Cyprus company certificates: which one you need and how to get it
Banks, lawyers and foreign authorities often ask for a "certificate" of a Cyprus company: of its directors, its shareholders, its registered office, or that it is in good standing. These are issued by the Registrar of Companies. This guide explains what each one proves, how to order it, and when you need the information rather than the certificate itself.
The certificates the Registrar issues
The Registrar of Companies issues certificates that state what its register shows about a company on the date of issue. The most requested:
| Certificate | Greek name | What it states |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Directors and Secretary | Πιστοποιητικό Διευθυντών και Γραμματέα | The directors and secretary on the register |
| Certificate of Shareholders / Members | Πιστοποιητικό Μετόχων/Μελών | The registered shareholders and their shares |
| Certificate of Registered Office | Πιστοποιητικό Διεύθυνσης Εγγεγραμμένου Γραφείου | The company's registered office address |
| Certificate of Good Standing | Πιστοποιητικό ότι η εταιρεία υφίσταται | That the company exists on the register |
| Certificate of Capital | Πιστοποιητικό Κεφαλαίου | The company's share capital |
| Certificate of no charges | Πιστοποιητικό ότι η εταιρεία δεν έχει επιβαρύνσεις | That no charges are registered against the company |
| Certificate of strike-off | Πιστοποιητικό Διαγραφής εταιρείας | That the company has been struck off |
The Registrar also issues certified copies of documents such as the certificate of incorporation (HE44), the memorandum and articles of association, the certificate of change of name and the certificate of registration of a charge.
How to order a certificate from the Registrar
- Online, through the Registrar's e-filing system. You need a registered e-filing user account and a credit card. The certificate appears in your e-filing workspace and carries an authenticity code that can be checked online for 90 days from issue.
- By hand or post, at the Registrar's Certified Copies Section. This route covers every certificate and certified copy, including some that are not available online.
- By email, for certificates, under the Registrar's email procedure.
The Registrar's fee for an online request is €20 per certificate or certified copy (€40 for a certified copy of the memorandum and articles), plus €20 more per document for the accelerated procedure. If you need a signed and sealed copy, take the electronic certificate to the Certified Copies Section to be signed and sealed by an officer.
A document for use abroad often also needs an apostille, issued in Cyprus by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order. Check with the person who asked for it which version they accept.
Searching is free and needs no account. A complete company file costs €20 (the Registrar's €10 fee + €10 to ESearchCy) — and your first credit is free.
"Certificate of incumbency"
Foreign banks often ask for a certificate of incumbency: a document listing a company's directors, secretary and shareholders. The Registrar has no certificate by that name. Depending on who is asking, the request is usually met with the Registrar's certificates of directors and secretary, shareholders and registered office, or with a certificate prepared by the company secretary. Ask the bank exactly what it will accept before you order.
Check the file before you order
A certificate only repeats what has been filed with the Registrar up to its date. If a new director was appointed but the HE4 was never filed, the certificate will show the old board. Before ordering certificates for a transaction or a bank, look at the company's file: the latest HE32 annual return, the HE4 changes of officers and the HE57 share transfers. That way you know what the certificate will say, and can file anything missing first.
When the information is enough
For due diligence, KYC checks, litigation research or simply knowing who runs and owns a company, you need the information, not an official certificate. The company file has all of it, and more: the registry company report lists the current and previous directors, secretary and shareholders, the registered office and the charges, and the scanned filings show how each one changed over time. A certificate gives only the position on one date.
ESearchCy delivers the complete company file, usually within minutes, for €20 (the Registrar's €10 file-study fee plus €10 to ESearchCy). We do not issue certificates or certified copies: those come only from the Registrar of Companies.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a certificate from the Cyprus Registrar of Companies cost?
€20 per certificate or certified copy when ordered online through the Registrar's e-filing system, plus €20 per document for the accelerated procedure. A certified copy of the memorandum and articles costs €40.
What is a certificate of good standing in Cyprus?
A certificate issued by the Registrar of Companies stating that the company exists on the register (in Greek, Πιστοποιητικό ότι η εταιρεία υφίσταται). It is ordered online, by hand or post, or by email.
Does the Cyprus Registrar issue a certificate of incumbency?
No certificate by that name. The request is usually met with the Registrar's certificates of directors and secretary, shareholders and registered office, or a certificate prepared by the company secretary. Ask the party requesting it what they accept.
Can ESearchCy get me a certificate of directors or shareholders?
No. Only the Registrar of Companies issues certificates. ESearchCy delivers the complete company file, which contains the same information with its full history, for due diligence and information.
Searching is free and needs no account. A complete company file costs €20 (the Registrar's €10 fee + €10 to ESearchCy) — and your first credit is free.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Registry records can be incomplete or out of date — see our Disclaimer.