Articles

The Corporate Governance in Cyprus: An Overview

t is generally accepted that one of the main causes of the banking crisis in Cyprus was failed corporate governance and risk management strategies. The financial crisis has highlighted the significance of following corporate governance rules and the use of such rules as preventative measures and tools for creating a risk-efficient economic environment. It has been recognized that, in a bid to attract investors following the crisis, companies must actively promote transparency, risk management and corporate governance. READ MORE

Brexit & Cyprus: A Passport of Opportunities

EU Member – OECD Recognized – Multilingual – € Currency – Fiscal Advantages Cyprus – a Viable Option Brexit – Britain’s momentous decision to leave the European Union has put into question what rights will British nationals and companies located in Britain have in relation to the European market? In particular, there is doubt whether the passporting rights pursuant to European directives will continue to apply. Following Brexit, Cyprus offers a number of advantages to individuals and companies looking for a secure and stable entry point into the European market. READ MORE

Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

A personal injury may take place at work, in a traffic accident, because of a faulty product or a faulty repair, because of mistakes during medical treatment, or because you slipped and fell on a wet floor or fell in a pothole with your car. The personal injury may be physical or psychological but, to be considered actionable, it must occur due to the negligence or unreasonably unsafe actions of your employer, a public authority, a manufacturer, your doctor, or any other person or organization who owes you a duty of care. READ MORE

Cyprus Corporate Relocation Services

Our Cyprus Corporate Relocation Services are dedicated to providing personalized relocation assistance and support to individuals, families and corporate employees. Our exclusive services will help ease your transition before, during and after you move to the Republic of Cyprus. Cyprus Corporate Relocation: Immigration Our Cyprus Immigration Law Practice is able to assist with the processing of National visas, Schengen visas, work permits applications if necessary, permanent residence applications as well applications under social security and tax according to law, and opening a personal bank account in Cyprus. READ MORE

Provisions of Public Beach Facilities (Boats and other types of Water Sports)

General provisions In order to place on the beach and rent, exploit, boats and other types of water sports items and equipment in the Republic of Cyprus, one needs to obtain a license for the provision of public beach facilities (boats and other types of water sports exploitation on the beach) by the Municipal or Community Council, within the boundaries of which the beach is located. According to The Foreshore Protection Law (Cap 59), the term “provision of public beach facilities” refers to the placement on the beach of boats and other water sports items and equipments, for rental or other form of exploitation, including the usage or placement in the sea vessels, or may other items or facilities in order to conduct any type of water sports or entertainment. READ MORE

Sustainability & Green consciousness at THEOCHARIDOU & ASSOCIATES LLC

As one of the country’s leading environmental law firms, it is inevitable that Theocharidou & Associates Llc would take a leadership role in the field of sustainability, for law office management. In our offices, located in Nicosia and Paphos, Theocharidou & Associates Llc is interpreting its values into action, improving the Firm’s sustainability and reducing its environmental impacts. Below are some of the steps taken to date by Theocharidou & Associates Llc to improve the Firm’s environmental sustainability, and the results we have achieved: READ MORE

Cyprus as an International Business Centre

Cyprus has a number of comparative advantages that have contributed towards the island becoming an important international business and shipping center: EU and European Monetary Union Member State Strategic geographical location at the crossroad of three continents – ideal for expansion in new markets Well developed socio-economic infrastructure Broad range and international quality of financial and business services – legal, tax, accounting, investment and brokerage Well developed banking sector for all financial needs An active Stock Exchange and robust Securities and Exchange Commission Market-oriented economy Macroeconomic stability and performance Highly educated, qualified and multilingual talent Stable and pleasant business environment, accompanied by simple administrative procedures Low set up and operating costs Advanced transport and telecommunications network Renown international shipping center Enviable quality of life Stable, Reputable Political and Legal System Simple, Low Taxation The government of Cyprus, taking into consideration the numerous challenges arising from increasing competition, globalization and the recent global financial crisis, is promoting a number of measures and initiatives to further establish Cyprus as an attractive investment destination. READ MORE

Amendments to VAT Law

According to the Value Added Tax Laws of 2000-2015 buyers of residential property could obtain a reduction to VAT and pay a reduced rate of 5%. This was subject to certain conditions and only applied for the first 200 sqm covered area when the total covered area was not more than 275 sqm. The Value Added Tax (Amendment) Law of 2016 took effect on the 18th of November 2016 and amended the Value Added Tax Laws of 2000-2015. READ MORE

Citizenship by Investment in Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the very few countries in the European Union to offer a programme to non-EU citizens that enables them to acquire citizenship directly through investment. The Cypriot citizenship is an EU citizenship and the right to live, work and move freely within all the 28 EU countries. The Cypriot citizenship by investment programme is generally regarded to be the most attractive of its kind. An applicant does not have to live in Cyprus in order to obtain the citizenship and processing of the applications takes only around 3 months. READ MORE

Alternative Investment Funds in Cyprus

The Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2014 was enacted by the parliament on the 10th of July 2014 and entered into force on the 27th of July 2014. This new Law provides for the establishment and operation of Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) in Cyprus. The Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2014 replaces the International Collective Investment Schemes Laws of 1999 and 2000. The new Law creates a framework for the operation of Alternative Investment Funds which is in harmony with the relevant EU directives. READ MORE