General Overview
- Legal Basis: Governed by the Alternative Investment Funds Law of 2018.
- Regulatory Oversight: Not subject to direct supervision by the Cyprus Securities and Exchange
- Commission (CySEC); oversight is via the appointed Alternative Investment Fund Manager (AIFM).
- Target Investors: Available to Well-Informed and Professional Investors.
- Setup Timeframe: The setup timeframe ranges from 4 to 6 weeks, though it can vary depending on the complexity of the structure.
Key Features
- Corporate Flexibility: Can be structured as:
- Common Fund (CF)
- Variable Capital Investment Company (VCIC)
- Fixed Capital Investment Company (FCIC)
- Limited Partnership (LP)
- Investment Scope: No investment restrictions unless specified by the AIFM’s policies.
- No Prior Regulatory Approval: No direct authorisation by CySEC, ensuring a faster launch.
- Umbrella Structure: Can include multiple sub-funds with separate assets and liabilities.
- EU Passporting Rights: Managed by an AIFM, allowing marketing across the EU.
Taxation
- Corporate Tax: Standard 15% corporate income tax rate.
- No Withholding Tax on dividend distributions to non-resident investors.
- No Subscription Tax on net assets.
- Access to Cyprus’ Double Tax Treaty Network for tax optimization.
Governance & Service Providers
- AIFM Requirement: Must be managed by an authorized AIFM in Cyprus or another EU country.
- Depositary Requirement: Must appoint a local depositary.
- Central Administration: Must be based in Cyprus.
- Auditor: Appointment of a Cyprus-registered auditor is mandatory.
Advantages of a Cyprus RAIF
- No Regulatory Approval Needed: Only a notification to CySEC is required.
- Fast & Cost-Effective Setup: Lower compliance costs than regulated funds.
- Flexible Investment Strategy: No predefined investment restrictions.
- EU Passporting: Facilitates cross-border fund distribution.
- Attractive Tax Regime: Competitive corporate tax and tax treaty benefits.
Use Cases
- Private Equity & Venture Capital Funds
- Real Estate Investment Vehicles
- Hedge Funds & Debt Funds
- Infrastructure Investments
Setup & Support by KENDRIS Capital
- Assistance with RAIF structuring and registration.
- Drafting of regulatory documents (Fund Prospectus, Limited Partnership Agreement, etc.).
- Ongoing fund management, administration, and compliance services.
Cyprus RAIF Factsheet
Key contact
Nikolas Charalambous
Managing Director
MBA, BSc. Accounting
Kyriacos Antonaki
Head of AML & Compliance
MBA, BSc. Economics
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