Cyprus Company Types Explained: Companies, Partnerships, Business Names and Overseas Companies

The Cyprus Registrar of Companies keeps several different registers under one roof. Knowing which kind of entity you are looking at tells you who is liable for its debts, what it must file, and how much you can learn about it.

Entities on the register by type (data to 28 September 2026):

Within those, by legal form:

Companies (Εταιρεία)

Companies are formed under the Companies Law, Cap. 113 and are by far the largest group on the register. A company is a separate legal person: it owns its assets, signs contracts and can sue or be sued in its own name. The register distinguishes several sub-types.

Private company limited by shares

The standard vehicle for trading businesses, holding structures and family companies. Shareholders' liability is limited to any amount unpaid on their shares. A private company:

• can have between 1 and 50 shareholders;
• restricts the transfer of its shares, usually through its articles;
• cannot offer its shares to the public.

Public company (PLC)

A public company can offer shares to the public and can be listed on a stock exchange, such as the Cyprus Stock Exchange. It is subject to a minimum share capital and stricter rules on disclosure and governance. Banks, insurers and larger groups are typically public companies.

Company limited by guarantee

Members promise to contribute a fixed amount if the company is wound up, instead of buying shares. This form is used by non-profit bodies, associations, clubs and foundations that do not distribute profits.

Business names (Εμπορική Επωνυμία)

A business name is not a separate legal entity. It is a registration showing that a person, or a partnership or company, trades under a name other than their own, under the Partnerships and Business Names Law, Cap. 116. Sole traders commonly register one, for example a consultant trading as "Petrides Consultancy Services".

The key practical point: there is no limited liability. The owner is personally responsible for the business's debts.

Partnerships (Συνεταιρισμός)

Partnerships are also registered under Cap. 116. In a general partnership every partner is jointly and personally liable for the firm's debts. In a limited partnership at least one general partner has unlimited liability, while limited partners risk only what they contributed, provided they do not take part in management. Professional practices and family businesses often use partnerships.

Overseas companies (Αλλοδαπή Εταιρεία)

A company incorporated outside Cyprus that sets up a place of business in Cyprus, such as a branch or office, must register as an overseas company. The branch is not a separate legal person: the foreign parent is fully responsible for it. Shipping groups, international banks and technology firms frequently operate in Cyprus this way. See our guide to registering an overseas company branch.

Which should you look for when checking a counterparty?

• Company: check the status (registered, struck off or in liquidation), the directors and secretary, the registered office and the date of incorporation.
• Business name: find the person or entity behind it, because that is who is liable.
• Overseas company: check the parent company in its home country as well as the Cyprus branch.

You can search all of these on Companies of Cyprus, and see the latest registration statistics.