✓ Thorough selection of business entities ✓ Legal support for transactions ✓ Tax optimisation in Cyprus
If you are in Cyprus and need a consultation or professional support for your case, you can send us a request or contact the Feod Group office in Larnaca at +357 96 345 275 (Viber/WhatsApp/Telegram).
Buying a Ready-Made Company in Cyprus
Planning to quickly start a business in Europe, participate in tenders, or connect to international platforms? Buying a ready-made company in Cyprus is an effective solution that helps you avoid the lengthy registration process and start operating immediately.
A ready-made company provides access to already established infrastructure: licences, bank accounts, a VAT number, and in some cases — existing contracts and a client base. Purchasing a Cyprus company is not just an alternative to registration, it’s a full-fledged tool for entering the EU market without delays.
Buying a legal entity in Cyprus is particularly relevant for:
Rapid start of export-import operations;
Participation in tenders;
Registration on international platforms;
Entering the EU market with minimal administrative barriers;
Creating investment or holding structures;
Obtaining licences, a VAT number, and passing bank compliance checks.
Cyprus has long remained one of the leading jurisdictions in terms of the number of international companies registered in Europe. The reason — a unique combination of tax advantages, flexible corporate legislation, and strategic geographical location. Let’s explore in more detail the key benefits of purchasing a ready-made company in Cyprus.
Top 5 Advantages of Buying a Ready-Made Business in Cyprus
1. Saving Time and Resources
Purchasing a ready-made business eliminates the need to establish a company from scratch. You acquire an already functioning business, which significantly reduces the time required to start operations and minimises initial costs.
2. Low Tax Rates
Corporate income tax in Cyprus is just 12.5% — one of the lowest in Europe. Cyprus also offers other unique tax benefits: 0% on income from dividends, interest, and other passive income, as well as 0% on profits from the sale of shares and bonds. Learn more: Corporate Taxes in Cyprus in 2025
3. Ready-Made Infrastructure: VAT Number, Bank Account, Substance
When buying a ready-made company in Cyprus, the investor receives more than just a legal entity “on paper” — it is a fully functional structure with an established basic infrastructure, which is crucial for a fast business launch within the European Union.
4. Passive Income
Investing in a ready-made business in Cyprus offers not only the potential for active company management but also an opportunity for passive income. A functioning business in Cyprus can generate stable earnings, allowing investors to profit without needing to be involved in daily operations.
5. Wide Range of Investment Options
Cyprus is an ideal location for diverse investment opportunities, offering the possibility to invest in sectors with high profit potential. Ready-made legal entities in Cyprus are available in tourism, hospitality, real estate, IT, logistics, and innovation. The flexibility of local legislation allows you to adapt a ready-made company in Cyprus to any goal — from e-commerce operations to launching a licensed financial service business.
Types of Ready-Made Companies in Cyprus
In practice, there are two main types of ready-made legal entities in Cyprus. The choice between them depends on the investor’s objectives, the required speed of launch, the nature of the business, and the available budget.
1. Ready-Made Companies Without History (Clean or Shelf Companies)
So-called shelf companies or clean companies are legal entities properly registered in the Republic of Cyprus which, at the time of sale, have not carried out any actual business activity.
Key characteristics:
Completely “clean” history: no operations, transactions, contracts, or assets.
Zero reporting: if any reports were filed, they show zero activity.
Ready for transfer: the company can be quickly transferred to a new owner, with the change of director and shareholders completed in a few business days.
Incorporation date ranges from a few months to several years ago — which may be useful for creating the appearance of company “age” (e.g. for marketplaces, tenders, banks).
Who it’s for: This option is ideal for entrepreneurs and investors who want to launch a project “from scratch” but wish to avoid spending time on registration, obtaining a tax number, legal address, etc. You receive a company with all basic formalities already in place, ready to be used for submitting applications, signing contracts, opening a bank account, or applying for VAT registration.
2. Companies With History (Active or Trading Companies)
Companies with history in Cyprus are ready-made firms that already have a registered office, VAT number, bank transactions, and real operations. These are particularly attractive to investors who need to pass bank compliance quickly and start business operations immediately.
Key characteristics:
Financial history: filed accounts, active bookkeeping, and tax registration.
VAT number: active and valid, suitable for intra-EU trading.
Bank account: opened in the company’s name, with a record of incoming and outgoing payments.
Substance: may include office rental, a local director, accountant, and other elements of economic presence.
Sometimes — licences: the company may hold a licence for financial, educational, legal, or other regulated activities.
Who it’s for: These companies are in demand where time and credibility are critical. Purchasing a legal entity with a track record allows immediate operation without waiting for account openings, VAT numbers, or verifications. Such structures are also suitable for tender participation, accreditation on platforms with strict criteria, licence applications, and signing major contracts.
Examples of use:
Participation in international tenders requiring a company with 12+ months of history.
Conducting import-export operations within the EU using an active VAT number.
Investment projects where a verifiable company history and transparent structure are essential.
What Types of Companies Are Most Commonly Purchased in Cyprus and Why?
Cyprus offers a variety of company types for purchase, reflecting the diversity of industries and business models. In the context of acquiring a ready-made business in Cyprus, it is worth considering several promising sectors that offer high return potential:
1. Construction Business in Cyprus
Legal entities in the construction and real estate sector remain among the most attractive for purchase. This is due to the stable demand in Cyprus’s real estate market from both foreign and local buyers, as well as the high liquidity of real estate assets. Purchasing an operating construction business allows the investor to benefit from existing licences, building permits, contracts with subcontractors, and supplier networks. This significantly shortens the entry timeline for a project and reduces the risks associated with the initial approval stages.
2. Hotel and Tourism Business in Cyprus
The demand for acquiring ready-made companies in the tourism sector remains consistently high thanks to Cyprus’s steady tourist flow and year-round season. The most sought-after businesses include apart-hotels, hotels, travel agencies, and service companies supporting tourist operations. These assets often already hold licences from the Ministry of Tourism, contracts with tour operators, and an active customer base.
3. Trading Companies
Companies operating in retail and wholesale, as well as in the consumer and hospitality sectors, are traditionally popular acquisition targets. Businesses located in tourist zones or major cities (Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos) are particularly attractive due to steady customer traffic, trading or food service licences, and a registered VAT number. A ready-made trading business often comes with existing supplier contracts, equipped retail premises, and staff, providing the investor with the opportunity for immediate operational profitability.
4. Financially Regulated Companies
Cyprus has a well-established regulatory framework for financial services. Companies licensed by CySEC — the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission — are especially in demand. This includes Cyprus Investment Firms (CIFs), which are authorised to provide brokerage, investment, and ancillary services across the EU. Purchasing a company that already holds a financial licence allows investors to bypass the lengthy and costly licensing process (which can take 6 to 12 months) and begin operations immediately in a regulated environment.
5. Technology Companies and Startups
Ready-made IT companies often hold registered intellectual property (IP), client contracts, technical staff, and accreditation on international platforms such as the App Store and Google Play. They may also be structured under the IP Box regime— a special tax framework that reduces the effective tax rate to as low as 2.5%. Such companies are ideal for investors looking to enter the tech industry with an operational infrastructure already in place.
The choice of a specific type of ready-made business in Cyprus depends on the investor’s personal goals and financial capabilities. The sectors listed above can serve as a strong starting point when deciding to purchase a business in Cyprus.
Whether you are looking to acquire a company with a VAT number or a ready-made firm with trading history, it is essential to ensure the legal and financial integrity of the transaction. We provide full legal support for business acquisitions in Cyprus, including comprehensive legal and financial due diligence.
Legal Due Diligence Before Buying a Business in Cyprus
Conducting comprehensive legal due diligence before purchasing a ready-made company in Cyprus is a standard and essential practice. It aims to minimise legal and financial risks and ensure full transparency throughout the transaction.
Our legal team in Cyprus has years of experience in legal consulting and audit, allowing us to accurately and professionally identify potential risks and issues, as well as propose effective strategies and solutions.
Buying a ready-made business in Cyprus with full legal support not only saves time but also ensures the company is fully prepared for immediate operation.
What does legal due diligence of a ready-made company in Cyprus include?
As part of the due diligence process, Feod Group’s lawyers carry out a comprehensive legal audit across the following areas:
Review of corporate documentation – analysis of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, certificates, shareholder and director registers, registered amendments, and shareholding structure.
Audit of submitted financial and tax reports – evaluation of reporting accuracy and identification of any outstanding liabilities to government authorities.
Assessment of existing contracts with clients, suppliers, landlords, and other counterparties – review of terms, risks, and obligations arising from current agreements.
Verification of pledges, legal claims, arbitrations, and corporate disputes – detection of legal restrictions and potential risks that may impact the company’s operations.
Reputational check and company history analysis in public registers – assessment of compliance risks, registration history, and past business activity.
We support our clients through all stages of purchasing a ready-made business in Cyprus, from the initial evaluation of the target company to registering changes in official registries and liaising with banks, tax authorities, and licensing bodies.
Our legal support ensures maximum transparency and protects the buyer’s interests throughout the transaction.
What are the advantages of buying a ready-made company in Cyprus?
Save time: registering a new company takes time, a ready-made one is available immediately;
Simplify compliance: companies with history pass bank and platform verifications more easily;
Reduce costs: no need to spend on registration, account opening, VAT, and substance — everything is already in place;
Gain confidence: a company with a trading history inspires more trust from partners, clients, and counterparties.
What types of ready-made companies are available in Cyprus?
There are two main types: • Shelf companies (no history) — registered but inactive companies with zero reporting; • Companies with history — legal entities with operational activity, reporting, assets, and possibly licences.
What is the cost of a ready-made company in Cyprus?
The cost of purchasing a ready-made company in Cyprus varies depending on its market standing, profitability, and other factors. Prices typically start from a few thousand euros.
What is a “ready-made company with history” and what are its benefits?
A ready-made company with history in Cyprus is a legal entity that has already been operating, with an active VAT number, bank account, and submitted reports. Purchasing such a company simplifies compliance checks, enables participation in tenders, and allows you to start operating without delays.
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law....
In 2013, Anastasia Taran graduated with honors from the National University "Odessa Law Academy", earning a Master of Laws degree. She joined Feod Group in 2018 and has since gained extensive experience in international corporate, tax, and immigration law.
