Doing Business in Cyprus - Key Legal & Tax Issues for English Practitioners

Introduction

What should an English practitioner consider when a client proposes to establish a company, acquire a business or relocate part of its operations to Cyprus?

This practical webinar will examine the legal and tax questions that arise from the initial structuring decision through to trading, employing staff and managing contractual risk. It will address the relevance of the 2026 Cyprus tax reforms, post-Brexit considerations and the due diligence needed before a client commits funds.

Using practical examples, the session will help advisers recognise potential obstacles, ask the right questions and coordinate specialist input in Cyprus. The focus will be on business in the areas under the effective control of the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, with a brief warning about the distinct risks associated with property in the north.

What You Will Learn

By the end of this webinar, delegates will be able to:

• Compare the principal routes to a Cyprus business presence, including a subsidiary, branch, acquisition or joint venture and identify the associated governance and due diligence questions
• Identify the tax issues requiring early advice, including the 2026 reforms, corporate residence and substance, permanent establishment risk, VAT and the UK-Cyprus double taxation framework
• Recognise the practical requirements for becoming operational, including banking due diligence, beneficial ownership reporting, sanctions checks, licensing and investment screening
• Distinguish business visits, residence and permission to work and identify the employment and payroll issues involved in moving founders or staff to Cyprus
• Spot key risks when leasing or acquiring business premises, including title, encumbrances, permitted use and any acquisition approvals
• Identify the contractual, IP and data protection issues requiring local review and understand why governing law, jurisdiction and enforceability should be considered together
• Recognise when sector-specific advice is needed and use a practical checklist to coordinate the next steps with Cyprus advisers