Category F immigration permit offers permanent staying in Cyprus without need to obtain any visas, residence permit renewals or re-entry permits. Category F immigration permit can be granted to a person who can secure an annual income of an adequate amount from abroad (not earned in Cyprus).

Cyprus is likely to have repercussions as a result of Jean-Claude Juncker ’s favouring of a relaxation in EU regulation formation and monitoring schemes, reinforced by qualified majorities on matters including the additional synchronisation of blanket taxation rates across Europe.

When a Hong Kong TCSP may decline, suspend or terminate a client relationship under AML/CFT rules, including CDD, suspicion, sanctions and record-keeping.

AGENDA: Part I: Definition, types and certainties of a trust, Part II: Analysis of the Cyprus International, Trusts - Conclusion

After a recent review, changes have been made to the Singapore Companies Act 2014, which came into force on July 1st, 2015. These changes are to ensure that Singapore’s corporate regulatory framework will continue to meet changing business practices, to reduce the compliance and regulatory burden for companies.

Singapore provides a well-regulated legal framework as well as all the benefits of a stable financial centre with a reliable reputation, excellent banking system and low tax rate. Due to these factors, Singapore is one of the most optimal jurisdictions for Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) fundraising.

The European Commission supports Cyprus Schengen accession. Learn the timeline, Green Line conditions, and what this means for businesses, investors, and residents.

Cyprus joining Schengen in 2026: Analysis of visa-free travel, investor residency benefits & business implications for companies using Cyprus structures.

Singapore's CSP framework moves beyond RFA filing compliance, covering corporate services, nominee directors, remote onboarding and AML/CPF/CFT controls.

AGENDA: Introduction to Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HK SAR), Company incorporation in Hong Kong, Company maintenance, Tax treatment, Key benefits

A formal enquiry into the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca has been launched by the European Parliament’s Committee, which found gaps in beneficial ownership transparency for trusts and fiduciaries and didn’t meet the EU standard.

Learn when Hong Kong company formation, registered office, company secretary, nominee or trustee services may require a TCSP licence.

According to the Singapore regulations the digital tokens can be classified as “securities” or as “utilities”. The real nature of the digital token identifies the rights attached to it and the terms of its regulation.

In a bid to make Singapore a shipping hub, various incentives were introduced to make it attractive to have shipping activities in Singapore. Essentially the provisions that govern the exemption of shipping activities in Singapore are found in Section 13A and Section 13F of the Singapore Income Tax Act (SITA).

In a new action plan adopted in October 2021, the Cypriot government announced a course to attract foreign investment, businesses and expats. In addition, the authorities' representatives announced several innovations, which concerned mainly immigration law.

Under Section 12(7) (d), rent or other payments under any agreement or arrangement for the use of any movable property shall be deemed derived from Singapore.

Recently, the Cyprus economy has seen relatively steady growth rates and booming tourism levels over the last few years. The relatively high increase of GDP can be attributed to a number of factors: declining official unemployment rates; surplus government funds and the raising of large financial deals in international markets.

An Electronic Money Institution (popularly known as an EMI for short) is a fully licensed financial institution which engages in electronic payment services. The full license for a Hong Kong electronic money institution currently has no restrictions to either trading period or sector of activities.

Understand how Hong Kong TCSPs use a risk-based AML/CFT approach, why client document requests differ and how to prepare.

Last month, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a series of important judgments dealing with tax avoidance and beneficial ownership in the context of the EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive (PSD) and the Interest and Royalties Directive (IRD).

Complete guide to Singapore CSP Act 2024 registration requirements, AML/CFT rules for corporate service providers and extended 13O/13U tax incentives for family offices.

It should be noted that bookkeeping in new Singapore companies is not just keeping records and receipts. As an entrepreneur, you will need a vast amount of new knowledge in managing and reconciling these records. When taking the first independent steps in the accounting business of a Singaporean company, your actions must be verified and well thought out to avoid future financial complications.

AGENDA: Panama Papers: details about what happened and why, Offshore companies: are they legal?, Mossak Fonseca, Worldwide reaction & response to the leak, Consequences: cause & effect, Further implications, What to do after the leak, implications to the offshore world and service providers. Tax planning in a new context, How can ECS help?

AGENDA: Main criteria for choosing of a bank, Corporate Bank account Opening, What you need to know for Singapore as jurisdiction, Main requirements for a bank account opening in Singapore, Corporate Bank Account Maintenance, Automatic exchange of Information, Closing of Corporate Bank Accounts in Singapore

The European Commission has published proposals to tighten its rules on emergency freezing, return and confiscation of assets, including confiscating the wealth of unknown origin without a conviction.

A practical guide to beneficial ownership in Hong Kong, including UBO identification, Significant Controllers Register requirements, nominee structures and TCSP due diligence.

Cyprus is a European country that is attracting the most interest from critics of the scheme due to Cyprus being the jurisdiction granting the highest number of passports. Opponents of the scheme are also alluding to the prospect of using potentially recycled or laundered funds to keep Europe a float.

The transformation of the sector inevitably requires appropriate funding, and ship financing has become critical for the shipbuilding sector and shipping companies worldwide. The financing aspect of shipping includes the corporate financial management of shipping companies to refinance existing debts and the financing of new shipbuilding.

There are many factors that influence an investor to obtain a second citizenship in another country. Aspects such as relocation, retirement, security or even long-term plans for future generations are all benefits and considerations in the prospectus for investment. Several countries now offer this option through different investment schemes.

Singapore's CSP framework moves beyond RFA filing compliance, covering corporate services, nominee directors, remote onboarding and AML/CPF/CFT controls.

In this article, we will try to succinctly describe the technical and legal characteristics of Cryptocurrencies. The understanding of Cryptocurrencies is crucial for today’s modern payment services and investment opportunities around the world.

Compare Singapore vs Hong Kong for business in 2025. Expert analysis of taxes, industry opportunities, costs and which Asian hub suits your expansion goals.

The UAE recently released their own version of CFC legislation: The Cabinet of Ministers Resolution n.31/2019 which came into effect in April earlier this year, in order to better regulate Economic Substance (ES) in the United Arab Emirates.

An analysis of the implications regarding some of the corporate structure elements in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) business companies and Cyprus companies, by explaining their key characteristics and evaluating how each jurisdiction is adhering to the increasingly strict compliance standards.

Master Hong Kong's 2025 transfer pricing updates. Learn about new documentation rules, controlled transactions & TP compliance for MNEs. Avoid penalties with our strategic guide.

AGENDA: Scheme, Benefits & Criteria, The Process, Next Steps

The Income Tax Act does not give a definition for royalties. However, royalties can be defined as a payment for the right to use a patent, copyright and other intellectual property. E.g. payment for every book sold or an artist album sold on VCD.

Cyprus reforms sanctions law, increasing corporate liability. Learn about enhanced due diligence, penalties, and compliance strategies for 2026 enforcement.

Expert analysis of Cyprus new defensive tax measures for 2025. Learn about WHT on dividends, interest deduction denial for blacklisted and low-tax jurisdictions.

Plan the first year after relocating a business to Hong Kong: accounting records, audit, Profits Tax Returns, offshore claims and transfer pricing.

Nowadays, an increasing number of Russian companies are required to prepare their Financial Statements as per the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

AGENDA: What is a contract?, How is a contract made?, What is required for a legally binding contract?, When does a contract become effective?, Illegal and voidable contracts, Remedies

Cyprus Minister of Finance Mr Harris Georgiades released a statement condemning critics of the Cyprus passport by investment programme that has seen raise over €4 billion since the launch of the scheme in 2013 which was implemented to attract foreign investment to mitigate damage in light of the banking crisis.

Compare Singapore’s 2026 SFO licensing exemption with Hong Kong’s proposed family-office tax reforms, including eligibility, substance and compliance.

Why Singapore company bank account opening depends on ownership records, nominee arrangements, business rationale, source of funds and compliance evidence.

A practical guide to higher-risk customers, PEPs, sanctions screening and enhanced due diligence for Singapore corporate service providers.

AGENDA: Purpose and definition of a Double Tax Treaty ('DTT'), Types of DTTs dealing with tax matters, History of DTTs, DTTs and domestic law, Format and structure of a DTTs, Tax covered and not covered by DTTs, Interpretation of DTTs.

Royalty is the consideration for the use of, or the right to use any copyright of literacy (Software), or any artistic or scientific work. It consists of patent, trade mark, design or model, secret formula, information or process which is usually a secret and not commonly available in the public domain. Information (know-how which is not registered) concerning industrial, commercial or scientific experience.

The audit exemption is applicable if it is a private company with an annual revenue of SGD $5 million or less. This approach is being replaced by a new small company concept which will also determine exemption from statutory audit.

Complete guide to Cyprus 2025 labor law reforms: EU directives implementation, remote work rules, overtime pay, and employer compliance requirements.

AGENDA: Definitions, Regulatory framework in the U.S., Regulatory framework in the E.U., Regulatory framework in Singapore

Hong Kong Profits Tax guide for SME owners: rates, territorial source, records, audit readiness and evidence needed for tax filing.

Hong Kong business relocation guide on bank account readiness, beneficial ownership transparency, SCR records and practical banking due diligence.

Filing annual returns can be risky for a small company just starting a business. Also, you will have to deal with other issues, such as compliance with the law. To simplify the process of filing annual returns, you need to know the essential requirements.

Complete guide to the Cyprus Digital Nomad Visa. Learn about the €3,500 income requirement, step-by-step application, tax residency rules (Non-Dom status), and why Cyprus is a top remote work hub.

A shipping operator who operates Singapore ships or foreign ships can enjoy exemption of specified income as a ‘shipping enterprise’ under Section 13A of the SITA.

AGENDA: Cyprus Work Permit, Singapore Employment Pass, Cyprus Citizenship; scheme for naturalisation by exception of investors.

AGENDA: The division of power between the board of directors and the shareholders, Types of directors, their appointment and removal procedures, The purpose and extent of directors’ duties including to whom directors owe their duties, Nominee directors and risks that may arise, The regulation of directors contracting with their companies, The remedies and reliefs for breach of duty

Establishing a Shareholder Agreement will effectively set out the organisations fundamental running’s, some examples include how decisions are agreed upon and implemented; how shares can be sold or transferred. It guarantees that founding member roles are clear on the company’s main principles, and in agreement that all obligations are assigned fairly.

The Cyprus Tax Department has released a notification to all Cyprus based Financial Institutions & Service Providers of the new guidance notes on the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information and other information relating to the Common Reporting Standard (CRS).

AGENDA: Why did Trusts & Foundations gain popularity?, Modern offshore trust legislation was created following a demand from High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) looking to protect their property, Trusts, What is a trust? Common Law view: fundamental principles, Trusts in Modern Offshore Trust Legislation, Use of Trusts in asset protection as well as succession of wealth and distribution, Foundations, When is a Foundation used instead of a Trust?, Foundations: creation and management.

Paid-up capital refers to the amount paid on shares issued by a company. These may be ordinary, preference shares or shares of some other class.

The Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus held a press conference dedicated to launching the Action Plan to attract companies to conduct activities and expand in Cyprus. The above Action plan is a significant improvement in promoting Cyprus as an international business centre.

At the request of a Cyprus company’s Shareholder, where it is proven that a more comprehensive investigation is required regarding a company’s activities, the court can issue a declaration of investigation by an inspector appointed by the Cyprus Council of Ministers.

In the following article, we will summarise and weigh up the differences between a limited company and a limited liability partnership to provide increased clarity between the two structures.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has issued amendments to the current legislation regarding company mergers and commercial take-overs as per section 139 of the Securities and Futures Act in Singapore.

Cyprus is a favourable jurisdiction for creating international trusts which are governed by the 1992 International Trusts Law which regulates the establishment and administration of International Trusts. The International Trust Law compliments the Trustee Law which is based on the English Trustee Act 1925.

UK non-dom regime ends April 2025. New 4-year FIG regime for foreign income & gains, inheritance tax changes. Strategic planning for wealthy individuals.

Company Secretary is typically named a Corporate Secretary or just a Secretary. The Company Secretary is responsible for the efficient administration of a company, particularly with regards to ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and also for ensuring that decisions of the board of directors are implemented.

Since 1 November 2007, companies in Singapore are required to file financial statements with ACRA, and filing financial statements in XBRL. With effect from 3 March 2014, the revised XBRL filing requirements under the BizFinx system apply.

An individual is considered to be tax resident in Cyprus by spending a total (consecutive or otherwise) of 183 days or more in any one calendar year in Cyprus. Anyone earning an income in Cyprus falls into two categories.

AGENDA: What is compliance and what is it for?, Relevant legislation, Principles of implementing of the compliance function, How to organise compliance control in the company, The basic skills that an expert in the sphere of compliance should have, Example of good implementation of compliance function

The Singapore Tax Authority (IRAS) have special rules relating to the taxation of investment companies. An investment company is one that owns investments such as properties, shares, bonds and therefore derives income such as rental, dividend and interest.

The 2017 G20 leaders’ summit took place in Hamburg last week where the European Commission Council and leaders discussed the priorities and primary projects for the upcoming summit. EC President Jean-Claude Juncker has stated that advancing the global combat against tax evasion is top of the list.

The June 2019 plenary session of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ended with the issuance of a binding interpretive note for international regulation of virtual assets and virtual-asset service providers.

Since the report on the collapse of the Cooperative Credit System was released recently, everyone seemed to have an opinion on the matter about who was to blame for the whole debacle. The report was fairly conclusive, giving a general overview of what the public enquiry discovered.

Review Hong Kong company records, filings, accounts, tax evidence, ownership data and bank profile before compliance gaps become issues.

Income, earned by a Cyprus tax resident individual, arising from the rental of immovable property which is situated in Cyprus is taxable both under the Cyprus Income Tax and the Special Contribution Tax legislation.

Belize has amended its International Business Companies Act. These changes were to maintain its financial services industry in the increasingly regulated international market & meet the OECD white list requirements.

Pursuant to Part III of Chapter 113 of Cyprus legislation, Mortgage Registration with the Cyprus Registrar emerges as compulsory by law. Certain formalities need to be followed regarding the filing of such registration as well as any amendment, concession and any other alteration which takes place following the formation of a Company in the Republic of Cyprus.

Significant changes to the commercial and company law in Singapore have come into effect. The changes to the Singapore Companies Act will hopefully make business entities more transparent as well as mitigating the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission has indicted 11 individuals for their role in creating and promoting Forsage, an alleged fraudulent cryptocurrency pyramid scheme and Ponzi scheme that raised over $300m from private investors worldwide.

The Singapore authorities are not ready to completely give up market control. A free economy should not harm the legislative, judicial and executive systems of government. With the advent of new powers of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, doing business in the jurisdiction will become more complicated.

While the crypto-frenzy has significantly cooled down so far in 2019, with values in currencies like Bitcoin falling; meanwhile Fin-tech has continued to snowball, pioneering the likes of blockchain technologies, digital wallets and mobile applications.