What is a Cyprus Foreign Interest Company (CFI)?

What is a Cyprus Foreign Interest Company?

A Company of Foreign Interest (CFI) is an ordinary Cyprus company, incorporated under the Companies Law, Cap. 113, whose majority shareholding is held by non-EU (third-country) nationals. What makes it special is its status with the Business Facilitation Unit: once registered there, the company can hire third-country nationals in defined roles and sponsor their Cyprus work and residence permits — something ordinary employers cannot freely do.

What can a CFI do that other companies cannot?

An approved CFI can employ third-country nationals as directors, middle management, key personnel and specialists, and sponsor their residence and work permits under the immigration framework (Aliens and Immigration Law, Cap. 105). Their non-EU family members can usually accompany them. This makes the CFI the standard vehicle for non-EU founders and staff relocating a business to Cyprus, subject to the Unit's salary and headcount conditions.

What are the requirements to set up a CFI?

Under current policy, eligibility generally requires an initial foreign direct investment of around €200,000 into the company, a genuine physical office in Cyprus, and majority non-EU ownership. Employees must be paid above minimum salary thresholds set by policy, and the company must be properly registered and tax-compliant. These figures are indicative and set by Council of Ministers decisions, so confirm them with the Business Facilitation Unit before applying.