On the 15^th of February 2012, the Russian Duma has ratified the amending Protocol to the Cyprus-Russia Double Tax Treaty of 1998, signed on the 7^th of October 2010. Cyprus has also ratified this Protocol earlier in August 2011. The application of this ratifying Protocol on 1^st of January 2013 will finally remove Cyprus from the so called Russian “black list”, in which Cyprus was included since the 1^st of January 2008.

CIPA (Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency) has welcomed this positive ratification of the amending Protocol which confirms the excellent and strong political and economic relationship between Cyprus and Russia which keeps developing. As CIPA’s representative commented, the Cypriot economy will benefit for two main reasons; “firstly from the new Russian investments and secondly by the further strengthening of the security provided to the Russian investors.”

In addition, he noted that due to the fact that Russia is the leading investing country in Cyprus, “this agreement will also contribute to the upgrading of Cyprus as a country with a very good infrastructure for establishing cooperations with international companies.”

Cypriot Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that important perspectives will occur through the cooperation between Cyprus and Israel in the hydrocarbon sector, during the joint press conference with President of Cyprus, Mr Demetris Christofias.

Mr. Netanyahu emphasized the need of cooperation, stating that this can be very helpful in the future because, as he pointed out, the research and the cooperation on multiple sectors at once is much more useful and efficient than working and investigating one sector at a time. He also pointed out that the outlook of this cooperation can positively affect the welfare of Cyprus and of the wider region as well.

In addition, Mr. Netanyahu noted that despite the fact that the flight from Israel to Cyprus takes only 45 minutes, “it took 63 years for an Israeli Prime talked about the strong bonds and Minister to visit the island.” He also talked about the strong bonds and relationship between the people of the two countries and how this relationship has developed during the last few years. He emphasized the need and importance of continuing and extending this cooperation in other areas as well as the energy sector.

Mr. Netanyahu thanked President Demetris Christofias for the hospitality and he expressed the hope that he will be able to fill in, in the future the gap of the 63 years which took for an Israeli Prime Minister to visit Cyprus.

On the other hand, President Demetris Christofias said that both Cyprus and Israel will work effectively aiming to use the hydrocarbon reserves which have been officially confirmed within the Exclusive Economic Zones of the two countries, aiming at the welfare of both the people of Cyprus and Israel.

The President of Cyprus noted that “contacts are already in progress in order to discuss the perspective plans” which he wished to “lead in the near future to concrete suggestions for promoting the bilateral agreements between the two countries.”

Referring to the first visit of an Israeli Prime Minister in Cyprus, President Christofias said that such a visit confirms the strong and high-level relationship between the two countries.

In relation to the signing of a bilateral agreement regarding the sectors of research and rescue services, President Christofias said that it is a tangible confirmation of the increased level of cooperation and development of this cooperation level with Israel.

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Multilysis’ staff had the chance to attend the Forum which was held on the 10^th of February 2012 at Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.

The conference was organized successfully by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation, the Cyprus-Russian Business Association and the Business Council for Cooperation with Cyprus.

Addressing the Russia-Cyprus Business and Investment Forum, in Limassol yesterday, the Russian Ambassador said that in the last 20 years, ‘the gross investment volume between our countries reached one hundred billion dollars and this is a very impressive figure’, adding, ‘Trade and economic volume cooperation for the last year reached about $1.3 billion’.

Mr. Shumskiy said that ‘In trade and economic cooperation, we have reached the pre-crisis level…..We have managed within a short period of time to overcome economic and financial difficulties and we have good potentials’.

Also speaking at the Forum, President Demetris Christofias said that Cyprus was a “safe and reliable partner” for Russian businesses looking to implement their international strategic plans “in a period of political instability and uncertainty” for the region.

He noted that foreign direct investment into Cyprus from Russia has exponentially increased in recent years, showing that Cyprus is an international business hub for Russian business people. Mr. Christofias emphasized how Russia’s economy has traditionally played a significant role on the island, ‘acting as a catalyst of growth for the Cyprus economy’.

He thanked Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for his personal contribution to making the two countries’ sustain the very strong and historical ties, mutually beneficial in political, economic and business relations.

Mr. Christofias highlighted that the Forum provided an “excellent opportunity” to strengthen relations with Russia, making specific reference to potential investment in the energy sector, following from the recent gas finds in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

‘Naturally, we are expecting that Russian companies focusing on energy, today, will show interest in examining the investment opportunities now present in this sector in Cyprus,” said Mr. Christofias.

Vice-president of the Russian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Georgy Petrov said that 2011 was the year of economic revival for Russia, with GDP growth of 4.5%, adding that 2012 will be ‘even more successful’.  Mr. Petrov called for the ratification, by Duma, of the Double Taxation protocol, signed between Christofias and Medvedev during the latter’s visit to Cyprus in 2011.

At the conference, it was stressed by various speakers that one of the main goals of the Cyprus Government is to maintain its advantages and further improve the competitiveness of the economy. In this respect, the ongoing measures include, among others:

· simplification of the regulatory framework and the reduction of the administrative burden for business;

· continuous upgrading of the infrastructure in transport, energy and communications;

· promotion of research and innovation; and

· the further development of human capital.

Furthermore, all of the speakers highlighted the fact that Cyprus’ economy has proven its capability of successfully confronting challenges and that Cyprus offers considerable comparative advantages to foreign investors who are seeking a place to conduct business and that the Cyprus – Russia Business Association can and will play a vital role.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Company Formation Multilysis Services Limited

Лицам, желающим заключить гражданский брак на Кипре необходимо лично обратиться в любой отдел бракосочетаний муниципалитета ( Лимассола, Пафоса, Ларнаки, Никосии и т.д.), представляя следующие документы:

Подробная информация относительно необходимых документов:

1. Паспорта

2. Заявление касательно статуса заявителей:

неженатых(незамужних)/разведенных/овдовевших

Данные заявления (или сертификаты) выдаются ЗАГСОМ, церковным приходом, Министерством внутренних/иностранных дел, а также посольствами стран заявителей. Документы должны быть переведены на греческий или английский язык.

Заявители, которые являются обладателями паспортов Великобритании имеют право на письменное показание, даваемое под присягой  соответствующим должностным лицам, Регистратору районного суда Республики Кипр или английскому юристу. Переведенные документы должны быть заверены и подписаны вышеупомянутыми лицами

3. Свидетельство о расторжении брака

Расторжение брака должно быть подтверждено распоряжением суда и переведено на греческий или английский язык. Документы должны сопровождаться  аффидевитом, подтверждающим, что лица не вступили в повторный брак.

4. Свидетельство о смерти (в случае вдовства)

Свидетельства о смерти (оригиналы или заверенные копии) должны быть переведены на греческий или английский язык.

5. Свидетельство о рождении

Свидетельства о рождении (оригиналы или заверенными копии) должны быть переведены на греческий или английский язык.

6. Подтверждение статуса  неженатых(незамужних)/разведенных – выдается Министерством внутренних дел в г. Никосия (для киприотов)

Граждане Кипра, желающие заключить гражданский брак на Кипре должны  представить должностному лицу (Marriage Officer) подтверждение касательно их  статуса: неженатых(незамужних)/разведенных. В течение нескольких дней Регистратор Министерства внутренних дел (Никосия) осуществляет подтверждение.

С целью получения вышеуказанного подтверждения, заинтересованная сторона должна представить аффидевит касательно статуса неженатых(незамужних)/разведенных данный в суде. Разведенным требуется оригинал свидетельства о разводе.

7. Сертификат диагностики талассемии (для киприотов).

Граждане Кипра, желающие заключить гражданский брак на Кипре должны представить данный сертификат (приобретается в государственных/частных больницах).

Гражданские браки между иностранцами или иностранцами и киприотами,  осуществляются  любым из двух способов:

1. Посредством представления уведомления о бракосочетании

В данном случае брак не может состояться в течение  15 дней с даты уведомления (но не позднее трех месяцев с этой даты). После бракосочетания, супруги будут должны остаться на Кипре (по крайней мере) на  20 дней.

2. Заключение брака до истечения 15 дне

Заявители  подают заявки  мэру в любой муниципалитет Кипра, с целью регистрации их брака. Таким образом, брак может состояться в течение 2-3 дней. Для таких браков, не требуется представление каких-либо особых оснований.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC http://www.pirilides.com/ru

People who wish to have a civil wedding in Cyprus must apply in person to the Officiator of Marriage Services at the Municipality of their choice (in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaka, Nicosia etc) with the following documents:

Details concerning the necessary documents

1. Passports
2. Declaration of being single/divorce/widow/er

These declarations (or certificates) can be issued by the registry office/parish registry, the Ministry of Interior or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicants’ countries or even by their Embassies.  The documents must be translated into Greek or English.   Applicants who are holders of UK passports can make an oath in an affidavit before the relevant Official before the Registrar of a District Court of Cyprus or from a lawyer in England.  The translated documents must be certified and signed by the above mentioned legal persons.

1. Divorce certificate

The divorce certificates must be proved by either a Court Order and translated into Greek or English.   The certificates must be accompanied by an affidavit that the persons have not remarried.

1. Death certificate in case of widowhood

The death certificates, whether they are originals or certified copies, must be translated into Greek or English.

1. Birth certificate

The birth certificates whether they are originals or certified copies, must by translated into Greek or English.

1. Confirmation of being single/divorced issued by the Ministry of Interior Nicosia (for the Cypriots)

Cypriots wishing to have a civil wedding must produce the Marriage Officer with confirmation of being single/divorced that is issued by the Registrar at the Ministry of Interior Nicosia within a few days.

In order to be given the above confirmation by the Registrar Officer, the interested party should admit a sworn declaration of being single/divorced signed at a Court and the original divorce certificate that bears the seal that became absolute.

1. Certificate for Thalassaemia (for the Cypriots).

Cypriots wishing to have a civil wedding must produce a Thalassaemia certificate either from a public hospital or a private doctor.

Civil weddings between foreigners or foreigners with Cypriots can take place in either one of the two following ways:

1. By presenting notification of wedding

In this case, marriage cannot take place within the first 15 days from the date of notification and not later than three months from that date.  The interested parties will therefore have to remain in Cyprus for at least 20 days.

1. Proceed with marriage before the lap of 15 days

The interested parties apply to the Mayor of the Municipality of their choice to register their marriage.  In this way, a marriage can take place in 2-3 days. For such marriage, no special reason is required to be proven.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

]]> http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/instructions-for-civil-weddings-in-cyprus/feed/ 0 http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/instructions-for-civil-weddings-in-cyprus/ http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/instructions-for-civil-weddings-in-cyprus/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:32:35 +0000 Cyprus Legal and Corporate Services http://www.cypruslegalandcorporateservices.com/?p=936

People who wish to have a civil wedding in Cyprus must apply in person to the Officiator of Marriage Services at the Municipality of their choice (in Limassol, Paphos, Larnaka, Nicosia etc) with the following documents:

Details concerning the necessary documents

1. Passports
2. Declaration of being single/divorce/widow/er

These declarations (or certificates) can be issued by the registry office/parish registry, the Ministry of Interior or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the applicants’ countries or even by their Embassies.  The documents must be translated into Greek or English.   Applicants who are holders of UK passports can make an oath in an affidavit before the relevant Official before the Registrar of a District Court of Cyprus or from a lawyer in England.  The translated documents must be certified and signed by the above mentioned legal persons.

1. Divorce certificate

The divorce certificates must be proved by either a Court Order and translated into Greek or English.   The certificates must be accompanied by an affidavit that the persons have not remarried.

1. Death certificate in case of widowhood

The death certificates, whether they are originals or certified copies, must be translated into Greek or English.

1. Birth certificate

The birth certificates whether they are originals or certified copies, must by translated into Greek or English.

1. Confirmation of being single/divorced issued by the Ministry of Interior Nicosia (for the Cypriots)

Cypriots wishing to have a civil wedding must produce the Marriage Officer with confirmation of being single/divorced that is issued by the Registrar at the Ministry of Interior Nicosia within a few days.

In order to be given the above confirmation by the Registrar Officer, the interested party should admit a sworn declaration of being single/divorced signed at a Court and the original divorce certificate that bears the seal that became absolute.

1. Certificate for Thalassaemia (for the Cypriots).

Cypriots wishing to have a civil wedding must produce a Thalassaemia certificate either from a public hospital or a private doctor.

Civil weddings between foreigners or foreigners with Cypriots can take place in either one of the two following ways:

1. By presenting notification of wedding

In this case, marriage cannot take place within the first 15 days from the date of notification and not later than three months from that date.  The interested parties will therefore have to remain in Cyprus for at least 20 days.

1. Proceed with marriage before the lap of 15 days

The interested parties apply to the Mayor of the Municipality of their choice to register their marriage.  In this way, a marriage can take place in 2-3 days. For such marriage, no special reason is required to be proven.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

]]> http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/instructions-for-civil-weddings-in-cyprus/feed/ 0 http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/new-low-cost-airline-company-announces-its-base-at-the-international-airport-of-paphos-in-cyprus-2/ http://www.cypruslawyers.org.uk/2012/01/25/new-low-cost-airline-company-announces-its-base-at-the-international-airport-of-paphos-in-cyprus-2/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:29:46 +0000 Cyprus Legal and Corporate Services http://www.cypruslegalandcorporateservices.com/?p=933

On the 10^th of January 2012, another low cost airline announced that it welcomes its new base at the international airport of Paphos in order to carry out flights to and from Cyprus starting on the April of 2012.

The company will conduct 80 flights per week to 14 new routes such as Chania, Thessaloniki, Milan, London, Stockholm, Rome, Krakow, Frankfurt Hahn, Oslo and elsewhere. In addition, it is expected that the airline will deliver over 600,000 passengers per year and this base will sustain over 600 jobs. This base will effectively promote the tourist industry of Cyprus, making the travelling to and from Cyprus much easier, cheaper and it will make flights more frequent.

 As Alfred Van der Meer, the Chief Executive of Hermes Airport Group in Cyprus said during the press conference:  “this is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region.”

Cyprus Corporate Services Multilysis Services Limited

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

On the 10^th of January 2012, another low cost airline announced that it welcomes its new base at the international airport of Paphos in order to carry out flights to and from Cyprus starting on the April of 2012.

The company will conduct 80 flights per week to 14 new routes such as Chania, Thessaloniki, Milan, London, Stockholm, Rome, Krakow, Frankfurt Hahn, Oslo and elsewhere. In addition, it is expected that the airline will deliver over 600,000 passengers per year and this base will sustain over 600 jobs. This base will effectively promote the tourist industry of Cyprus, making the travelling to and from Cyprus much easier, cheaper and it will make flights more frequent.

 As Alfred Van der Meer, the Chief Executive of Hermes Airport Group in Cyprus said during the press conference:  “this is a great vote of confidence in the potential of both the airport and our region.”

Cyprus Corporate Services Multilysis Services Limited

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Payment of Taxes through the JCC Smart Website

Payment of Taxes through the JCC Smart website is now possible!!! The Cyprus Tax Authorities have introduced a new method for the payment of taxes.

The payments can be effected through the JCC Smart website which allows payments to be made by Credit Card.

This method of payment is restricted though, for the time being, to the following circumstances:

1. The amount due is not more than €1000 and

1. The tax is not overdue and

1. The liability is in respect of the following

• Personal income tax withheld at source (PAYE) or

• Self-assessment of income tax due or

• Withholding or self-assessment of Special Defense Contribution on interest, rent and dividends or

• Self-assessment of Special Defense Contribution in case a deemed distribution applies.

Additionally, regarding payments of tax relating to provisional tax assessments or assessments raised by the Tax Authorities, the aforementioned procedure is not yet applicable.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Corporate Services Multilysis Services Limited

Payment of Taxes through the JCC Smart Website

Payment of Taxes through the JCC Smart website is now possible!!! The Cyprus Tax Authorities have introduced a new method for the payment of taxes.

The payments can be effected through the JCC Smart website which allows payments to be made by Credit Card.

This method of payment is restricted though, for the time being, to the following circumstances:

1. The amount due is not more than €1000 and

1. The tax is not overdue and

1. The liability is in respect of the following

• Personal income tax withheld at source (PAYE) or

• Self-assessment of income tax due or

• Withholding or self-assessment of Special Defense Contribution on interest, rent and dividends or

• Self-assessment of Special Defense Contribution in case a deemed distribution applies.

Additionally, regarding payments of tax relating to provisional tax assessments or assessments raised by the Tax Authorities, the aforementioned procedure is not yet applicable.

Cyprus Lawyers N. Pirilides & Associates LLC

Cyprus Corporate Services Multilysis Services Limited