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Partial compensation of the 2013 haircut on Cyprus banks’ deposits

Partial compensation of the 2013 haircut on Cyprus banks’ deposits

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Partial compensation of the 2013 haircut on Cyprus banks’ deposits

The Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus released a reminder announcement on 8 April 2024 regarding the launch of the electronic service “Participation in the Replenishment Scheme of National Solidarity Fund”. This scheme has been prepared in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Research with the purpose of partially contributing to the replenishment of losses that natural and legal persons incurred during the Cyprus bank haircuts of 2013.

The application deadline is on 30 April 2024 and the following eligibility criteria apply.

Submission of an online application:
• Both natural persons and legal entities to have the characteristics of a “retail client” and whose deposits and securities were impaired in 2013.
• Natural persons: people be over the age of 18; persons representing a deceased person; to have a Cyprus identity card or Cyprus residence permit (ARC).
• Legal persons: include but not limited to Companies, Associations, Foundations, Religious Institutions, Partnerships.

Both registration and authentication are required on the Government Portal CY Login portal (former Ariadne), for natural persons with a Cyprus identity card or Cyprus residence permit (ARC) and for legal entities with a Cyprus registration number.

Additional details at submission will be requested for individuals who do not have a Cyprus identity card and are not Cyprus residents, as they will not be authenticated through the Government Internet Portal CY Login. The same applies to legal entities which do not have a registration number in Cyprus.

Furthermore, in respect of the information provided regarding the impairment, the following requirements apply depending on the bank:
• Bank of Cyprus: For impairment of deposits and securities at the Bank of Cyprus, it is requested to complete only any bank account number or Investor share code, without completing the amount that was impaired.
• Popular Bank: For impairment of deposits and securities at the Popular Bank, only information for amounts that were impaired should be provided.

In addition, as far as natural persons are concerned, in the case of a joint account or joint investor share code, each individual should make a separate application.

Following submission of the applications, the potential beneficiaries of the Fund will be assessed and identified, and subsequently, the costing will be processed, and the Partial Replenishment Scheme will be prepared. More details and instructions will be provided to the applicants at a later stage.

Our team is at your disposal for any support and guidance you might need regarding the Replenishment Scheme applications.

Official sources:

Announcement MoF Press Office 20.12.2023

&

Reminder for online submission of applications MoF Press Office 08.04.2024

Tax Manager: job vacancy by Nobel Trust

TAX MANAGER: job vacancy

Posted on | by [email protected]

TAX MANAGER: job vacancy

At Nobel Trust we are seeking to recruit a high caliber person for the position of Tax Manager to be based in our offices in Nicosia.

Role and Responsibilities

Reviewing financial statements and tax returns and advising on tax and VAT matters based on Cyprus laws

Drafting tax rulings and tax memos

Assisting with tax structuring and resolving practically complex tax related issues

Knowledge of fundamental tax and legal aspects in relation to major foreign jurisdictions and application of Double Tax Treaties

Preparing presentations and publications on practical tax matters

Attending meetings and conducting negotiations with the tax authorities

Correspondence and communication with clients in respect to the above on a daily basis

Assisting with the firm’s business development with a focus on taxation and structuring

The profile of the ideal candidate

at least 5 years post-qualification experience in the field of taxation with a top-tier accounting firm

ACA/ACCA/LLM or equivalent qualification

good communication, organisational, supervisory, presentation and interpersonal skills

be a great team-player

strong computer skills

strong sense of commitment and responsibility

good command of Greek and English languages

Remuneration
A competitive remuneration package will be offered to the successful candidate according to his/her qualifications and experience.

Apply now
Please email your CV to the Management at Nobel Trust Ltd : [email protected]

Cyprus Naturalisation: new criteria

Cyprus Naturalisation: Revised application criteria

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Cyprus Naturalisation: Revised application criteria

On the 22nd of March 2024, the Ministry of the Interior announced the receipt and examination of applications for naturalization submitted in accordance with the provisions of the Population Register (Amendment) Law of 2023.

The qualifications for naturalization, pursuant to article 111B(1) of the Population Register Law, which must be met cumulatively to submit an application for naturalization are the following:

  1. Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days do not interrupt the stated period.
  2. During the 10 years immediately preceding the 12-month period, legal residence for cumulative periods of not less than 7 years.
  3. Good character.
  4. Adequate knowledge of Greek language at level B1.
  5. Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic of Cyprus.
  6. Appropriate accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for maintaining the applicants themselves and their family members.
  7. Intention to reside in the Republic of Cyprus.

According to article 111B(2), the qualifications are differentiated for the individuals residing in the Republic of Cyprus for the purpose of highly qualified employment in companies which are determined by the Decision of the Council of Ministers (no. 92.018, dated 15/10/2021), regarding the Strategy for Attracting Businesses for Activities or/and Expansion of their Activities in Cyprus, as well as for their family members. The following companies fall into this category:

  1. Businesses/companies of foreign interests operating in the Republic of Cyprus and operating independent offices in Cyprus, which are housed in suitable premises, separate from any private residence or other office,
  2. Cypriot shipping companies,
  3. Cypriot high-tech/innovation companies with products related to the aerospace industry, computers, IT, technology and communication, pharmaceuticals, biomedical equipment, research and development equipment, electrical machinery, chemicals, non-electrical machinery,
  4. Cypriot pharmaceutical companies or Cypriot companies active in the fields of biogenetics and biotechnology,
  5. The companies that are already registered in the Register of Foreign Companies of the Civil Registry and Migration Department.

The qualifications for the individuals falling under the provisions of article 111B(2) as well as for their family members, which must be met cumulatively, are as follows:

  1. Legal and continuous residence for 12 months immediately preceding the date of application. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days do not interrupt the stated time period.
  2. During the immediately preceding 10 years from the 12-month period, to have legal residence for cumulative periods of no less than 4 or 3 years depending on the level of knowledge of the Greek language, i.e. A2 or B1 respectively. Periods of absence that do not exceed a total of 90 days per year do not count as absence.
  3. Good character.
  4. Adequate knowledge of the Greek language at level A2 or B1.
  5. Sufficient knowledge of basic elements of the modern political and social reality of the Republic.
  6. Appropriate accommodation and stable and regular financial resources sufficient for the maintenance of themselves and their family members.
  7. Intention to reside in the Republic of Cyprus.

Our team is happy to provide you with detailed information regarding the naturalization criteria and guide you through the application procedure. Please contact us at +357 22022777 or send us an email.

Cyprus Registrar abolishes annual company fee

Termination of annual company fee

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Termination of annual company fee

On the 21st of March the Department of the Cyprus Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property announced that the annual levy of €350 is abolished from 2024 onwards. The annual fees for years 2011–2023 are still applicable.

It has also been clarified that the companies which have already settled their annual fee for 2024 will be refunded.

This measure will offer great relief and support to Cyprus companies and serves as a step to enhancing the local business environment.

Official Source

Late submission fee for Annual Reports HE32

Annual Returns (HE32): Late submission penalty fee has been set to €150

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Annual Returns (HE32): Late submission penalty fee has been set to €150

The Department of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property announced that pursuant to the Companies (Amendment) Law 2024, Law 18(I)/2024, published in the Official Gazette on 5 March 2024 (the Law), the maximum fine for Annual Returns with a date of issue for the years 2021 and onwards will not exceed €150 for each infringement.

The fees are summarized below:

In case of timely registration: €20 form fee

In case of late registration: (i) €20 form fee, (ii) €20 as a charge, (iii) the corresponding late registration fee of €50 as a lump sum and €1 for each day of continuation of the infringement, up to a maximum total amount of €150.

According to the Law, persons who paid for the late submission of the 2023 HE32, from 05/03/2024 onwards, are entitled to a refund of any amount of fine exceeding €150. Such refund will be made as follows:

  1. For online payments made via JCC, the excess amount will be refunded directly to the card with which the payment was made, without any further action by the applicant.
  2. For payments made to the Cashier of the Department of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property, the additional amount will be returned to the applicant’s Bank Account upon presentation of the payment document, together with the FIMAS Payment Authorization Form, accompanied by a photocopy of the statement of the Bank Account to be credited (Authorization Form can be downloaded here).

Official source

Updates by Registrar regarding the BO register

Updates to the Beneficial Owners register

Posted on | by [email protected]

The Department of the Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property made the following announcement on the 28th of February 2024 based on the Beneficial Owner register:

1. All companies established or registered under the Companies Law, Cap. 113, all European Public Limited Liability Companies (SE) and all Partnerships (hereinafter Organizations) or their officers/partners are invited to access the Register of Beneficial owners until March 31, 2024 and to update it, either with details of Beneficial Owners, or by declaring their exclusion based on paragraph 3 (1)(a)(b) of Directive KDP112/2021 as it was modified, or by exercising the right of Due Diligence. From the 1st of April, monetary charges and other sanctions will be imposed for non-compliance.

2. From 1 April 2024 all the actions below will be available, and failure to comply with them will result in financial charges:

  • The Register of Beneficial Owners should be updated within 45 days from the day on which the Organization or its officers/partners became aware of the change of Beneficial Owners
  • The Register of Beneficial Owners should be informed within 90 days from the establishment of a new Organization, by the Organization itself or its officers/partners with regards to the Beneficial Owners’ details
  • From 01/10 until 31/12 of each year, the Organizations or their officers/partners should confirm the information included in the Register of Beneficial Owners
  • Within 30 days of receiving an electronic notification about data mismatch, the Organisation or its officers/partners should take necessary actions and correct such data

3. It is reminded that the following actions are still valid:

  • Online research in the records of the Register of Beneficial Owners
  • Request for exemption from disclosure of information
  • Request for access to the details of a minor

Do not hesitate to contact our team for providing you further explanation and assistance with respect to the Register of Beneficial Owners

Original source by the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property

Stricter rules by Council and Parliament regarding Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

AML: Stricter rules by Council and Parliament

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The Council and Parliament of the EU provisionally agreed upon upgrading several parts of the anti-money laundering package, aiming to protect EU citizens and the EU’s financial system against money laundering and terrorist financing.

Under the new agreement, the rules applicable to the private sector will be transferred to a new regulation, while the organization of AML/CFT combat systems at Member State level will be regulated by a relevant directive.

The provisional agreement on an anti-money laundering regulation will, for the first time, exhaustively harmonise rules throughout the EU.


The updates of the AML package are separated in two main pillars as follows:

1. Anti-money laundering regulation

A. Obliged entities: The list of obliged entities has been expanded to include new bodies which are the crypto-asset service providers (CASPs), traders of luxury goods and professional football clubs and agents. The due diligence and reporting obligations vary depending on the type of entity. Also, obliged entities will need to apply enhanced due diligence measures to occasional transactions and business relationships involving high-risk third countries which could be a threat to the integrity of the EU’s internal market.
B. Enhanced due diligence: Specific enhanced due diligence measures will apply to cross-border correspondent relationships for crypto-asset service providers, while credit and financial institutions will follow more specific and strengthened due diligence measures when assessing high net-worth individuals with large amounts of assets.
C. Cash payments: The EU-wide maximum limit for cash payments is set to €10.000 while member states may use their discretion to impose a lower maximum limit. Moreover, obliged entities should identify and verify the identity of an individual carrying out an occasional transaction in cash between €3.000-€10.000.
D. Beneficial ownership: The rules on beneficial ownership and multi-layered ownership and control structures are clarified, beneficial ownership is based on two components – ownership and control. The beneficial ownership threshold is set at 25% and applies to both EU entities and non-EU entities doing business or buying property in the EU. Registration of the beneficial ownership of all foreign entities that own real estate with retroactivity until 1 January 2014.
E. High-risk third countries: Enhanced due diligence measures will be required for the occasional transactions and business relationships involving high-risk third countries.

2. The 6th Anti-money laundering directive

A. Beneficial ownership registers: The information submitted to the central register should be verified, while sanctioned entities or individuals should be flagged. The entities in charge of the registers are authorized to inspect the premises of the registered legal entities if deemed necessary, while persons of the public with legitimate interest, including press and civil society, may also access the registers. In addition, real estate registers should be accessible to competent authorities through a single access point, to facilitate investigations of criminal cases.
B. Financial intelligence unit (FIU) responsibilities: The FIU of each member state will have immediate and direct access to financial, administrative and law enforcement information and will continue to share information to competent authorities while ensuring that fundamental rights are taken into consideration. Furthermore, the agreement sets out the context in which FIUs will be able to suspend or withhold consent for a transaction under investigation.
C. Supervision: All obliged entities are subject to adequate and effective supervision and suspicious behaviour will be reported to the member state’s FIU. In addition, new supervisory measures will apply to the non-financial sector, by the so-called supervisory colleges, and the new Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) will prepare draft regulatory technical standards.
D. Risk assessment: The Commission will carry out an EU level evaluation and provide recommendation to member states with regards to the risk assessment they carry out, aiming to effectively mitigate any money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

The legislative proposals are pending approval before being formally adopted and entered into force by the Council and the Parliament. This provisional agreement will carefully align EU rules, minimize possible risks of unlawful activities in the financial system, and strengthen the national AML systems for combating fraudulent and illegal proceeds.

Official source here

EU Blue Card Visa scheme legislation approved in Cyprus

Attracting foreign talent with EU Blue Card Visa

Posted on | by [email protected]

On Wednesday 17th of January, the Council of Ministers approved the amendment of the legislation for the implementation of the European Blue Card scheme in Cyprus. This Card serves as a permanent residence and EU citizenship to non-EU/EEA nationals while providing comprehensive socio-economic rights.

The proposed legislation harmonizes with the relevant EU directive with regards to the entry and residence permit of highly skilled non-EU nationals to be employed in member states, and aligns with the 2021 talent attraction program, in an effort to promote legal migration.
The aim of this initiative is to encourage foreign qualified workers to live and work in Cyprus within a friendly framework and benefit from flexible entry requirements, increased rights and opportunities, as well as streamlined mobility.


To qualify as high-skilled, individuals must either possess a higher education qualification from a course lasting at least three years, or have at least three years of professional experience in the Information and Communication Technology sectors within the past seven years.
The adoption of this scheme not only fosters diversity and increases the competencies of the local labour market, but it also shapes the future of the island as an international and growing business center.

How can we help you
Cyprus offers more business and lifestyle opportunities and digital developments than ever before. If you are searching for a better way of life and consider living and working in Cyprus, our team of experts can advise and support you throughout your relocation journey.

Contact us here.

Extension to submission of UBO data to Cyprus Registrar by 31 March 2024

Submission of Beneficial Owner Registry data: extension until 31 March 2024

Posted on | by [email protected]

On 17 January 2024, the Department of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property announced that with the aim to optimally update the Register of Beneficial Owners on the basis of the implementation of the upgraded platform, an extension has been granted for the submission of data for all Companies and other Legal Entities until 31 March 2024.

It has been noted that after the specified date, non-compliant Companies and other Legal Entities will be subject to a financial burden based on Article 188(I)/2007 (Prevention of Combating Money Laundering, a law passed by the House of Representatives on 23 February 2021).

Original Source