VAT Registration in Cyprus

VAT registration in Cyprus can be completed by both local and foreign companies under various requirements, as the value added tax is considered one of the most important levies.

Below, our company formation agents in Cyprus explain how the VAT is applied and the rates it is levied on for different goods and services. If you need assistance in company formation, including for tax and VAT registration in Cyprus, our consultants are at your disposal with complete services.

Quick Facts
We offer VAT registration services	Yes
Standard rate	19%
Lower rates	9% for tourism (restaurant, catering services), 5% (sale of books and magazines, sports), 0% (various imports/exports)
Who needs VAT registration	Local companies, foreign companies operating in Cyprus, natural persons (in specific situations), sole traders, other entities
Time frame for registration	4 – 6 weeks
VAT for real estate transactions	19% for land and property acquisition, 5% for construction of real estate intended to own for at least 10 years
Exemptions available	Medical care, sports activities, education, financial transactions, and insurance services, cultural activities
Period for filing	Quarterly filings are standard, however, monthly filings are also possible
VAT returns support	Non-EU residents can obtain refunds for VAT-taxable purchases
VAT refund	Yes, applicable for both individuals and companies
Local tax agent required	No, however, such services are available
Who collects the VAT	Cyprus Tax Agency
Documents for VAT registration	Standard application form, copy of company’s statutory documents, copy of ID/passport of company director, proof of registering the mandatory registration threshold (where applicable)
VAT number format	Country code CY followed by a 9-digit code and a letter
VAT de-registration situations	Company liquidation, companies that stop their activities in Cyprus, companies that do not reach the mandatory threshold

VAT registration for foreign companies in Cyprus

Both domestic and international businesses operating in Cyprus must abide by the same VAT regulations. Getting VAT numbers is something that they all require. If you own a foreign company and require assistance registering for VAT in Cyprus, get in touch with our representatives. For any further accounting-related services, you may rely on us.

There is no VAT registration threshold for foreign companies doing business in Cyprus that are tax-registered in their home countries. On the other hand, the VAT registration threshold for distance selling is €35,000 per year for EU VAT-registered businesses selling items online to customers in Cyprus. Alcohol, cigarettes, and other excise commodities are exempt from the VAT threshold when sold over the internet.

The necessary forms must be filled out and submitted with the accompanying supporting evidence to the Cyprus tax department:

• if necessary, a VAT certificate demonstrating that the company is registered for VAT elsewhere in the EU;
• the company’s Bylaws and Memorandum;
• a copy of the directors’ ID cards or passports;
• evidence that taxable supplies have a higher value than the registration threshold.

One of the frequent questions associated with doing business in Cyprus as a non-EU entity is whether there is a need for a fiscal representative or not. There is no need to appoint a local agent, however, one can be useful in order to ensure tax compliance.

If you want to apply for a VAT number in Cyprus as a foreign company based outside the European Union, you can address our company formation agents who specialize in offering such services.

One of the most crucial tasks in starting a business in Cyprus is registering for VAT and taxes. This way, you can legally offer goods and services to customers abroad and apply for an EORI number.

Documents required for VAT registration for Cypriot companies

Cyprus companies will need to file several documents for obtaining a VAT number. Among these are:

• the form released by the Tax Department;
• the company’s Articles of Association and Memorandum
• a copy of the identification papers of the company’s directors;
• evidence of reaching the VAT registration threshold (where applicable).

The documents to be filed with the Tax Department in order to obtain a Cyprus VAT number are Form T.D. 2001 for obtaining a tax identification number and Form T.D. 1101 – application for VAT registration. In the case of newly established companies both forms need to be filed, while in the case of existing companies, the second form must be filed.

These forms will be filed with the local tax office in Cypriot city in which is company or individual has its legal seat, respectively residence.

Companies or individuals interested in changing information related to payments are required to file Form T.D. 2003 – amendments of taxpayer data.

These forms must be accompanied by the following documents:

• copy of an official document stating the person or company carries out activities subject to taxes in Cyprus;
• copy of an identity card/passport or registration certificate issued by the Trade Register
• additional information is also required depending on the type of entity requesting VAT registration.

Our Cyprus company formation consultants can offer more information and can help you prepare the documents required for VAT registration.

Our company formation agents in Cyprus can help you register any type of business form for VAT with the authorities in this country.

The procedure for VAT registration in Cyprus in 2023 is the same as in the previous years and investors setting up companies here can rely on the support of our advisors.

If you have questions about the Cypriot VAT rates in 2023, you can direct them to our accountants.

Who is required to register for VAT in Cyprus?

The Cypriot taxation system is made of direct and indirect taxes with the value added tax (VAT) being an indirect tax. The value added tax is a levy levied on companies selling goods and services, but it is applied to the final consumer, which is the client.

Apart from the annual turnover requirements, it is important to note that the VAT registration requirements for Cyprus individuals and companies become mandatory under specific circumstances.

The following categories of taxpayers are required to register for VAT in Cyprus:

• individuals – natural persons involved in the supply of goods and services chargeable for VAT;
• limited liability companies and partnerships, as well as other business form acknowledged by the Cyprus Company Law;
• clubs, foundations, unions and other entities registered under the provisions of the Cyprus Civil Code;
• international companies operating through subsidiaries and branches, as well as groups of companies.

VAT registration in Cyprus becomes mandatory once the 15,600 euros threshold is exceeded, no matter if the applicant for a VAT number is a natural person or a company.

If you want to open a company in Cyprus and need assistance in registering it, including for VAT purposes, our local advisors are at your disposal for guidance.

We invite you to read about VAT registration in Cyprus in the scheme below:

Cyprus VAT number format

Cypriot companies applying for VAT registration will be issued numbers with the format of the country code CY followed by a 9-digit number that ends with a letter. The VAT number is important because based on it, companies can also obtain EORI numbers which will facilitate their trading activities on the EU territory.

If you decide to open a company in Cyprus and need assistance in registering for VAT or obtaining an EORI number, we can assist you.

How is the VAT levied in Cyprus at the level of 2023

The following categories of taxpayers must register and pay the VAT in Cyprus:

• sole traders and companies producing and selling taxable goods and services in Cyprus;
• sole traders and companies producing and selling goods and services within the EU;
• sole traders and companies receiving payments on a good and services they sold;
• sole traders and companies receiving payments on goods and services they intend to sell.

Those who are liable to pay the VAT in 2023 are also entitled to refunds on these payments under certain conditions which can be explained by our local consultants.

VAT rates in Cyprus in 2023

The following VAT rates are available in Cyprus:

• the 19% standard rate which is applicable to most goods and services supplied in this country;
• the reduced 9% rate which is levied for restaurant, catering, and other tourism services;
• the reduced 5% rate which is applied to the sale of books, magazines, and various sports facilities;
• the 0% reduced rate applied to various services related to imports and exports.

Value added tax (VAT) is mandatory in Cyprus for any type of company that provides goods or services made in Cyprus. Various VAT rates apply according to the type of product and they are as follows: the standard rate is 19% (increased from 18%) and the reduced rate is 9% (increased from 8%). The standard rate applies to all goods or services that are not subject to the reduced rate, the zero rate, or that are exempt from VAT altogether.

There are also goods and services exempt from VAT payments.

Our Cypriot company formation experts can help you with any details about the process of VAT requirements for your type of business in Cyprus. Companies that perform import and export activities in Cyprus may be exempt from VAT under certain conditions.

Reduced VAT rates in Cyprus

The reduced rate of 9% applies to various services, mainly for those that concern the tourist sector and businesses that commercialize food and drinks. The reduced rate is available for:

• restaurant and catering services (including various types of alcoholic drinks and soft drinks);
• accommodation services (hotels, hostels, tourist lodgments, and any other similar establishments);
• passenger transportation with taxis and passenger transportation with buses.

Another reduced rate of 5% applies to:

• the supply of foodstuff
• the supply of pharmaceutical products;
• the supply of books, brochures, newspapers, and other printed materials;
• the supply of liquid gas.

The list of services that are exempt from VAT in Cyprus includes:

• postal services;
• education;
• cultural services offered by non-profit organizations;
• lotteries;
• health and welfare.

VAT regulations in Cyprus in 2023

Any individual in Cyprus or company in Cyprus that produces taxable supplies over the threshold of 15,600 euros must register for VAT at the Cyprus VAT Register. The registration can be made at the end of any month if the value of the taxable supplies produced over the last year exceeds the threshold or at any time of the value of the produced goods is expected to exceed the said value within the following 30 days.

The regulations concerning VAT are also applicable for non-resident companies in Cyprus if they are making taxable supplies in the country. For this purpose, non-resident companies can appoint a representative or apply for local VAT registration. Specific conditions apply to non-resident companies that are not registered for VAT in Cyprus but supply and deliver goods from other EU countries and the value of these sales exceeds a certain amount per year. Our Cypriot company formation specialists can help you with further details if you perform distance selling.

Those who need help in VAT registration in Cyprus in 2023 can rely on our local specialists who can prepare the documents to be submitted to the authorities here and can also benefit from assistance in preparing and filing the necessary forms in due time. Those who want to open companies in Cyprus can rely on us through the entire business registration procedure.

When is VAT registration required for foreign companies or individuals?

The following activities trigger the registration for VAT in Cyprus of foreign citizens and companies:

1. the import of various goods into Cyprus from a company or individual in a non-EU country;
2. the transfer of goods between Cyprus and EU countries (intra-community supply, dispatches and arrivals);
3. any activity which implies the sale or purchase of goods on the Cypriot territory;
4. the online sale of goods to clients in Cyprus under the distance selling VAT registration requirements;
5. warehousing activities completed in Cyprus as consignment stock are also required to be registered for VAT;
6. exhibitions, events, and training activities are also subject to registration for VAT in Cyprus;
7. the self-supply of products and receipt of services from a non-VAT company is also subject to registration under certain regulations.

It is important to note that Cyprus is an EU member state, which is why it needs to comply with the EU Reverse Charge mechanism.

Our Cyprus company formation advisors can help you with the registration for VAT, no matter if you are a local or foreign trader.

It is useful to know that in Cyprus, VAT registration must be completed with the Tax Department.

Requirements for foreign companies after registering for VAT in Cyprus

Once you registered for Cypriot VAT, a foreign entity must begin abiding by local regulations in a number of areas. This comprises:

• generating invoices that include the disclosure information required by the Cyprus VAT Act;
• issuing electronic invoices that have the recipient’s proper signature, verifying their identity and consent;
• keeping track of records, which ought to be kept for at least six years;
• Accuracy with respect to the time of supply VAT billing to clients for products or services in conformity with Cyprus’s VAT regulations;
• corrections and drafting of credit notes;
• applying exchange rates for foreign currencies.

The VAT due in Cyprus depends on the tax point or time of delivery regulations. 10 days following the conclusion of the VAT reporting period, it is then payable to the tax authorities (monthly or quarterly).

Cypriot VAT may be recovered through a VAT reclaim if a foreign business incurs it on local goods or services even though it is not making taxable supplies in Cyprus.

The VAT is one of the most important taxes in Cyprus, which is why when dealing with it as a foreign trader it is advisable to use local accounting services.

VAT registration thresholds in Cyprus

Businesses must register for the value added tax in Cyprus in the following situations:

• if the value of their taxable supplies for the previous 12 months exceeded €15,600;
• whenever the anticipated turnover exceeds €15,600 during a period of 30 days;

Businesses with a yearly revenue of less than €15,600 may choose to voluntarily register. However, these thresholds apply to Cyprus and EU-registered companies only.

Providers of electronic, broadcast, or telecom services to consumers in Cyprus only need to register for VAT in one EU nation under the MOSS (the VAT Mini One Stop Shop) scheme. This offers them the advantage of filing a single return covering all 27 member states.

Please note that failure to file VAT returns in due time will attract a penalty of 10% of the amount owed plus 5% interest per year for late payment of VAT.

Feel free to address your question on VAT and VAT compliance requirements for EU-based companies when doing business in Cyprus with our local specialists.

The Reverse Charge process in Cyprus

The Reverse Charge mechanism has entered into EU legislation in 2010 and it implies companies in the EU respect several regulations related to the charge of the value added tax. The process requires Cyprus companies buying services or goods from companies in other EU states to move the responsibility of recording the transaction from the seller to the buyer. This means the Cyprus company in the quality of buyer will be required to enter the transaction in its accounting. This way, the seller will no longer be required to register for VAT in Cyprus.

This is also available for Cyprus companies selling goods to customers in EU states, as they will no longer be required to register for VAT in the respective states.

The Reverse Charge has several benefits, among which one of the most important refers to EU VAT reclaims on the costs incurred by the goods or services supplied.

We also offer tailored accounting services, if you need such solutions for your company in Cyprus.

Special regulations for VAT payers in Cyprus

It should be noted that there are special categories of VAT payers in Cyprus. These are farmers, taxi operators, travel agencies and tour operators, retail exporters and second-hand retailers. They fall under the Special Regimes for specific economic operators.

Our Cyprus company formation advisors can offer detailed information on these special categories, of VAT payers.

If you need information on the latest changes in the VAT regulations in Cyprus in 2023, you ask our advisors. We are at your service with various accounting services.

Services exempt from VAT in Cyprus

As mentioned earlier, there are certain categories of goods and services exempt from the VAT. However, this does not imply that a Cyprus company is exempt from registering for the value added tax altogether, it will simply not levy the VAT on the goods and services exempt from this tax. Among the services exempt from VAT in Cyprus are the letting and rental of immovable property (residential and non-residential buildings), medical services which can include hospitalization and dental treatments, banking and other financial services, as well as educational and sports-related activities. Postal services are also exempt from VAT in this country.

Mutual funds management services are also exempt from the VAT in Cyprus, which is one of the most important advantages of setting up investment funds here. Also, Cyprus is known as one of the main financial centers in Europe.

If you need more information on VAT exemptions in Cyprus, our company formation agents can guide you. They can also explain the rights and obligations of your company when it comes to collecting and paying this important tax.

The Cyprus VAT on immovable property

Many foreign citizens and investors are attracted by the sunny weather of Cyprus and decide to buy properties here. When correlated with the Cyprus residence by investment program, real estate purchases become even more appealing.

The standard 19% rate applies only on the leasing of land and commercial buildings and only if used by the person or company using it to make taxable supplies, however, the lessor has the right to decide whether to impose or not the VAT on the respective property. The VAT also applies on the sale of building land that has not been used for construction if a commercial activity is carried on it.

The supply of real estate which can imply land or used buildings is exempt from the VAT in Cyprus.

Our Cyprus company formation advisors can offer more information on the specific situations when companies can use VAT-exempt real estate.

Invoicing requirements in Cyprus

All invoices issued by Cyprus traders must contain specific information about the VAT. These must contain the VAT number of the supplier, the VAT rate applied, and the amount of money collected as value added tax. If the 0 rate applies, information that supports the rate must be provided.

Here are some interesting facts about taxation in Cyprus:

• the personal income tax is levied at progressive rates ranging between 0% and 35%;
• the corporate income tax in Cyprus is levied at a standard rate of 12.5%;
• the profits from intellectual property rights can be granted deductions of up to 80% of the corporate tax;
• the incomes of foreign companies in the gas and oil industry can be taxed at a rate of 5% or less, under Cyprus’ double tax treaties.

For details on VAT invoicing requirements applicable for 2023, our Cyprus agents can advise you.

Filing VAT returns in Cyprus

Cypriot companies can register for VAT at a national level, however, if they have intra-Community supplies of goods and services they can also register in the VAT Information Exchange System (VIES) or the Intrastat System. Based on these options they will be required to submit VAT returns.

Companies registered for VAT in Cyprus are required to file VAT returns by respecting the following calendar:

• national VAT returns must be filed within 40 days from the end of the quarterly reporting period;
• VIES returns must be filed within 40 days from the end of the quarterly calendar period;
• Intrastat returns must be filed every 10^th day of the month for the previous month.

Based on these returns, Cyprus companies and sole proprietors can also apply for refunds for the VAT. We also offer accounting services related to VAT payments and return filings.

Obligations for VAT payers in Cyprus

VAT registration in Cyprus in the case of individuals and companies will imply several obligations. These obligations must be fulfilled depending on the legal personality of the taxpayer. Cypriot companies must issue invoices and maintain accounts and records. They are also required to prepare audited financial statements with the help of an accredited auditor.

Cypriot companies are required to file various tax declarations from which their annual turnover result. Also, VAT returns must be filed on a regular basis.

When it comes to sole traders, the obligations depend on their annual incomes. The tax and VAT filing requirements are different for those earning below 70,000 euros per year. They are subject to simplified filing requirements. In the case of sole traders with annual incomes exceeding 70,000 euros per year, the same invoice issuance requirements apply. They also need to file audited financial statements.

Individuals registered for VAT in Cyprus are required to file Form T.D. 1004 VAT declaration and pay the amount due by the 10^th following the month of filing the form.

The advantages of VAT registration in Cyprus

As seen above, the value added tax is an indirect levy, however, registration for it is not mandatory until a specific turnover threshold is reached. Cyprus companies interested in registering for VAT on a voluntary basis will benefit from various advantages. Among these, they will be seen as businesses with good reputations when it comes to partners and clients. Then, they will be entitled to VAT refunds under qualifying conditions.

VAT registration is available for all types of companies, including sole traders and even startup companies which are quite popular at the moment. These companies do not have any obligations other than collecting the VAT and forwarding it to the Cyprus authorities. They must also file their VAT returns in accordance with the established calendar. In Cyprus, VAT returns can be filed on a monthly or quarterly basis.

If you need assistance in preparing and filing VAT returns in Cyprus, our local consultants can help you.

The VAT and the EORI system in Cyprus

As an EU member state, Cyprus is also part of the EORI system meaning that local companies trading with other businesses in the EU must apply for EORI numbers. A mandatory condition for obtaining an EORI number is to have a VAT one.

The EORI number of Cyprus company is issued based on the VAT number and is quite easy to obtain with the Cyprus Customs. The number will be used for every transaction within the EU and only needs to be obtained once.

If you want to open a company in Cyprus and need to register it for VAT and EORI, you can rely on our specialists who can also provide various accounting services.

The EORI registration procedure in Cyprus in 2023 can be completed online with our help.

De-registration from VAT in Cyprus

Cyprus companies have the possibility of de-registering from the VAT system under various circumstances. Among these is company liquidation which will trigger automatically the deletion of the company from the Trade Register and tax authorities’ records, the sale of the business which will imply for the new owner to de-register from the VAT and obtain another VAT number, as well as not reaching the turnover required for the company to keep its number.

Our consultants in Cyprus are at your service with detailed information and assistance when you need it. We can handle the Cyprus company formation procedure which also implies tax and VAT registration, or we can complete the process of obtaining a VAT number separately at a later date.

If you have a trading company in Cyprus, the VAT registration process must be considered from the beginning of the operations, so you can rely on us.

Assistance in obtaining a Cyprus VAT number

The Cypriot tax legislation is quite comprehensive as the country has its own laws, but it also follows EU regulations on taxation. This is why those seeking VAT registration in Cyprus must respect various conditions depending on whether they are Cypriot residents, EU or non-EU residents. Foreign companies are also subject to different VAT registration requirements in terms of documents if they are registered in non-EU states.

You can also watch our video below:

If you are interested in more details about VAT in Cyprus and how your Cypriot company must observe the regulations, please contact our company formation representatives in Cyprus. We can help you with any taxation matters.