The Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests (CCFI) Program

Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests (CCFI) Program

Set Up Your Business in Cyprus and Relocate Key Talent

The Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests (CCFI) framework allows eligible international companies to establish or expand their operations in Cyprus and employ third-country nationals.

Administered through the Business Facilitation Unit (BFU), the framework supports companies wishing to develop business activities in Cyprus and facilitates the process of obtaining Cyprus residence and work permits for eligible employees and their families.

Switch to audio! Discover all the advantages of Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests (CCFI) Program on our latest podcast.

Why choose Cyprus?

Cyprus offers a stable EU business environment, a strategic location and a practical framework for international companies.

Key advantages include:

Ability to employ non-EU talent in Cyprus;
Streamlined residence and work permit procedures;
15% corporate tax rate in Cyprus from 2026;
Access to the EU market and legal framework;
No general restrictions on repatriation of profits;
Skilled, multilingual workforce;
High quality of life for employees and families.

Government-backed framework

The current framework follows Cyprus’ strategy to attract international companies. It was approved in October 2021 and it was implemented in January 2022.

It provides:

A central contact point through the BFU;
Streamlined procedures for eligible companies;
Simplified employment routes for highly skilled third-country nationals;
A more structured process for business relocation and expansion.

Companies are also expected to work towards increasing Cypriot / EU participation in their workforce, with the 30% ratio becoming relevant from 2027, subject to applicable policy and assessment.

Tax environment

Cyprus offers a transparent and competitive tax framework, including:

15% corporate tax rate from 2026;
Double tax treaty network;
Dividend income exemptions, subject to conditions;
No withholding tax on dividends to non-residents in most cases;
Incentives for R&D and innovation.

Individuals relocating to Cyprus may also benefit from the non-domicile regime, depending on their personal circumstances.

For any clarifications or additional information, do not hesitate to contact us

Who can qualify for a Company of Foreign Interests in Cyprus?

A company may qualify as a Company of Foreign Interests where it has a genuine foreign element and business substance in Cyprus.

This may include:

Majority ownership by third-country nationals; or
Significant foreign participation supported by an investment of at least €200,000.

The investment may be shown through capital injection, office setup, equipment, operational expenditure or other qualifying business investment in Cyprus.

Recruiting employees in Cyprus

A CCFI may hire third-country nationals under the relevant immigration procedures.

Highly skilled employees

Highly skilled employees may benefit from fast-track work and residence permit procedures, subject to eligibility criteria.

The salary threshold is commonly treated as around €2,500 per month, but this must be confirmed at the time of application.

Support staff

Support staff may also be employed, but their applications are generally subject to Ministry of Labour approval and standard employment procedures.

Eligible family members of employees may also apply for residence permits in Cyprus.

Please contact us to see if your business qualifies for a foreign interests company

Application process for Company of Foreign Interests in Cyprus

1. BFU application

The company submits an application to the Business Facilitation Unit, usually including a Letter of Intent explaining the:

Company’s activities;
Ownership structure;
Planned operations in Cyprus;
Staffing and expansion plans.

2. Review by the authorities

The BFU reviews the application and supporting documents.

3. Registration as a Company of Foreign Interests

Once approved, the company is registered as a Company of Foreign Interests. Processing is typically around 10 working days, provided the application requirements have been met.

4. Employee permits

After registration, the company may proceed with applications for entry, residence and work permits for eligible employees.

Documents required

Typical documents include:

Certificate of incorporation;
Registered office certificate;
Directors’ and shareholders’ certificates;
Articles of association;
UBO passport copies;
Ownership structure chart, where applicable;
Proof of office premises in Cyprus;
Evidence of at least €200,000 foreign investment or business expenditure;
Financial statements or tax clearance, where applicable.

Additional documents may be requested depending on the company’s structure and activity.

Indicative timeline

CCFI registration: approximately 10 working days;
Employee residence/work permits: approximately 1–2 months;

Timelines are indicative and depend on the completeness of the file and authority processing.

Start your Cyprus company setup

Our team can assist with company formation, CCFI registration, BFU applications, work and residence permits and ongoing corporate support and compliance.

Contact us to proceed with your Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests application

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about Cyprus Companies of Foreign Interests, eligibility, employment of third-country nationals, and the application process.

What is a Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests?

A Cyprus Company of Foreign Interests is a Cyprus company that meets specific eligibility criteria and may register with the Business Facilitation Unit, allowing it to employ eligible third-country nationals and support their residence and work permit applications in Cyprus.

Who oversees the Company of Foreign Interests registration process?

The registration process is overseen by the Business Facilitation Unit, which operates under the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus.

Which companies may qualify as Companies of Foreign Interests?

A company may qualify if it meets one of the recognised eligibility categories, such as majority ownership by third-country nationals, qualifying foreign investment, public listing, shipping, high-technology or innovation activity, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, biogenetics, or other eligible business categories.

Is there a minimum foreign investment requirement?

In many cases, the company must demonstrate a minimum foreign direct investment of EUR 200,000. This may be shown through a deposit into a company account with an authorised credit institution or through evidence of investment in the company’s Cyprus operations, such as offices or equipment.

Can a Company of Foreign Interests employ third-country nationals?

Yes. One of the main benefits of registration as a Company of Foreign Interests is the ability to employ eligible third-country nationals, subject to the applicable salary, role, permit, and immigration requirements.

Can employees bring their family members to Cyprus?

Eligible employees of Companies of Foreign Interests may usually apply for their family members to reside with them in Cyprus, subject to the relevant immigration rules and supporting documentation requirements.

How long does the CCFI registration and permit process take?

The overall process, including company registration with the relevant register, entry visa issuance, and work permit applications, may take approximately two to four months, depending on the completeness of the application and the authorities’ processing timelines.

What documents are usually required for the application?

Documents usually include corporate certificates, articles of association, UBO passport copies, ownership information, office lease or title documents, evidence of foreign investment, and, where relevant, audited financial statements and tax clearance documents for existing Cyprus operations.