FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

CMC Certus Management Consultants Ltd is a consultancy based in Larnaca, Cyprus. We support German-speaking entrepreneurs and private individuals with company formation, taxes, immigration and the entire relocation process to Cyprus.

Yes. The initial consultation via Zoom, phone or WhatsApp takes approx. 30–45 minutes and is completely free and non-binding. We analyse your situation and present concrete options.

After the initial consultation, you receive a tailored proposal. Once engaged, CMC coordinates all steps – from company formation to residence registration to ongoing accounting. You always have a dedicated contact person.

German, English and Greek. Client communication is primarily conducted in German.

Our head office is in Larnaca (Serghides House, Suite 102, 61 Archbishop Makarios III Avenue, 6017 Larnaca). We also have an office in Paphos.

Since our founding in 2010, we have served over 800 clients – sole proprietors, SMEs and families from the German-speaking region.

Formation costs for a Cyprus Limited with CMC start from EUR 1,200 plus 19% Cypriot VAT and government fees (approx. EUR 350–650). Included: name check, formation documents, registration, tax number and VAT number.

Name checking takes 5–10 business days, registration with the Registrar of Companies 10–20 business days. In total, expect approx. 3–5 weeks. With a shelf company, it is possible within 24 hours.

Accounting, audit, Annual Return and Company Secretary: from approx. EUR 3,000 per year. Plus the Annual Levy of EUR 350 to the Registrar.

No. Company formation is possible regardless of your residence. However: if the company is to be tax resident in Cyprus, management and control must take place in Cyprus.

No. As an EU citizen, you can be 100% shareholder of a Cyprus Limited. There is no obligation to involve a local partner.

Every Cypriot company must have a Company Secretary – this is a legal requirement. The Secretary is responsible for compliance with corporate law obligations (Annual Return, Registrar communication). CMC performs this function for our clients.

A shelf company is an already incorporated and registered Limited that can be taken over immediately. Advantage: no waiting for registration, immediately operational. Disadvantage: no individual company name (can be changed subsequently).

No. A Cyprus Limited can be formed with a share capital of EUR 1. In practice, we recommend EUR 1,000–5,000 for a solid external image, particularly for bank account openings.

Since 1 January 2026, the Cypriot corporate tax rate is 15% (previously 12.5%). The increase was implemented under the EU minimum taxation directive (Pillar Two).

The Non-Domiciled status exempts natural persons for 17 years from the Special Defence Contribution (SDC) on dividends (17%), interest (30%) and foreign rental income (3%). This means: 0% tax on dividend distributions.

As a Non-Dom with a Cyprus Limited, you pay 15% corporate tax on profits. Dividends to you personally are 100% tax-free. Effective total tax rate: 15%. In Germany it would be approx. 48%.

No. Cyprus has been an EU member since 2004, Eurozone since 2008, and complies with all OECD standards. The tax system is transparent, legal and internationally recognised. There is no CRS/FATCA blacklist entry.

Cyprus allows tax residency from just 60 days of presence per year – provided you run a business in Cyprus, maintain a residence and are not tax resident in any other country.

Yes, if you wish to use tax residency in Cyprus, you must give up your German residence. Without deregistration, unlimited tax liability in Germany continues.

Anyone holding more than 1% of a GmbH who moves abroad must pay tax on the deemed capital gain. When relocating within the EU, the tax can be paid in seven annual instalments upon application.

Qualifying profits from intellectual property (software, patents) are taxed at an effective rate of 3%. The regime is based on the OECD Nexus Approach and is EU-compliant.

No. Cyprus levies neither inheritance tax nor gift tax. Wealth transfers are tax-free.

Foreign pension income is taxed at a flat rate of 5% (after an allowance of EUR 3,420). Alternatively, pensioners can choose the regular income tax if this is more favourable.

Yes. Germany and Cyprus have a comprehensive double taxation agreement. It prevents double taxation on income, dividends, interest and royalties.

As an EU citizen, you only need a valid ID card or passport. No visa required. Within the first four months, you must apply for the Yellow Slip (residence registration).

The Yellow Slip (officially: MEU1 Registration Certificate) is the residence registration for EU citizens in Cyprus. It is required for applying for a tax number, bank account and GESY registration.

The most common platforms are Bazaraki.com and Facebook groups. CMC assists with apartment search and reviews lease agreements. Tip: Always ensure a Stamp Duty is applied to the lease – without it, the contract is not official.

Residence registration (Yellow Slip) typically takes an appointment can be arranged by CMC at any time. The tax number (TIC) is issued in 2–4 weeks. Bank account opening: 2–6 weeks. The entire registration process can be completed in 6–10 weeks.

No. With permanent relocation, German public health insurance ends. In Cyprus, you register with GESY (national health system). Contributions are income-based and lower than in Germany. Many clients also recommend private supplementary insurance.

There are no German schools, but numerous international schools with English curricula (e.g. American Academy, Foley's School, Heritage Private School). Annual fees range from EUR 5,000–12,000.

No. Your German driving licence is valid in Cyprus indefinitely. A conversion is possible but not required. Important: Cyprus drives on the left.

Cyprus is one of the safest countries in the EU. The crime rate is among the lowest in Europe. Violent crime is extremely rare.

At Bank of Cyprus or Hellenic Bank with a personal appointment. Required: passport, proof of address, proof of income, source of funds documentation. CMC coordinates the account opening and prepares all documents.

Yes. Many clients use Revolut Business or Wise as a business account, especially in the initial phase. For long-term business operations, we also recommend a local bank account.

SEPA transfers within the Eurozone are free and take 1 business day. There are no foreign exchange restrictions. Amounts over EUR 10,000 must be declared at customs when entering/leaving.

Yes. All Cypriot companies are subject to a statutory audit requirement. Annual accounts must be audited by a licensed auditor. CMC works with experienced auditors.

The Annual Return (HE32) is an annual filing with the Registrar of Companies containing current company data (shareholders, directors, secretary, capital). Deadline: annually, fee: EUR 20 + EUR 350 Annual Levy.

A Cypriot tax adviser is recommended for tax returns (IR4 for companies, TD1 for individuals). CMC handles the entire tax process for our clients.

Late filing with the Registrar results in penalty fees (up to EUR 500). Late tax returns incur a 5% surcharge + monthly interest. In extreme cases, the company can be struck off the register.

Semi-arid Mediterranean climate with over 340 days of sunshine per year. Summer (June–September): 30–40°C, very dry. Winter (December–February): 10–18°C, occasional rain. Snow falls in the Troodos Mountains.

A family of four in Larnaca can live on approx. EUR 2,500–3,500/month (excluding rent). Rent 3-bedroom: EUR 700–1,200. Supermarkets similar to Germany, local fruit/vegetables cheaper.

Yes, practically essential. Traffic drives on the left. Vehicle costs are significantly lower than in Germany: no MOT fees, cheaper insurance (from EUR 300/year).

Fibre is available in most urban areas. 100 Mbit/s from EUR 35/month. 5G mobile coverage nationwide. Remote work with video calls works smoothly.

Yes. An estimated 5,000–8,000 German-speaking residents in Cyprus. Regular meetups in Larnaca, Limassol and Paphos. CMC organises client meetings and networking events.

Yes. With an EU pet passport, microchip and valid rabies vaccination, entry is straightforward. No quarantine for EU pets.