Question 1

Can non-residents open a Cyprus bank account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Non-residents can open both personal and corporate bank accounts in Cyprus without needing local residency. Cypriot banks regularly onboard foreign clients, provided the applicant passes KYC, AML, and compliance checks. You must submit full documentation, prove the legitimacy of your business activity, and meet the bank's risk profile requirements. As long as your business model is transparent and your funds are clean, non-residents can successfully open accounts remotely through authorised intermediaries.

Question 2

Do I need to visit Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

A physical visit is usually not required for most Cypriot banks, as many accept fully remote onboarding through certified KYC, video verification, or apostilled documentation. However, some banks may request an optional in-person meeting for enhanced due diligence, especially for high-risk industries or complex corporate structures. In most cases, remote procedures are sufficient, and accounts can be opened entirely online with properly notarised documents. Your service provider can confirm which banks offer remote onboarding.

Question 3

Which documents are required?

Accepted Answer

Typical requirements include a valid passport, proof of address, corporate documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Directors, Shareholders, Memorandum & Articles), UBO details, and a clear business plan or activity description. Banks may also request source-of-funds evidence, contracts or invoices, a CV of the beneficial owner, and references from previous banks. All documents must be recent, correctly certified or apostilled, and consistent. The exact list can vary by bank and client profile, but these basics apply to most cases.

Question 4

How long does approval take?

Accepted Answer

Approval typically takes 10–20 working days, depending on the complexity of your structure, industry type, and how quickly you provide complete documentation. Straightforward, low-risk cases may be approved faster, while high-risk sectors, multi-layered ownership, or incomplete files may extend the timeline. Banks conduct detailed compliance checks, including AML screening, risk scoring, and validating your business justification. With a clean profile and organised documents, the process is smooth and predictable.

Question 5

Which banks are available?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus hosts well-known institutions such as Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, Eurobank Cyprus, AstroBank, Alpha Bank, and several EMI/FinTech solutions offering multi-currency IBAN accounts. Each bank has its own onboarding policies and risk appetite, so the best option depends on your business model and passport. Traditional banks suit established companies, while EMIs work well for digital-first or international operations. Your provider can match you with banks that support remote onboarding and your specific industry.

Question 6

Do banks accept UK companies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Cypriot banks accept UK companies, provided the ownership structure is clear and the business activity is legitimate. Even post-Brexit, UK entities can open accounts in Cyprus, but banks conduct stricter checks to verify the purpose of banking in an EU jurisdiction. You must present full company documents, UBO details, and a strong business justification. Transparent financial activity and compliance history significantly improve approval chances for UK-registered businesses.

Question 7

What is business justification?

Accepted Answer

Business justification explains why your company needs a Cypriot bank account, how funds will move, and who your clients or suppliers are. Banks require clarity on your operations to evaluate AML and risk exposure. A strong justification includes your trading model, transaction volumes, currencies, counterparties, and reason for choosing Cyprus. The more transparent and consistent your explanation, the faster your approval. Weak or vague justification is a common cause of delays or rejection.

Question 8

Is multi-currency available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Cypriot banks and EMIs offer multi-currency accounts, allowing you to hold and transact in EUR, USD, GBP, CHF, AED and more. Multi-currency functionality is especially useful for international businesses dealing with global suppliers and clients. Banks provide separate sub-accounts under one IBAN, enabling smooth cross-border transfers with competitive exchange rates. This setup makes Cyprus attractive for companies engaged in import/export, consulting, e-commerce, or financial services requiring multiple currency operations.

Question 9

Is Cyprus an EU SEPA jurisdiction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cyprus is an EU member state and fully part of the SEPA zone. This means your account will include an EU IBAN and access to fast and low-cost euro transfers across the European Union. SEPA payments typically settle within the same business day, making Cyprus ideal for European operations and suppliers. Being within the EU framework also enhances credibility, regulatory stability, and compliance standards for international companies choosing Cyprus as a banking base.

Question 10

Are nominees allowed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cypriot banks accept nominee directors or shareholders, provided the underlying UBOs are fully disclosed and verified. Banks require complete transparency, including passport copies, proof of address, and background information of the beneficial owners. Nominee structures are acceptable for privacy or administrative reasons, but hidden ownership is not permitted. As long as the UBOs pass compliance checks and the business activity is legitimate, nominee arrangements don't negatively affect the approval process.

Question 11

Can individuals open personal accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreign individuals can open personal accounts in Cyprus, usually without visiting the country. Banks follow standard KYC procedures and require a passport, proof of address, and source-of-funds documentation. Personal accounts are suitable for expatriates, frequent travellers, remote workers, or investors who need an EU IBAN. Approval depends on your financial profile and the clarity of your asset sources. Remote onboarding is commonly available and relatively straightforward for most applicants.

Question 12

Is crypto allowed?

Accepted Answer

Cypriot banks generally do not support direct crypto trading, but they may accept companies involved in blockchain or technology, depending on the risk assessment. Banks usually require clear AML policies, licenses (if applicable), and strong justification for crypto-related activity. Personal accounts shouldn't show high-volume transfers to crypto exchanges unless supported by documentation. For businesses, EMIs and specialised fintech accounts are more crypto-friendly compared to traditional banks in Cyprus.

Question 13

Do banks require audited financials?

Accepted Answer

For new companies, audited financial statements are not required. However, banks may request management accounts, projected financials, or evidence of past business activity if available. For established companies, audited accounts strengthen the application and speed up compliance checks. If your company is part of a group, banks may also review parent company financials. Providing any available financial history helps demonstrate legitimacy, stability, and predictable transaction behaviour.

Question 14

Can I open an account for a foreign entity?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cyprus welcomes foreign companies, including UK, EU, offshore, and international structures. Banks require full corporate documentation, ownership charts, and KYC for all UBOs. Foreign entities must clearly justify why they need a Cyprus-based account, such as EU operations, suppliers, or compliance needs. Approval is smoother for low-risk industries and transparent ownership structures. Complex, multi-layered setups may require enhanced due diligence but are still possible.

Question 15

Is online banking included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Cypriot banks provide secure online banking with full access to transfers, statements, card controls, and multi-user permissions. Corporate clients can assign roles to directors, accountants, or employees with different access levels. Online platforms support SEPA transfers, SWIFT payments, and currency exchange. Mobile banking apps are also available for quick access and notifications. Once approved, login credentials are issued remotely, making account management fast and convenient from anywhere.

Question 16

Are debit cards provided?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Business and personal debit cards are available with most banks. Cards are typically Visa or Mastercard and support online payments, ATM withdrawals, and international use. Corporate cards may require proof of business activity or minimum account usage. Cards are usually delivered to your address or collected by an authorised representative. Some banks also offer virtual cards for online transactions and additional user cards for directors or employees.

Question 17

Does Cyprus check UK credit scores?

Accepted Answer

No. Cypriot banks do not check UK credit scores or access UK credit bureaus. However, they do assess your financial background using internal AML risk screening, global sanction lists, and the information you provide. Poor UK credit does not affect your Cyprus application unless it relates to fraud or financial misconduct. Banks primarily focus on transparency, source of funds, business justification, and compliance history rather than traditional credit scoring.

Question 18

How many shareholders can be added?

Accepted Answer

There is no strict limit on the number of shareholders a company can have when opening a Cyprus bank account. Banks simply require full KYC documents for every shareholder holding 10% or more. For larger corporations with many small shareholders, only major UBOs must be verified. Clear ownership charts and properly certified documents help ensure smoother processing. The key requirement is transparency, not the number of shareholders involved.

Question 19

Does industry type matter?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Banks evaluate each industry's risk level before approving an account. Low-risk sectors like consulting, trading, IT, and marketing are normally accepted quickly. High-risk industries—such as gambling, forex, crypto, adult entertainment, or financial services—may require enhanced due diligence, additional paperwork, or may be rejected by conservative banks. The clearer your compliance documents and licenses, the better your chances of approval, regardless of your industry.

Question 20

Can I open multiple accounts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can open multiple bank or EMI accounts in Cyprus for diversification, currency management, or separating business operations. Many companies maintain at least two accounts for stability. Each bank will conduct independent compliance checks, and you'll need to justify why additional accounts are required. As long as the business activity is legitimate and documentation is complete, maintaining multiple accounts is entirely acceptable and often beneficial.

Question 21

Is Cyprus safe for banking?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus operates under EU banking regulations, strict AML frameworks, and strong financial supervision, making it a reliable and secure jurisdiction. Banks follow European Central Bank standards, ensuring depositor protection and high compliance levels. The country is known for stable international banking, EU IBANs, and well-regulated institutions. For businesses and individuals seeking a credible EU banking environment, Cyprus is considered safe and globally respected.

Question 22

Are remote signatures accepted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most Cypriot banks accept remote signatures through certified digital signing, video KYC, or apostilled document submission. Some forms or agreements may still require wet ink signatures, but these can usually be couriered. Remote onboarding is widely available and designed to simplify the process for international clients. As long as your identity and documents are properly verified, remote signatures are fully acceptable for account opening.

Question 23

Do accounts include IBAN?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All Cyprus bank accounts come with a European IBAN, allowing seamless SEPA and SWIFT transfers worldwide. An EU IBAN enhances your company's credibility and supports fast euro transactions. Multi-currency accounts also fall under the same IBAN structure, with sub-wallets for different currencies. This makes Cyprus a preferred choice for international companies needing reliable EU banking access.

Question 24

Are there minimum balance requirements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some banks require maintaining a minimum balance, typically between €1,000 and €5,000, depending on the account type. EMIs may not require any minimum deposits. You may also face monthly maintenance fees if your balance falls below the threshold. Requirements vary by bank, so choosing a provider aligned with your budget and transaction volume is important. Maintaining recommended balances helps ensure smooth account operation.

Question 25

What causes rejection?

Accepted Answer

Common reasons include unclear business justification, high-risk industries, incomplete documents, inconsistent information, or complex ownership structures that lack transparency. Banks also reject applicants with sanctioned backgrounds, negative AML flags, or unverifiable sources of funds. Vague activity descriptions or unrealistic financial projections can trigger compliance concerns. Ensuring your documentation is clean, consistent, and professionally presented significantly reduces the chances of rejection.

Package	Features Included	Price
Basic	Eligibility assessment Guidance on required documents Document templates Pre-submission review Support manager	starting from £249
Standard	Everything in Basic Full KYC preparation Certified document assistance Appointment scheduling Priority review	starting from £449
Comprehensive	Everything in Standard Complete application handling Remote/video-KYC assistance Business justification drafting Multi-currency activation SEPA enablement support	starting from £699
UltimateBest Value	Everything in Comprehensive Legal review (partner counsel) Bank follow-ups & communication Escalation support Dedicated specialist Post-approval optimisation consultation	starting from £999

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