & Director<br />

(+357) 22 731 002<br />

The Securities Services Advisory Group<br />

pgregoriades@pivotcyprus.com<br />

www.pivotcyprus.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

86<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

EVDOKIA STAVRAKI<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

ALTER DOMUS (CYPRUS) LTD<br />

Alter Domus is a fully integrated service provider dedicated to<br />

private equity, infrastructure, real asset, and debt capital markets<br />

sectors. Our 3,600 employees across more than 35 offices in 20<br />

countries provide end-to-end solutions to alternative investment<br />

managers, freeing up time for them to focus on their core activities<br />

of sourcing capital and executing deals. Our local team in <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

works diligently to help clients meet their growing regulatory<br />

obligations and keep up with increasing investor demands.<br />

Offering fund administration, corporate services, transfer pricing,<br />

and domiciliation services, you can rely on our on-the-ground<br />

expertise to help you take advantage of opportunities as they arise.<br />

11 Limassol Avenue, Galatariotis Building,<br />

2112, PO Box 27282, 1643 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Evdokia Stavraki - Director<br />

(+357) 22 465 151<br />

Evdokia.Stavraki-Stephanou@<br />

alterdomus.com<br />

www.alterdomus.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

NAKIS KYPRIANOU<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

ANDERSEN<br />

Andersen in <strong>Cyprus</strong> is the Cypriot member firm of Andersen<br />

Global®, an international association of member firms comprised<br />

of tax and legal professionals worldwide. Andersen Cy is a<br />

regulated accounting firm based in Nicosia providing a wide range<br />

of professional services mainly to international clients. The firm<br />

is a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> and the <strong>Cyprus</strong> VAT Association. With worldwide presence<br />

through the member firms and collaborating firms of Andersen<br />

Global, client service and solutions are coordinated seamlessly<br />

between service lines and locations to ensure clients receive bestin‐class,<br />

comprehensive solutions.<br />

140 Athalassas Avenue,<br />

2024 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Nakis Kyprianou<br />

- Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 22 456 333<br />

nakis.kyprianou@cy.Andersen.com<br />

cy.Andersen.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

MARINA ZEVEDEOU<br />

CO-FOUNDER AND CEO<br />

ASPEN TRUST GROUP<br />

The Aspen Trust Group is a leading corporate service and financial<br />

planning provider; established in 1998 and licensed by ICPAC, our<br />

Group provides International Structuring and Tax Management<br />

solutions to Corporates and High Net Worth Individuals. Specific<br />

services include entity setup and management, legal and<br />

administration support, banking and tax compliance, financial<br />

management and restructuring, re-domiciliation, patent<br />

registration, residency and citizenship, cross- border mergers,<br />

family office services and headquartering. We build long term,<br />

trusted relationships with clients and associates, aiming to add<br />

value to their businesses and be part of their success stories. Our<br />

team consists of qualified accountants, lawyers and MBA-holders<br />

who undergo rigorous training to provide tailor-made solutions.<br />

77 Limassol Avenue<br />

Elia House, Nicosia 2121 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Marina Zevedeou -<br />

Co-founder and CEO<br />

(+357) 22 418 730<br />

marina.zevedeou@aspentrust.com<br />

www.aspentrust.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

ANDREAS ATHINODOROU<br />

CEO<br />

ATG CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

‘Creating Protecting and Growing Wealth’: We offer a<br />

comprehensive range of services that include initial structuring<br />

advice, company/trust formation, corporate administration, legal<br />

and company secretarial, tax compliance, accounting and financial<br />

reporting. As our clients’ trusted service partner, we act as a single<br />

contact point for their structure’s needs and centrally coordinate<br />

all parties including the shareholders and directors, banks, legal<br />

advisers and others. Our <strong>Cyprus</strong> solutions include the IP box, EU<br />

headquartering, tech/crypto-asset solutions and international<br />

trusts/foundations. ATG Corporate Services is a member of the<br />

Athina Trust Group offering financial services that include Fund<br />

and Private Wealth services to high-net-worth individuals, fund<br />

managers/promoters.<br />

KEMA Bldg, 5th Floor East,<br />

21 Akademias Avenue, 2107,<br />

Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andreas Athinodorou - CEO<br />

(+357) 22 057 560<br />

andreas.athinodorou@atgcorporate.com<br />

www.atgcorporate.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

87<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

ANDREAS HADJIMICHAEL<br />

CEO<br />

EXECUTIVE BUSINESS CONSULTANTS LTD<br />

Executive <strong>Business</strong> Consultants Limited is an international<br />

Fiduciary and Family Office Service Firm based in, and operating<br />

out of, Larnaca, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. It is a fully independent and privately<br />

owned service firm having its roots established since 1987. EBC<br />

operates under a boutique style concept, providing specialized<br />

and tailor-made solutions and services to High-Net-Worth<br />

Individuals and their corporate structures. Since its existence<br />

EBC has managed to develop and build strong business links with<br />

both local and international Financial Institutions, and other<br />

professionals together creating a strong worldwide network of<br />

reputable and trusteed associates working together as a team<br />

to provide our clients the knowledge and expertise required for<br />

satisfying their needs.<br />

Simou Menardou 8, Ria Court 8, 4th Floor,<br />

Office 402, 6015 Larnaca - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

PO. Box 42633, 6051<br />

Contact: Andreas Hadjimichael - CEO<br />

(+357) 24 823 999<br />

andreas@executive.com.cy<br />

www.executive.com.cy<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

ISAVELLA EVRIPIDOU<br />

CEO/FOUNDER<br />

GFSC GLOBAL<br />

GFSC Global is a leading Corporate and Legal Group of Companies<br />

Licensed and Regulated Worldwide. Since our establishment,<br />

GFSC Global assists with a full range of corporate, legal, financial,<br />

licensing, gaming, crypto, ico/sto, blockchain, immigration, tax<br />

advice, accounting, banking and administration services across<br />

the world. Our services are offered in more than 70 jurisdictions,<br />

including advising, planning, formation and incorporation as<br />

well as management of international structures, full licensing<br />

and post-licensing supports. Through our Licensed Service<br />

Providers, professional Consultants and Tax Advisors, we assist in<br />

choosing the most convenient jurisdictions, subject to your needs,<br />

operations and business intentions. GFSC GLOBAL is a member<br />

with CYFA, CIA, ACAMs, IIA, CIFA and many other associations.<br />

Agias Zonis 22A, Iakovou center,<br />

Office 101, 3027, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Isavella Evripidou – CEO/Founder<br />

(+357) 25 269 400<br />

Evripidou.i@gfscglobal.com<br />

www.gfscglobal.com, www.gciecorp.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

SARA GUNNERVIK<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

KENDRIS (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />

KENDRIS is your Swiss partner in <strong>Cyprus</strong> for family office,<br />

trust and fiduciary services, international tax and legal advice,<br />

accounting, outsourcing, aviation advisory and art management.<br />

KENDRIS is fully owned and operated by its management and<br />

employees. KENDRIS Group employs around 180 specialists,<br />

and our clients comprise companies, individuals, and families<br />

as well as family offices, financial institutions, law firms and tax<br />

consultancies. We offer our clients tailored solutions to help them<br />

achieve their objectives. Our strong presence and our specific<br />

know-how in various sectors and markets make us an expert<br />

and reliable partner for corporate clients, private clients, and<br />

institutional clients.<br />

Spyrou Kyprianou 50, Irida 3<br />

12th Floor, Larnaca 6057 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Sara Gunnervik –<br />

Office Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 24 631 300<br />

s.gunnervik@kendris.com<br />

www.kendris.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

STAVROS PAVLOU<br />

CEO<br />

PAGECORP GROUP<br />

Pagecorp Group is a leading provider of corporate,<br />

administration, secretarial and other related services based<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, with a worldwide network of professional affiliates.<br />

Licensed by the <strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission<br />

(CySEC) and with over 20 years of experience in the fiduciary<br />

and corporate services sector, the Group advises major local<br />

and international organizations, institutions and groups, as<br />

well as start-ups and entrepreneurs on all aspects of their<br />

corporate needs, including relocating/headquartering in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

Furthermore, the legal consultants, company administrators,<br />

accountants and support staff of the Group can assist clients on<br />

all matters relating to <strong>Cyprus</strong> International Trusts, international<br />

tax planning, accounting, financial advisory, tax administration<br />

and other related services.<br />

334 Agiou Andreou & Eleftheriou Venizelou<br />

corner, Vashiotis <strong>Business</strong> Centre, Ground<br />

floor offices, 3035 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Stavros Pavlou - CEO<br />

(+357) 25 878 866<br />

info@pagecorpgroup.com<br />

www.pagecorpgroup.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

88<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

GEORGE AYIOMAMITIS<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

SOVEREIGN GROUP - CYPRUS<br />

Sovereign is a leading independent provider of corporate,<br />

private client and retirement planning services. Currently<br />

managing over 20,000 structures for a wide variety of clients –<br />

companies, entrepreneurs, private investors or high net worth<br />

individuals (HNWIs) and their families – and have assets under<br />

administration in excess of £20 billion. As an international<br />

provider with a presence in over 20 jurisdictions around the<br />

world, Sovereign is dedicated to offering integrated advice,<br />

products and services to internationally mobile businesses<br />

and people that have sophisticated and often complex needs.<br />

Sovereign assist them to generate, structure and protect their<br />

income and assets in the most efficient way.<br />

16 Herodotou Street,<br />

Limassol, 3095 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: George Ayiomamitis<br />

- Managing Director<br />

(+357) 25 733 440<br />

cy@SovereignGroup.com<br />

www.SovereignGroup.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

ANDREAS MERCOURI<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

TRIDENT TRUST COMPANY (CYPRUS) LIMITED<br />

Founded in 1978, the Trident Trust Group is one of the largest<br />

independent global providers of corporate, trust, fund, marine and<br />

fiduciary services. With presence in more than 24 Jurisdictions<br />

ensures access to a range of services that extends from traditional<br />

corporate domicile representation to the administration<br />

of complex trust and fund structures. Trident Trust <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

established its presence over 25 years ago, is regulated by the<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission, and is today one<br />

of the largest members of the local financial services industry,<br />

employing over 80 professionally qualified staff.<br />

Griva Digeni 115, Trident Centre<br />

3101 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andreas Mercouri -<br />

Managing Director<br />

(+357) 25 820 650<br />

cyprus@tridenttrust.com<br />

www.tridenttrust.com<br />

CORPORATE SERVICES<br />

NICK TERRY<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

VISTRA (CYPRUS) LTD<br />

At Vistra, we believe your business and your people can make a<br />

difference in the world. That’s why our work is focused on helping<br />

our clients act with confidence and speed to seize opportunity<br />

wherever it arises. As a global corporate service provider and<br />

fund administrator with more than 5,000 professionals in over 45<br />

jurisdictions, we empower legal entities globally to work smarter,<br />

grow faster, act responsibly, protect capital and scale across<br />

borders — by doing what we do best: reducing risk and enhancing<br />

efficiency. Discover how we can help you and your business seize<br />

opportunity today by exploring our services at vistra.com.<br />

2nd Floor Sotiri Tofini 4<br />

Agios Athanasios, 4102 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Nick Terry - Managing Director<br />

(+357) 25 817 411<br />

Nick.Terry@vistra.com<br />

www.vistra.com<br />

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS<br />

FIONA MULLEN<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

SAPIENTA ECONOMICS LTD<br />

Sapienta Economics is a Nicosia-based economic consultancy<br />

producing top-level analysis primarily on <strong>Cyprus</strong> for a range<br />

of prestigious clients, including banks, oil/gas majors, big four<br />

accounting firms and over a dozen embassies. Our services<br />

include bespoke consultancy and the monthly Sapienta Country<br />

Analysis <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Each month we take an in-depth look at prospects<br />

for political stability, government effectiveness, a resolution of the<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> problem, structural policies including natural gas, fiscal<br />

performance, debt sustainability, banking sector stability and the<br />

latest economic trends. No other organization offers such breadth<br />

and depth of inter-related issues. Sapienta Economics and its<br />

Director Fiona Mullen are independent, with no political ties in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad and no investment in <strong>Cyprus</strong> shares or bonds.<br />

Tenedou 7, No 401, Lykavitos,<br />

CY1055 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Fiona Mullen - Director<br />

(+357) 99 338 224<br />

fiona.mullen@sapientaeconomics.com<br />

www.sapientaeconomics.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

89<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

ENERGY<br />

DEMETRIS C. FESSAS<br />

ACTING DIRECTOR GENERAL<br />

CYPRUS HYDROCARBONS COMPANY (CHC)<br />

CHC is the National Oil and Gas Company of <strong>Cyprus</strong>. As a stateowned<br />

company, CHC undertakes the commercial management<br />

of the ownership rights of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> that arise from<br />

the contracts with which it has entered into with oil and gas<br />

companies within its Exclusive Economic Zone. The vision of<br />

CHC is aligned with that of the Government of <strong>Cyprus</strong>, which is<br />

to ensure the sustainable development of hydrocarbon resources<br />

present in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

in order to maximize the benefits for Cypriot society and future<br />

generations.<br />

53 Strovolou Avenue, Victory Building,<br />

2018 Strovolos, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Demetris Fessas –<br />

Acting Director General<br />

(+357) 22 203 880<br />

d.fessas@chc.com.cy<br />

www.chc.com.cy<br />

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION<br />

MARIOS SIATHAS<br />

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />

EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE (EIMF)<br />

The EIMF is an accredited and licensed Education Group that<br />

offers learning and development opportunities, including<br />

Global Qualifications, across an array of areas. EIMF possesses<br />

a strong concentration within the areas of financial and<br />

professional services (regulation, compliance, AML, banking,<br />

funds), accounting, legal, management, as well as Information-<br />

Technology through its New Horizons Computer Learning Centers.<br />

Knowledge is delivered by established subject-matter experts,<br />

through classroom, Live Online, eLearning and customized<br />

learning solutions. With a presence in London, Brussels, Frankfurt,<br />

Belgrade, Copenhagen, Nicosia, Tel Aviv, Athens, Sofia, Dublin and<br />

Bucharest and over 5,000 students annually, 330+ programmes,<br />

60+ instructors and 25 international Certifications, make the EIMF<br />

a leader in the field of vocational education in the wider region.<br />

25 Megaron Street, 2032 Strovolos<br />

Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Marios Siathas -<br />

Chief Executive Officer<br />

(+357) 22 274 470<br />

msiathas@eimf.eu<br />

www.eimf.eu<br />

FINANCIAL ADVISORY<br />

DEMETRIS TAXITARIS<br />

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER<br />

MAP S.PLATIS GROUP<br />

MAP S.Platis Group is a leading financial services consulting Group<br />

with clients that include regulators, banks, funds and fund managers,<br />

investment firms, brokers, fintech firms, insurance firms and payment<br />

and electronic money institutions. Our expert team, currently<br />

comprising over 400 high-calibre professionals, provides unique<br />

and tailored solutions in licensing, regulatory compliance, risk management,<br />

internal audit, human resources, regulatory technology,<br />

information technology, business resilience, information security<br />

including cybersecurity, governance, executive training and innovation<br />

consulting to financial and other firms in the UK, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and the<br />

EU. Thanks to our vast regulatory compliance experience, continued<br />

interaction with regulatory authorities, unparalleled track record,<br />

global network of associates and wealth of resources, our team can<br />

support any client’s regulatory needs efficiently and effectively.<br />

74 Archiepiskopou Makariou C, Floors 2-3,<br />

Mesa Geitonia, 4003, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Herodotos Michael - Senior<br />

Manager, Authorisations and Regulatory<br />

<strong>Business</strong> Development (+357) 25 351 335<br />

info@mapsplatis.com<br />

www.mapsplatis.com<br />

FUND ADMINISTRATION<br />

ANDREAS ATHINODOROU<br />

CEO<br />

ATG FUND SERVICES<br />

‘Creating Protecting and Growing Wealth’: We offer a<br />

comprehensive range of services including initial fund structuring<br />

advice, licensing, fund set up, fund management support, fund<br />

administration/back-office, registrar transfer agent services, NAV<br />

and regulatory reporting. As our clients’ trusted service partner<br />

we act as a single contact point for their structures, centrally<br />

coordinating all fund parties including the fund manager,<br />

investors, depositary and the regulator. Our clients are <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

Cayman Islands and BVI funds that invest in liquid securities,<br />

private equity, real estate, shipping and crypto assets. ATG Fund<br />

Services is a member of the Athina Trust Group offering financial<br />

services that include Corporate and Private Wealth services to<br />

high-net-worth individuals and corporates.<br />

KEMA Bldg, 5th Floor East,<br />

21 Akademias Avenue, 2107,<br />

Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andreas Athinodorou - CEO<br />

(+357) 22 057 570<br />

andreas.athinodorou@atgfunds.com<br />

www.atgfunds.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

90<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

FUND MANAGEMENT<br />

NIKOLAS CHARALAMBOUS<br />

CEO<br />

INVEQO FUND MANAGEMENT LTD<br />

Inveqo Fund Management Ltd (INVEQO) is an Alternative<br />

Investment Fund Manager, authorised and supervised by the<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) with<br />

license number AIFM32/56/2013. The team brings together<br />

several years of experience in fund and investment management<br />

services in various jurisdictions such as the United Kingdom,<br />

Malta, Luxembourg and <strong>Cyprus</strong>. INVEQO provides a range of<br />

services, including portfolio management, risk management,<br />

administration, fund set-up, licensing and registration, and<br />

other fund related services. Our mission is to create value for our<br />

investors, clients and associates by demonstrating principled<br />

industry leadership, offering high-quality services, and innovative<br />

solutions.<br />

16 Navarinou Street, Agios Andreas<br />

CY-1100, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Nikolas Charalambous - CEO<br />

(+357) 22 666 500<br />

info@inveqo.net<br />

www.inveqo.net<br />

FUND MANAGEMENT<br />

ANDREY NARUTSKIY<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CEO<br />

LEON MFO INVESTMENTS LTD<br />

Leon MFO Investments Ltd is an Alternative Investment Fund<br />

Manager authorized and regulated by CySEC (license number<br />

AIFM 37/56/2013). The firm provides discretionary portfolio<br />

management, fund management and investment advice. Total<br />

assets under management exceed $800mln. Recently, Leon<br />

launched two funds which are addressed to professional and wellinformed<br />

investors: a) LEON Income Fund RAIF VCIC PLC and b)<br />

LEON Global Hedge Fund RAIF VCIC PLC.<br />

37, Theklas Lisioti, Gemini House,<br />

Office 301, CY-3030, Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andrey Narutskiy -<br />

Managing Director, CEO<br />

(+357) 25 268 120<br />

leonmfo@leonmfo.com<br />

www.leoninvestments.com.cy<br />

FUND MANAGEMENT<br />

GEORGE W. SAMS<br />

CEO<br />

WEALTH FUND SERVICES LTD<br />

Wealth Fund Services Ltd is a global advisory and asset<br />

management company, based in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and licensed by<br />

CySEC (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Securities & Exchange Commission) as an AIFM<br />

management company with license No 6/78/2012. It operates<br />

in the field of setting-up, running and managing UCITS Mutual<br />

Fund, Registered Alternative Fund (RAIF) and Alternative<br />

Investment Fund (AIF) in line with the recent EU Directive which is<br />

implemented by the Cypriot legislation. It also offers Discretionary<br />

Asset management and Advisory services to HNI and Institutional<br />

clients. The primary goal of the Company is the protection of the<br />

assets under management remaining focused on achieving high<br />

return yields and providing top quality services to its investors.<br />

Kennedy 12-14, Kennedy <strong>Business</strong> Center<br />

Office 305, 1087, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: George Sams - CEO<br />

(+357) 22 755 506-07<br />

info@wealthfs.com.cy<br />

www.wealthfs.com.cy<br />

INVESTMENT PROMOTION<br />

EVGENIOS EVGENIOU<br />

CHAIRMAN<br />

INVEST CYPRUS<br />

Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> (<strong>Cyprus</strong> Investment Promotion Agency) is the<br />

investment authority of the Government of <strong>Cyprus</strong> dedicated to<br />

attract and facilitate foreign direct investment into the country.<br />

In close collaboration with all governmental authorities and<br />

public institutions, as well as the private sector, Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong> is<br />

the country’s lead agent in establishing <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a world-class<br />

destination for international business activity and investments.<br />

Invest <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ mandate is to raise awareness of <strong>Cyprus</strong> as a<br />

destination for FDI across the globe, providing certainty around all<br />

aspects of operating a business in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and supporting potential<br />

investors in developing their business case for investment into the<br />

country.<br />

9 Makariou III Avenue,<br />

4th Floor, 1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(+357) 22 441 133<br />

info@investcyprus.org.cy<br />

www.investcyprus.org.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

91<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

ANGELOS G. PAPHITIS<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

A.G.PAPHITIS & CO. LLC<br />

AGP & Co is a highly reputable, leading, dynamic and award<br />

winning Law Firm. Our reputation for excellence is recognized<br />

worldwide. Based in <strong>Cyprus</strong> with strong international presence<br />

and a full service office in the UAE, we serve our clients as a team,<br />

with a common focus on innovation, efficiency and agility. We<br />

provide full service Legal, Corporate, FS Advisory & Regulatory<br />

Compliance/AML, Crypto Licensing, Tax, Immigration, Relocation<br />

and Real Estate services. AGP & Co consists of the following main<br />

departments: Dispute Resolution; Corporate/Commercial; FS<br />

Advisory & Regulatory Compliance; Real Estate & Immigration;<br />

Tax-Accounting-Audit. Delivering excellent client service that<br />

benefits from long and lasting relationships, we are dedicated to<br />

providing our clients with superior results.<br />

“AGP Chambers”, 84 Spyrou<br />

Kyprianou Avenue,<br />

4004 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Postal Address: P.O.Box 58419,<br />

3734 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Angelos G. Paphitis<br />

- Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 25 731 000<br />

angelos.paphitis@agplaw.com<br />

www.agplaw.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

AGNI LIVERA<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

AGNI LIVERA LLC<br />

Agni Livera LLC is a highly experienced and fully serviced law firm,<br />

based in Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Agni Livera LLC offers a complete array<br />

of legal services specialising in the areas of Banking & Finance,<br />

Company law, Insurance law, Debt Collection, Employment law,<br />

Intellectual Property, Fund services, Regulatory and Compliance<br />

services as well as a full range of Fiduciary services. Following<br />

a client centric approach, the firms’ high-caliber lawyers are<br />

equipped to accommodate all your legal needs, offering the<br />

highest level of service and advice applicable in a fast and costefficient<br />

way, always operating with discretion, professionalism,<br />

integrity and transparency.<br />

1-3 Bouboulinas Street, Bouboulina<br />

Building, 3rd Floor, Office 34,<br />

1060 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Agni Livera – Managing Director<br />

(+357) 22 552 733<br />

agni@liveralaw.com<br />

www.liveralaw.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

LORENZO TOFFOLONI<br />

PARTNER<br />

ANDREAS TH. SOFOKLEOUS LLC<br />

With nearly 40 years of experience, Andreas Th. Sofokleous<br />

LLC is a dynamic and modern boutique law firm. Andreas Th.<br />

Sofokleous LLC has been ranked on top-notch legal directories<br />

(such as Chambers and Partners) and received accomplishments<br />

from different organizations. The firm specializes in private<br />

client matters and corporate law (including cross border<br />

transactions). It regularly advises high net worth individuals<br />

on a range of matters, including tax planning, inheritance and<br />

asset management. Two partners of the firm are graduates of<br />

the University of Chicago Law School and active members of its<br />

Alumni association.<br />

2, Agapinoros Street & Makariou III,<br />

IRIS TOWER, Offices 403-405,<br />

1076, Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Lorenzo Toffoloni - Partner<br />

(+357) 22 763 601<br />

info@aslaw.eu<br />

www.aslaw.eu<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

ANTONIS PASCHALIDES<br />

SENIOR PARTNER: HEAD OF<br />

ENERGY LAW DEPARTMENT<br />

ANTONIS PASCHALIDES & CO LLC<br />

Antonis Paschalides & Co LLC is a boutique, medium-size law firm<br />

based in Nicosia that has provided legal services on a local and<br />

international level for over 40 years. The Firm has associates in<br />

UK, Russia, Greece and France. The trust of clients and associates<br />

in the high quality of work provided by the Firm is reflected on<br />

the projects in which it is involved, and which include some of<br />

the biggest investments ever made in Russia and Eastern Europe.<br />

Main areas of practice: Mergers & Acquisitions, Corporate Law,<br />

Banking, Civil & Commercial litigation, Family Law, Conveyance &<br />

Estate Planning.<br />

Makariou & Ayias Elenis 36,<br />

Galaxias Building, 5th floor, Office<br />

502, 1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Lila Kartelia, Head of<br />

Litigation Department<br />

(+357) 22 661 661<br />

l.kartelia@paschalides.com<br />

www.paschalides.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

92<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

ARETI CHARIDEMOU<br />

FOUNDER<br />

ARETI CHARIDEMOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />

Areti Charidemou & Associates LLC was established in 1990 with<br />

a vision of being committed to excellence while creating a wellrespected<br />

diverse portfolio of international clientele. Our areas<br />

of expertise range from Property Law to Trust Law, Company<br />

Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax and Estate Law and Shipping<br />

Law. Our knowledgeable professionals provide legal services in<br />

a variety of issues including buying properties and investing in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad, advice on the optimum tax structure based<br />

on the individual circumstances, incorporate companies in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> or abroad, support the operation of the companies after<br />

the incorporation, provide nominee services if required, etc.<br />

Our objective is to ensure that our clients, whether these are<br />

individuals, small business entities or large organizations, benefit<br />

from the best of legal advice.<br />

Vasili Michailidi 21-23,<br />

3026 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Areti Charidemou - Founder<br />

(+357) 25 508 000<br />

info@aretilaw.com<br />

www.aretilaw.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

ELENI TZIONI<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

E. TZIONI & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />

E. Tzioni & Associates LLC is a fastly growing boutique law firm<br />

based in Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With its innovative and flexible approach,<br />

E. Tzioni & Associates LLC delivers the most efficient, complete<br />

and optimum quality service available today. E. Tzioni & Associates<br />

LLC takes the pride of covering a wide area of knowledge and<br />

expertise possessing strong legal background and experience in<br />

corporate and commercial matters, with a special emphasis on<br />

mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, joint ventures<br />

and international, cross-border transactions and start-ups as<br />

well as litigation matters. Our practice further possesses a robust<br />

background in alternative investment funds and other regulated<br />

entities, providing full services ranging from the set up to creation<br />

and functioning.<br />

7 Dositheou Street, Para Building,<br />

Block A, Office 001, 1071 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Eleni Tzioni - Managing Director<br />

(+357) 22 932 293<br />

info@tzionilaw.com.cy<br />

www.tzionilaw.com.cy<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

ELIAS NEOCLEOUS<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

ELIAS NEOCLEOUS & CO LLC<br />

Award-winning Elias Neocleous & Co LLC is the largest law firm<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and one of the top law firms in south east Europe. With<br />

more than 150 lawyers and other professionals based in offices<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Brussels, Budapest, Kiev and Prague we offer a valueadded<br />

service which is second to none. We are dedicated to<br />

diversity in recruitment and to retaining experienced specialists<br />

in every practice area. Combined with our investment in IT and<br />

knowledge management infrastructure, this means we are able<br />

to tackle the largest and most demanding national and crossborder<br />

assignments. Elias Neocleous and Co LLC is professional,<br />

responsive, innovative, and represents the legal practice of the<br />

future.<br />

Neocleous House, 195 Makarios Avenue,<br />

P O Box 50613, Limassol CY 3608 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Elias Neocleous - Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 25 110 110<br />

info@neo.law<br />

www.neo.law<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

GEORGE Z. GEORGIOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />

George Z. Georgiou & Associates LLC is a full-service Cypriot<br />

law firm with offices in Nicosia and Limassol. It consists of<br />

approx.70 lawyers, arbitrators, legal consultants and support<br />

staff and is ranked in the main international legal directories:<br />

Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Who’s Who Legal. The<br />

Firm’s specialist departments include: Arbitration • Banking &<br />

Finance • Commercial • Corporate (incl. M&A) • Data Protection •<br />

Employment & Pensions • Estate Planning • EU Law • Family Law •<br />

Intellectual Property & Media • Litigation (<strong>Cyprus</strong> & International)<br />

• Private Client • Probate • Property & Construction • Regulatory<br />

& Compliance • Tax • Tech. As the sole Cypriot member of the<br />

international law alliances Ius Laboris and GALA, it is able to<br />

provide any client with prompt, fully-coordinated, yet locally<br />

specific advice from countries across the globe.<br />

Head Office: 1 Iras Street,<br />

1060 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

(+357) 22 763 340<br />

admin@gzg.com.cy<br />

www.gzg.com.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

93<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

NICKY XENOFONTOS<br />

FOUNDER, MANAGING<br />

PARTNER<br />

N. XENOFONTOS LLC LAW FIRM<br />

N. Xenofontos LLC is a specialist, boutique business centric law<br />

firm, servicing both private clients and businesses. In providing<br />

our specialised services we deploy a collaborative workflow,<br />

resulting in efficient and solid advice, experience, with agility.<br />

Our specialist, tailored expertise ecompasses these core<br />

services: Corporate Advisory; Corporate Secretarial / Corporate<br />

Administration; Professional Fiduciary services; Trusts / Estate<br />

Planning / Establishment and administration; M&A / Joint Ventures;<br />

Intellectual Property; Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Restructuring;<br />

Contractual; Legal Opinions; Compliance, AML , Regulatory and<br />

Privacy law; Legal Training / Seminars / Webinars; Real Estate;<br />

Employment; Immigration & Migration. Our philosophy is simple:<br />

“Knowledge is of no use unless put into practice” - Anton Chekhov<br />

4 Promitheos Street,<br />

Executive Centre, 1st floor, office M01<br />

1065 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Nicky Xenofontos –<br />

Founder, Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 22 25 20 77<br />

nicky@xenofontosllc.com<br />

www.xenofontosllc.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

STAVROS PAVLOU<br />

SENIOR AND MANAGING<br />

PARTNER<br />

PATRIKIOS PAVLOU & ASSOCIATES LLC<br />

Patrikios Pavlou & Associates LLC is a leading law firm in <strong>Cyprus</strong>.<br />

With nearly 60 years of experience in the local and international<br />

legal market, the Firm has developed distinguished expertise<br />

in dispute resolution and ADR and a renowned legal consulting<br />

department. The legal teams are constantly involved in some of the<br />

largest cross-border banking, financial and corporate transactions<br />

and handle complex litigation, arbitration and mediation matters.<br />

In close cooperation with the associated Pagecorp Group, the<br />

Firm provides its clients with a comprehensive range of corporate<br />

and other related services. The Firm is highly recommended by<br />

prestigious legal directories worldwide for its distinctive legal<br />

services.<br />

Patrician Chambers, 332<br />

Agiou Andreou Street,<br />

3035 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Stavros Pavlou - Senior<br />

and Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 25 871 599<br />

spavlou@pavlaw.com<br />

www.pavlaw.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

CELIA POURGOURA<br />

PARTNER<br />

POURGOURA & ASPRI LLC<br />

We are a progressive commercial Law Firm, comprising of a team<br />

of dynamic and highly specialised lawyers with diverse academic<br />

and professional backgrounds. Our paramount objective is to offer<br />

the highest level of professional and personalised service to the<br />

client, yet in a quick, efficient and affordable manner. Our mission<br />

is to establish ongoing and long term relations with our clients<br />

through commitment, specialisation and by offering tailor made<br />

professional service by directing each client’s needs in a personal,<br />

individual way. By choosing to work with us you are assured to<br />

be provided with a complete all round solution regarding your<br />

business affairs, as we maintain close relations with a vast number<br />

of related disciplines in other cities and overseas.<br />

33 Klimentos Street, Office 401,<br />

1061 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Vasiliki Pourgoura<br />

(+357) 22 460 831<br />

celia.pourgoura@ca-advocates.com<br />

www.ca-advocates.com<br />

LAW FIRM<br />

STELIOS AMERICANOS<br />

MANAGING PARTNER<br />

STELIOS AMERICANOS & CO LLC<br />

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC is a full services, highly innovative<br />

law firm with headquarters based in Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong> and a<br />

branch in Athens, Greece. It specializes in corporate, commercial<br />

and banking law, corporate and commercial litigation, real<br />

estate, financial advisory & regulation and blockchain legal<br />

advisory. Stelios Americanos & Co LLC provides its services to<br />

governmental organizations, international banking institutions,<br />

public companies and multinational corporations. Moreover<br />

Stelios Americanos & Co LLC has created close relationships with<br />

reputable international legal and consulting firms and is, thus,<br />

able to assist clients with their cross-border transactions and<br />

needs. Today, Stelios Americanos & Co LLC is considered one of the<br />

leading law firms in <strong>Cyprus</strong> in the areas of its specialty.<br />

12, Demostheni Severi Av.<br />

Office 601, 6th Floor 1080 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Stelios Americanos<br />

- Managing Partner<br />

(+357) 22 465 500<br />

stelios@americanoslaw.com<br />

www.americanoslaw.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

94<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

NON PROFIT<br />

MARIA MARKIDOU<br />

GEORGIADOU<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

CYPRUS SEEDS<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds is a non-profit organization with the mission to<br />

support the commercialization of innovative academic research<br />

in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. To achieve its objectives, <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds offers an<br />

annual 12M program to a small number of scientific teams whose<br />

projects give breakthrough solutions to world problems from any<br />

area, including health, environment, and art. In addition to grants,<br />

it offers mentoring, business skills training, and networking<br />

with investors. <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds is funded through donations<br />

from Foundations, corporations, and individuals in <strong>Cyprus</strong> and<br />

abroad. Among the great achievements of <strong>Cyprus</strong> Seeds are the<br />

signing for two option-to-be licensing agreements, the creation<br />

of one start-up company, and the spinning out of the University<br />

of <strong>Cyprus</strong> a solar energy research project.<br />

Antinou 18, Strovolos,<br />

Nicosia, 2034 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Maria Markidou Georgiadou<br />

- Managing Director<br />

(+357) 22 364 522<br />

maria@cyprusseeds.com<br />

www.cyprusseeds.com<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

MICHALIS<br />

HADJIPANAYIOTOU<br />

CEO<br />

CYBARCO DEVELOPMENT LTD<br />

Cybarco is the leading luxury property developer in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. Part<br />

of the prestigious Lanitis Group, Cybarco is behind many of the<br />

island’s landmark projects, including Aphrodite Hills Golf Resort,<br />

Akamas Bay Villas, Sea Gallery Villas, The Oval, Limassol Marina<br />

and Trilogy Limassol Seafront. Cybarco is also responsible for<br />

the exclusive sales of the luxury properties at Limassol Greens,<br />

the most anticipated new golf resort in <strong>Cyprus</strong>. With over 75<br />

years’ experience at the top of its industry, Cybarco has earned its<br />

reputation for outstanding quality and dedicated customer care by<br />

consistently delivering projects to the highest standards.<br />

10 Tefkrou Anthia Street,<br />

Dali Industrial Zone, 2540 Nicosia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Michalis Hadjipanayiotou - CEO<br />

(+357) 22 741 300<br />

info@cybarco.com<br />

www.cybarco.com<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

GEORGE IOANNOU<br />

CEO<br />

KORANTINA HOMES<br />

With over 30 years of experience in developing some of the most<br />

luxurious, high aesthetic, projects in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, Korantina Homes<br />

has become the most reputable name in the development of<br />

luxury and exclusive properties. Our company emphasizes<br />

establishing long-lasting relationships with our clients by offering<br />

personalized services. Our award-winning flagship luxury resorts,<br />

Cap St Georges, Coral Residences and Soho Resort have attracted<br />

exclusive clientele from every corner of the globe including several<br />

celebrities and internationally renowned jet setters. Our group has<br />

also expanded into the tourism & hospitality sector by developing<br />

the deluxe 5-star Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, and the 5-star<br />

hotel located at Soho Resort.<br />

Trikomou Str. 32, 8560<br />

Pegeia Paphos, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Melina Rafti – <strong>Business</strong><br />

Development Director<br />

(+357) 26 623 536<br />

info@korantinahomes.com<br />

www.korantinahomes.com<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

EVANGELIA ELIADOU<br />

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />

PAFILIA PROPERTY DEVELOPERS LTD<br />

Pafilia is the largest privately-owned residential developer in<br />

<strong>Cyprus</strong>, dedicated to delivering the best in concept, design,<br />

quality and service. With a vast property portfolio and projects<br />

in enviable locations throughout <strong>Cyprus</strong> and Greece, we offer<br />

excellent investment opportunities and lifestyle orientated<br />

homes. Pafilia is also the developer behind three groundbreaking<br />

destination resorts, ONE – the tallest residential<br />

seafront tower in Europe, NEO – a unique development of 4<br />

towers on the Limassol seafront and Minthis - the islands most<br />

exclusive leisure and lifestyle resort conveniently located in the<br />

wine producing region of Paphos.<br />

Pafilia House,<br />

33 Nicodemou Mylona Street,<br />

P.O. Box 60159, 8101 Pafos - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Andrea Lindsay –<br />

Group Marketing Manager<br />

(+357) 26 848 800<br />

info@pafilia.com<br />

www.pafilia.com


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

95<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

MICHALIS<br />

HADJIPANAYIOTOU<br />

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR<br />

TRILOGY LIMASSOL SEAFRONT<br />

Brought to life by a world-class collaboration of architects,<br />

designers and developers, Trilogy is an exciting new beachfront<br />

development in the heart of Limassol. Three landmark buildings<br />

surrounding a bustling inner plaza, Trilogy is a place to live, work<br />

and play. Its luxury apartments blend the aspirational dream of<br />

high-end living, with the sophistication of urban cool. State-ofthe-art<br />

offices also enjoy first-class services and uninterrupted<br />

sea views from every window. Three distinct social areas offer<br />

resident-only facilities for secluded leisure and relaxation, as well<br />

as a lively public plaza that can be enjoyed and experienced by<br />

everyone. Your story begins here…<br />

341, 28th October Avenue<br />

3106 Limassol - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Yiorgos Georghiou - Sales Director<br />

(+357) 25 362 800<br />

info@trilogylimassol.com<br />

www.trilogylimassol.com<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

SOPHIE ARISTODEMOU<br />

CO-FOUNDER<br />

CAREERFINDERS RECRUITMENT SERVICES LIMITED<br />

CareerFinders Recruitment Services Limited is one of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’<br />

most well-respected and established providers of tailor-made<br />

recruitment solutions to many of the largest and most well-known<br />

local and international companies operating across the Island.<br />

With offices in both Nicosia and Limassol, our highly experienced<br />

team of recruitment professionals have the knowledge and<br />

expertise to ensure that our clients receive the most suitable<br />

and well-qualified candidates to suit their recruitment needs.<br />

The industry sectors we service include Accounting/Audit, Legal,<br />

Corporate/Fiduciary, Information Technology, Shipping, Oil & Gas,<br />

Banking/Finance and many more. If you are a company seeking to<br />

recruit the very best talent in <strong>Cyprus</strong>, please contact us today.<br />

Head Office: 6th Floor, Athlos Building,<br />

28 Nikis Avenue, Nicosia 1086 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Sophie Aristodemou - Director<br />

(+357) 22 002 285<br />

jobs@careerfinders.com.cy<br />

www.careerfinders.com.cy<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

STEVE SLOCOMBE<br />

FOUNDER / DIRECTOR<br />

GRS RECRUITMENT<br />

With more than 17 years of presence and experience in <strong>Cyprus</strong>,<br />

our expertise in the provision of Recruitment, Payroll, HR,<br />

and Outplacements services is un-paralleled. By working in<br />

partnership with our clients, we provide tailored services based<br />

on a thorough understanding of each client’s circumstances<br />

and needs. We specialise in: Permanent Recruitment Search &<br />

Selection, Temporary Recruitment Services, Payroll Solutions,<br />

Recruitment Process Outsourcing, Salary Benchmarking,<br />

Outplacement and Psychometric Personality Assessment.<br />

Our team consists of a highly capable team with international<br />

experience and local knowledge.<br />

Head office: Agathangelou <strong>Business</strong> Centre,<br />

101 Gladstonos Street,<br />

Limassol, 3032 - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Steve Slocombe - Founder/Director<br />

(+357) 25 342 720<br />

jobs@grsrecruitment.com<br />

www.grsrecruitment.com<br />

RESEARCH INSTITUTION<br />

PROF. COSTAS N.<br />

PAPANICOLAS<br />

PRESIDENT<br />

THE CYPRUS INSTITUTE<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Institute (CyI, www.cyi.ac.cy) is a world-class, nonprofit<br />

research and educational institution with a strong scientific<br />

and technological orientation. It is a regional Center of Excellence,<br />

addressing issues of regional interest but of global significance,<br />

with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary research and international<br />

collaborations. Areas of research include Solar Thermal Energy<br />

and Energy Storage, Climate and Environmental Research,<br />

Technologies for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, High-<br />

Performance Computing, Simulation and Hyper-infrastructures.<br />

CyI is also an accredited, degree-granting institution of higher<br />

education that offers unique, high-quality Master’s and PhD<br />

programs to select students from around the world, and provides<br />

training for future researchers and scholars in partnership with<br />

leading international universities.<br />

20 Konstantinou Kavafi<br />

2121 Aglantzia - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Dr. Nicolas Jarraud - Assistant<br />

Vice-President for Institute Affairs<br />

(+357) 22 208 700<br />

international.relations@cyi.ac.cy<br />

www.cyi.ac.cy


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

96<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

WEB DEVELOPMENT<br />

ALEX CONSTANTI<br />

MANAGING DIRECTOR<br />

IDEASEVEN DIGITAL<br />

Ideaseven are a dynamic, enthusiastic online digital development<br />

agency with over 17 years of experience. We focus on providing<br />

global solutions in digital marketing, web & app development,<br />

branding and design services. At ideaseven, we understand<br />

that design and development requires continuous mutual<br />

communication with our clients. Together, we can provide a<br />

constantly productive and evolving project. We can help visualize<br />

even the craziest ideas, converting them into elegant, awesome<br />

experiences and catchy products. We have worked with a lot of<br />

prestigious brands and have delivered award winning projects<br />

throughout the years.<br />

Pentadactylou 2, office 104,<br />

6060, Larnaca - <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

Contact: Alex Constanti – Managing Director<br />

(+357) 24 823 832<br />

info@ideaseven.com<br />

www.ideaseven.com<br />

THE CYPRUS TRADE CENTER (CTC)<br />

The <strong>Cyprus</strong> Embassy Trade Center (CTC) in New York is the<br />

economic and commercial arm of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ diplomatic representation<br />

covering North America and operates under the auspices<br />

of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry.<br />

Under the direction of the Trade Commissioner, Hon. Aristos A. Constantine,<br />

its primary role is that of strengthening and expanding the trade and<br />

economic relationship between the Republic of <strong>Cyprus</strong> and North America.<br />

The activities of the Trade Center include promoting, facilitating, and<br />

attracting investment and fostering the expansion of exports of <strong>Cyprus</strong>’ goods<br />

and services, in addition to monitoring related market and policy issues.<br />

CONTACT INFORMATION<br />

13 East 40th Street<br />

New York, NY 10016 • <strong>USA</strong><br />

T: +1 212-213-9100<br />

W: https://www.cyprustradeny.org


DOING BUSINESS C YPRUS<br />

97<br />

<strong>USA</strong> EDITION<br />

TheProfilerGroup<br />

16, Elia Papakyriakou, Suite 101,<br />

Engomi, 2415 Nicosia, <strong>Cyprus</strong><br />

cyprus@theprofilergroup.com<br />

www.theprofilergroup.com<br />

www.cyprusprofile.com

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!