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Understanding the Role of a Company Secretary in Cyprus

A company secretary is crucial for legal compliance and strong corporate governance for any business operating in Cyprus, handling essential administrative and legal duties. Appointing a professional ensures your company meets all local regulations and maintains proper records.

Understanding the Role of a Company Secretary in Cyprus
August 24, 2025
8 min read

Understanding the Role of a Company Secretary in Cyprus

For any business operating in Cyprus, a **company secretary** is a crucial part of the corporate structure and a key player in ensuring legal compliance. The role goes beyond simple administrative tasks; the company secretary is a central figure in a company's governance and is responsible for a number of legal and administrative duties. This guide will provide a detailed look at the role of a company secretary in Cyprus, covering their legal duties, responsibilities, and the importance of having a professional in this position. For a broader overview of the local business environment, you can read our guide on The AI-Powered Marketer: Business Adviser. You can also explore our guide on Cyprus Company Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide 2025.


1. The Legal and Administrative Duties of a Company Secretary

The role of a company secretary is a legal requirement for every limited company in Cyprus. The secretary is responsible for a number of duties that are designed to ensure that the company is legally compliant and that its records are well-maintained. The duties are wide-ranging and include everything from administrative tasks to legal and financial compliance. For more information about these services, you can visit our Professional Corporate Services section.

Maintaining Company Records

The company secretary is responsible for maintaining all the company's official records, such as the minute books of board meetings, the register of directors and shareholders, and the company's legal documents. These records are a crucial part of the company's legal identity and are often required for legal and administrative purposes. The secretary is also responsible for ensuring that all the records are up-to-date and in compliance with the local laws. Our directory of all businesses can help you find a good partner.

Filing with the Registrar of Companies

The company secretary is the main point of contact between the company and the Registrar of Companies. The secretary is responsible for filing all the necessary documents with the Registrar, such as the company's annual financial statements, the appointment of new directors, and any changes to the company's name or address. This is a very important part of the legal requirements and should be handled by a professional to avoid any legal or financial issues. You can find a professional to help with this in our directory of Professional Corporate Services.

Corporate Governance

The company secretary also plays a crucial role in the company's corporate governance. The secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company's board of directors and shareholders are aware of their legal duties and responsibilities. The secretary also provides legal and administrative advice to the board of directors and ensures that all the board meetings are conducted in a legally compliant way. This is a very important part of the company's corporate governance and is a key factor in its success. For more on the local business environment, you can check out our guide on Avoiding Double Taxation with a Cyprus Holding Company.


2. The Importance of a Professional Company Secretary

While a company secretary can be a natural person or a legal entity, it is highly recommended to appoint a professional corporate services provider or a lawyer to act as your company secretary. A professional will have the necessary expertise and knowledge of the local laws and regulations to ensure that your company is legally compliant and that its records are well-maintained. The professional will also provide a number of other services, such as a registered office, accounting services, and a number of other administrative tasks. This is a great way to ensure a smooth and efficient operation of your company and to focus on your core business activities. You can find more information about this in our Cyprus Company Formation Requirements for Foreigners.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it a legal requirement to have a company secretary in Cyprus?

Yes, it is a legal requirement for every limited company in Cyprus to have a company secretary. The secretary is a central figure in a company's governance and is responsible for a number of legal and administrative duties. The secretary can be a natural person or a legal entity. You can find a professional to help with this in our directory of Professional Corporate Services.

2. What are the main duties of a company secretary?

The main duties of a company secretary include maintaining all the company's official records, such as the minute books of board meetings, the register of directors and shareholders, and the company's legal documents. The secretary is also responsible for filing all the necessary documents with the Registrar of Companies and for ensuring that the company's board of directors and shareholders are aware of their legal duties and responsibilities. You can also get more help on Cyprus Company Registration in our guide.

3. Can a company's director also be the company secretary?

Yes, a company's director can also be the company secretary, but this is not recommended. The roles of a director and a company secretary are distinct, and a person who holds both positions may have a conflict of interest. It is always best to appoint a separate person for each role to ensure a clear separation of duties and a better corporate governance. Our guide on Avoiding Double Taxation with a Cyprus Holding Company provides more detail.

4. Do I need to be a resident of Cyprus to be a company secretary?

Yes, the company secretary must be a resident of Cyprus to ensure that the company is managed and controlled from the island, which is important for tax residency. The company secretary is responsible for a number of legal and administrative duties that require a local presence. You can also explore our guide on Cyprus Company Formation Requirements for Foreigners.

5. What is the difference between a company secretary and an administrator?

The role of a company secretary is a legal requirement that is responsible for the legal and administrative duties of a company. An administrator is a person who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company. The roles are distinct, and a company secretary is a crucial part of the company's corporate governance. For more on the local business environment, you can check out our guide on Cyprus Shelf Companies.

6. What qualifications does a company secretary need?

A company secretary does not need any specific professional qualifications. However, it is highly recommended to appoint a professional who has a deep understanding of the local laws and regulations and a number of years of experience in the field. A professional will have the necessary expertise and knowledge to ensure that your company is legally compliant. You can find a professional to help with this in our directory of Professional Corporate Services.

7. What is the cost of a company secretary?

The cost of a company secretary can vary greatly depending on the firm you choose and the services they provide. For a small, dormant company, the cost can start from around €500 per year. For a more active company, the cost can be much higher. The cost is a crucial part of the company's annual expenses and should be budgeted for. You can also get more help on Costs to Set Up a Limited Company in Cyprus in our guide.

8. How can a company secretary help with a company's financial records?

The company secretary is responsible for maintaining all the company's official records, including the financial records. The secretary will work with the company's accountant to ensure that the financial records are well-maintained and in compliance with the local laws. This is a very important part of the company's legal and financial requirements. You can find a suitable accounting or auditing firm in our business directory.

9. Can a virtual office provider act as a company secretary?

Yes, many virtual office providers also offer company secretarial services. This is a great option for businesses that operate remotely and want a cost-effective solution. The virtual office provider will handle all the administrative tasks, such as mail forwarding and call answering, and the company secretarial services will handle all the legal and administrative duties. You can read our guide on Virtual Office in Cyprus for more information. You can also explore our business directory of all businesses on the island to find a good partner.

10. What is the legal framework for a company secretary in Cyprus?

The legal framework for a company secretary is set out in the Companies Law, Cap. 113. The law is based on British Common Law and provides a clear and robust framework for corporate governance. The law outlines the duties, responsibilities, and legal requirements of a company secretary and is a crucial part of the local business environment. You can also get more help and information on our FAQ and Guides page.


Your Business Journey Starts Here

Understanding the role of a company secretary is a crucial step for a legally compliant and successful business in Cyprus. With a clear understanding of the duties and the right professional guidance, you can ensure a smooth and efficient operation.

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