Two registers, both used
Company & Business Name Registration in Cyprus
Cyprus maintains a separate register for business names, so a trading name here is registered rather than merely used.
GCC business setup specialists
Unlike the UK, trading names are registered here
A Cyprus company name requires approval from the Registrar before incorporation. If you then trade under a different name, that business name is itself registered on a separate register — which is different from jurisdictions where a trading name can simply be used without filing. Neither registration protects the brand, which remains a trademark question, but both are compliance steps rather than optional.
- Company name approval obtained before incorporation
- Business name registered where you trade under something else
- Trademark position checked, because registration is not protection
20+
Mainland, free zone and offshore jurisdictions we file in — so the recommendation is based on your activity, not on which authority we happen to be registered with.
7,000+
Companies successfully established.
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Know the difference
Company name, business name and trademark
Three registrations, one protection.
| Company name | Business name | Trademark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approved or registered by | Registrar, before incorporation | Business names register | Trademark registry |
| Purpose | Names the legal entity | Permits trading under another name | Rights in the brand |
| Optional? | Required | Required if you use another name | Optional but advisable |
| Stops a competitor? | No | No | Yes, within its scope |
| EU-wide? | No | No | An EU mark covers Cyprus |
| Can be refused | Yes | Yes | Yes, on examination |
Name approval practice, business name registration requirements and trademark procedures are set by the authorities and change, and an EU trade mark covers Cyprus as a member state.
How it works
Settling the names
Approval, registration, then protection.
01
Get the company name approved
Options checked and submitted to the Registrar for approval, since incorporation cannot proceed without it.
02
Register the business name
Where you will trade under a different name, that name registered on the business names register.
03
Protect the brand
Trademark position assessed, with an EU mark often the efficient route since it covers Cyprus and the rest of the Union.
- Three proposed company names, ranked
- The trading name you will use, if different
- Intended business activity
- Whether the name includes a restricted term
- Whether it implies a regulated activity
- Any trademark you already hold
- Whether an EU trade mark is held
- Domain names secured
- Whether the name must match an overseas parent
- Other EU markets where the brand trades
- Whether a Greek version will be used
- Whether signage will carry the trading name
Scope
What is included, and what is not
Stated plainly, so nothing is added once the engagement starts.
Included in the service fee
- Name availability check with the Registrar
- Restricted term review
- Company name approval application
- Business name registration
- Guidance where a name is likely refused
- Alternatives prepared in advance
- Name change filings where needed
- Advice on trademark protection including the EU route
Not included, quoted separately
- Registry fees, paid at cost
- Consents for restricted terms
- Trademark registration, quoted separately
- EU trade mark filing fees
- Domain name registration
- Brand and logo design
- Signage and stationery
- Disputes with prior rights holders
Verify independently
Official Cypriot authorities
We file directly with these bodies on your behalf.
Central Bank of CyprusDepartment of Registrar of Companies and Intellectual PropertyTax DepartmentCyprus Securities and Exchange CommissionCommercial banks and their compliance functionsBeneficial ownership register
Questions
Cyprus names — FAQs
Do I have to register a trading name in Cyprus?
Yes, if you trade under a name other than the company name. Cyprus maintains a business names register, unlike some jurisdictions where no filing is needed.
Does registering the name protect my brand?
No. Neither the company name nor the business name gives exclusive rights. Trademark registration is what protects the brand.
Should I file an EU trade mark?
Often, since an EU mark covers Cyprus and the rest of the Union in a single filing. We advise based on where you actually trade.
Can the Registrar refuse my company name?
Yes, for similarity to an existing name, restricted terms, or implying a regulated activity. We prepare alternatives rather than relying on one submission.
Can I change the name later?
Yes, by resolution and filing, with consequences for the business name registration, bank mandate and contracts.
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