Corporate & Business Law Support for Foreign Companies in North Cyprus

North Cyprus (TRNC) has become an attractive destination for foreign investors and companies looking to establish a presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. As a law firm with expertise in corporate and business law in North Cyprus, we offer comprehensive support to foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses operating in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and across the TRNC. North Cyprus is not only known for its tourism and real estate, but also as a growing platform for international business. The government actively welcomes foreign investment, providing expatriate business owners the same rights as locals in many sectors. Favorable tax laws, confidentiality, low levels of bureaucracy, and a relatively straightforward company formation process make TRNC an appealing jurisdiction to start or expand a business. Our legal team is here to guide you through every step – from setting up a new company to ensuring ongoing compliance with local laws.

Starting a Business in North Cyprus: Key Legal Steps

Company Formation: The primary legal vehicle for most businesses in TRNC is a limited liability company governed by the Companies Law (Cap. 113). To register a company, you will need at least two people (they can be foreign nationals) as shareholders or directors. We assist clients in preparing all required documentation, including:

• Name Reservation: Proposing a unique company name (certain terms may be restricted by law).
• Shareholders and Capital: Determining the share structure. In general, foreigners can own 100% of a business in most sectors. However, if the company’s activities involve real estate development or construction, foreign ownership is capped at 49%, with a Turkish Cypriot partner holding 51%. We advise on structuring partnerships or joint ventures in such cases.
• Capital Requirements: North Cyprus requires a minimum capital deposit when incorporating. For a fully foreign-owned company, the amount is typically $100,000 (USD) placed in a TRNC bank at the time of registration. If you have a local partner with majority ownership (e.g., 51% local), the required capital is lower (around $49,000 for the foreign 49% share). This ensures the company has sufficient funds to begin operations. We facilitate the necessary bank processes and paperwork to meet this requirement.
• Documentation: Submitting copies of all shareholders’ passports, and obtaining police clearance or certificates of good conduct for company members as required. We also draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association in accordance with TRNC law, outlining the company’s purpose, share distribution, and governance structure.
• Registration: Filing the incorporation documents with the North Cyprus Companies Registry. We handle liaison with the registry officials to obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and other corporate documents (like director appointments and share certificates). Typically, the incorporation process in TRNC is efficient and can be completed within a few weeks if all paperwork is in order.

Navigating Corporate Law and Compliance

Once your company is established, our support continues with a range of corporate legal services. North Cyprus’s legal system, while unique in its political status, has foundations in English company law principles, which can be familiar to international investors. Nonetheless, there are local regulations and practices that must be observed:

• Licensing and Permits: Depending on your industry, you may need special licenses (for example, a tourism operation license, casino license, or educational institution permit). We identify and help obtain all necessary permits from authorities in Nicosia or Kyrenia, ensuring your business operates legally from day one.
• Employment & Work Visas: Hiring staff in TRNC, especially foreign staff, involves compliance with local labor laws and immigration rules. Our firm can draft employment contracts that comply with North Cyprus employment law and assist in securing work permits for foreign employees or residency permits for foreign directors. (See our Employment Law and Immigration sections for more detail on these processes.)
• Tax Compliance: Corporate tax rates in North Cyprus are business-friendly, and there are incentives for certain sectors. We work with tax advisors to ensure your company meets its tax filing obligations and maximizes any available benefits. We ensure that requirements like maintaining proper accounting records, submitting annual returns, and auditing (if applicable) are fulfilled in line with TRNC’s Companies Law.
• Corporate Governance: For ongoing operations, we provide counsel on shareholders’ meetings, director duties, changes in shareholding, and any restructuring or expansion. If your business grows, we help amend your corporate documents or increase capital as needed. Our lawyers can also act as company secretary or local registered contact for official correspondence if required.
• Contracts and Transactions: Businesses frequently need robust contracts – whether for leasing offices in Kyrenia, engaging suppliers, or providing services to clients. We draft and review all types of commercial agreements to ensure they are enforceable under North Cyprus law and protect your interests. This includes partnership agreements, distribution contracts, franchising agreements, and more.
• Intellectual Property: If you are bringing a brand or product into North Cyprus, we assist with trademark registration and protection of intellectual property in the TRNC, safeguarding your brand and innovations.

Support for Foreign Investors and Companies

Our firm’s corporate practice is tailored to foreign companies and expatriate investors. Many of our clients are entrepreneurs from the UK, Europe, or the Middle East who need a trustworthy local partner to handle legal formalities. We pride ourselves on clear communication – providing updates in English and explaining local legal nuances in a way that makes sense to you. Whether you are setting up a small local branch or a large international venture, we scale our services to your needs.

We also assist foreign companies in mergers and acquisitions involving North Cyprus entities, conduct legal due diligence on local businesses, and advise on joint ventures with Turkish Cypriot partners. In addition, if you wish to operate within specialized zones like the Famagusta Free Zone or establish an International Business Company (IBC), our lawyers can guide you through the specific regulations and benefits associated with those routes.

Local Insight, Global Standards

North Cyprus’s unique political situation (recognized only by Turkey) means doing business here requires local insight. Our team in Nicosia and Kyrenia keeps abreast of all legislative updates and government policies affecting businesses. We combine this local knowledge with international professionalism. From the initial investment decision to day-to-day operation, we aim to remove legal hurdles so you can focus on growing your business. With booming sectors like tourism, construction, higher education, and more, North Cyprus offers significant opportunities – and we are here to ensure you can capitalize on them legally and efficiently.

Call to Action: If you are planning to start or expand a business in North Cyprus, or need legal support for your current operations, contact our corporate law team today. We offer strategic, proactive legal counsel to help your company thrive in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and beyond. Let us handle the legal details while you focus on success.

City-Specific Corporate & Business Law Support in North Cyprus

Corporate Legal Services in Nicosia (Lefkoşa)

As the capital and administrative center of the TRNC, Nicosia is where most government institutions, corporate registries, and business licensing offices are located. Our business law firm in Nicosia offers comprehensive assistance for foreign investors launching or managing companies in the city. From company formation in North Cyprus to navigating commercial regulations, our legal team ensures full compliance with TRNC laws.

We specialize in drafting robust shareholder agreements, obtaining business permits, and ensuring companies meet their corporate governance obligations. Whether you're forming a limited liability company or expanding through a joint venture, our corporate legal services in Nicosia are tailored to your business model.

Business Setup and Legal Advisory in Kyrenia (Girne)

Known for its tourism and real estate activity, Kyrenia (Girne) is a hotspot for foreign entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our team provides end-to-end support for company formation in Kyrenia, including real estate licensing, commercial lease agreements, and business licensing applications.

If you're entering the hospitality or retail market in Kyrenia, we assist in structuring contracts with local vendors and ensuring regulatory compliance. Our legal support for companies in Kyrenia also includes employment law compliance, work visa processing, and IP registration for foreign brands operating in the region.

Business Law Services in Famagusta (Gazimağusa)

As a commercial hub with growing access to international markets, Famagusta offers advantages such as the Famagusta Free Zone, where foreign companies can operate with specific incentives. Our corporate lawyers in Famagusta guide investors through the process of business incorporation, including structuring cross-border partnerships, applying for industrial or import-export licenses, and handling legal due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

We also provide trademark registration, review commercial contracts, and help secure tax incentives available to companies operating in special economic zones. For tech firms, logistics providers, and educational institutions, Famagusta is an ideal base – and we ensure legal peace of mind for long-term operation.

Comprehensive Business Support in İskele (Trikomo)

An emerging investment destination, İskele (Trikomo) is rapidly developing with new residential projects and infrastructure growth. For foreign investors, it offers an excellent opportunity to enter the real estate, tourism, and construction sectors. Our corporate legal services in İskele focus on helping clients start a business in İskele, draft commercial contracts, and comply with local zoning and property laws.

We assist foreign nationals with company incorporation in İskele TRNC, work permit acquisition, and corporate structuring to optimize legal ownership and taxation. If you're planning to invest in real estate, we guide you through laws limiting foreign ownership in land development and help structure partnerships with local Turkish Cypriot partners for projects requiring majority local shareholding.

Our clients in İskele also benefit from:

• Business visa and residency application support
• Legal reviews of property development contracts
• Advice on forming International Business Companies (IBCs) under TRNC guidelines
• Ongoing legal compliance and registered address services

???? Strategic Legal Coverage Across All TRNC Cities

From the government offices of Nicosia to the resort-driven commerce of Kyrenia, the free trade potential of Famagusta, and the rising investment appeal of İskele, our law firm offers a unified, city-specific approach to corporate law in North Cyprus. Our multilingual team provides:

• Customized incorporation strategies
• Licensing and contract support
• Tax and employment law guidance
• Corporate restructuring and M&A services
• Intellectual property protection across all jurisdictions

We act as both your local counsel and strategic advisor, translating TRNC’s legal complexity into clear steps for business success.

Launch or Expand Your Business with Confidence

If you’re considering business opportunities in North Cyprus, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Whether you need a business law firm in İskele, assistance with company formation in Famagusta, or ongoing corporate compliance in Nicosia or Kyrenia, our experienced team is ready to help.

Contact us today for a consultation and take the first step toward legal clarity and business growth across Nicosia, Kyrenia, Famagusta, and İskele.