The Wills and Succession Law determine who will inherit a person’s estate when they pass away. Cyprus succession law provides for “forced heirship”. The rules of forced heirship in Cyprus are fairly complex and inheritance depends upon which family members survive the deceased. The significance is that law determines who will inherit a person’s estate…
Amending Law 4 of 2015 introduced important innovations to Cyprus Companies Law (Cap. 113) (the “Law”). These innovations are aimed at simplifying processes and increasing competitiveness. The amendments came into effect from the 19th of June 2015. Following the amendments, it is now possible for a company to be incorporated as a general commercial company…
1. Introduction The questions below are intended to help shareholders identify and, if relevant, negotiate certain (indicative only) matters regarding regulation of a Cyprus company. The questions are aimed at providing a starting point for discussions between the owners regarding the establishment of a management structure of a Cyprus company. Note that not all the…
1. Introduction Cyprus Company Law is based on the principle of the majority rule. Consequently Cyprus courts will not generally interfere in the internal management of companies. However, in cases where shareholders become oppressed by the controlling or majority shareholders or even the board of a Company, minority or oppressed shareholders can seek redress and…
The Cyprus parliament approved a new insolvency framework aimed at streamlining and modernising the existing system and promoting a rescue culture. The legislation includes the enactment of entirely new legislation and amendments to existing legislation and relates to the insolvency of both natural and legal persons. The new Insolvency framework The new insolvency framework comprises…
A shareholders’ agreement is a confidential legal document between the shareholders of a company. As such the agreement it is not accessible to third parties unless disclosed. The agreement ensures that a mutual understanding exists between the shareholders’ by explicitly providing the agreed terms for the management and control of the company. Moreover, shareholders agreements…
Cyprus courts have jurisdiction to grant interim orders and injunctions over various issues, having extraterritorial effect. These include freezing orders (“Mareva Injunctions”), discovery and tracing orders (“Norwich Pharmacal Orders”), Garnishee Orders (“Chabra Orders”), search orders (“Anton Piller Orders”). Freezing Orders (Mareva Injunctions) Freezing injunctions over assets in any part of the world can be issued…
Disputes in Cyprus are mainly resolved in litigation proceedings by the courts. Provided all statutory and case law requirements are met, Cyprus courts have jurisdiction to grant interim orders and injunctions, with international effect. In particular they have jurisdiction to issue interim orders in support or in aid of: Judicial proceedings pending before Cyprus Courts;…
On the 20.11.2012 the European Parliament voted in favour of the proposed “recast” Brussels Regulation. The recast Brussels Regulation (EU Regulation 1215/2012) will be applied by Member State courts from the 10.01.2015. An overview of the main areas of reform under the recast Brussels Regulation are listed below in summary form. The main areas of…
On the 16th of October 2014, the European Commission requested that Cyprus and Luxembourg fully implement Directive 2011/77/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2011 amending Directive 2006/116/EC on the term of protection of copyright and certain related rights. The Directive extends the term of protection for performers and sound…