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The formation of a company in Cyprus is governed by the Cyprus Companies Law, Cap 113, as amended. Qualifications for Cyprus Companies Customised name preference Minimum one shareholder, foreign shareholders are accepted At least one share is subscribed with no minimum or maximum paid up share capital Shares at a premium, are available Minimum of one Director appointed Directors can be legal or physical persons Director may act as Secretary [legal or physical person] No limitation as to the nationality of the Secretary [Cyprus resident is recommended] Cyprus registered office is required Company Annual General Meeting should take place in

The Cyprus Registry holds the 11th position among international fleets with its merchant fleet ranking 3rd in the European Union. Vessel Registration Criteria of Ownership for registering under the Cyprus flag: A) More than fifty percent (50%) owned by Cypriot citizens or citizens of other E.U. Member States with an authorized representative in Cyprus, orB) The total (100%) of the shares of the ship owned by one or more corporations, which have been established and operate: In accordance with the laws of Cyprus with their registered office in Cyprus, or In accordance with the laws of any other EU Member

Trusts are widely used for the protection of assets. Cyprus introduced a competitive internationaltrusts regime back in 1992 which was further amended in 2012. Qualifications for Cyprus International Trusts (CITs)• Minimum of the trustee who must be a Cyprus tax resident for the whole duration of the trust• Settlor must not be a tax resident of Cyprus during the year preceding the year in which thetrust is formed• Beneficiaries must not be tax residents of Cyprus during the year preceding the year in whichthe trust is formed• Trust property can include all kinds of assets situated anywhere in the world

Characteristics of Cyprus Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) • A vehicle for collective investments• Gives the opportunity to raise external capital from a number of investors• Invests according to a defined investment policy for the benefit of investors• Established and managed by an investment manager Cyprus is fast becoming one of the top emerging investment fund centers in Europe • Modernised legislation, fully harmonized with related EU Directives• EU and Eurozone member states compliant with EU laws and regulations, with access to all EU marketsfor licensed funds and managers through EU passporting• Mature business center with highly qualified professional and sophisticated

The amending law significantly changes the system of registration, maintenance, and protection of trademarks and is expected to have important practical and legal consequences. On the 5th of June 2020, the Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus voted in favor of the new Trade Mark Law, subsequently published on the 17th of June 2020, transposing the European Trademarks Directive(Directive (EU) 2015/2436) and amending the Cyprus Trademarks Law (Cap.268). The new law has benefited from the expertise and know how of former officials of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and it is hoped to introduce a more simplified, faster

EU Regulation 910/2014/EU sets out a comprehensive legal framework for the validity and admissibility of electronic signatures with a direct effect on all member states. Even though such EU Regulations are directly applicable in Cyprus, Cyprus has incorporated the provisions of theRegulation into local legislation in the form of Law 55(I)/2018 “Providing for a legal framework for electronic identification and related issues”. Three types of electronic signatures are distinguished by the Regulation: 1. an “electronic signature” is defined as “data in electronic form which is attached to or logically associated with other data in electronic form and which is used

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Click to download publication https://highworth.cy/wp-content/uploads/The-Cyprus-Aircraft-Leasing-VAT-Scheme_FINAL.pdf

During the Covid-19 lockdown, we have taken the liberty to post a series of videos touching upon contemporary topics of interest not only to corporations and companies but also to investors, entrepreneurs and individuals. https://www.facebook.com/HighworthCY/videos/243051536763310/ https://www.facebook.com/HighworthCY/videos/259249698596156/ https://www.facebook.com/HighworthCY/posts/868322600349331 https://www.facebook.com/HighworthCY/posts/858289604685964