The Republic of Cyprus or simply Cyprus is an island country located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is the third largest and most populous island in the Mediterranean. Cyprus is located North of Egypt, South of Turkey, West of Lebanon and Syria, Northwest of Israel and finally – Southeast of Greece.

As Cyprus is a former British Colony, approximately 80% of the population speak English relatively fluently. Similarly, also the legal system is developed based on the common law practiced in England. Cyprus is a free market economy that provides various opportunities including efficient tax planning for international businesses. With first-class accounting and legal services and excellent geographical location, Cyprus is a great place for doing business. The country is known to be a leader among tax planning jurisdictions, therefore incorporating a company in Cyprus is an ideal way to protect your business. During the last decade, Cyprus’ role in the international tax planning has grown dramatically. As an EU member state, Cyprus has gained a reputation as a legitimate and reliable jurisdiction with over 40 double tax treaties and some of the lowest taxes in the EU.

Benefits of acquiring Cypriot shelf company
If you have decided, that Cyprus is the right jurisdiction for your business, you can either incorporate a new company or you can acquire a ready-made company. Ready-made companies are legal entities that have been incorporated some time ago and since then, have been “sitting on the shelf” for investors to buy them and start operating this company. Due to this comparison, ready-made companies are also called shelf companies. There are several benefits of acquiring a shelf company.

The main aim of a shelf company is to provide the investor with a company that has a clean history as often older companies are perceived as more trustworthy, reputable and reliable than newly incorporated businesses. Acquiring a shelf company is also quicker in comparison to the incorporation process of a new company. This turns out to be a major advantage for many entrepreneurs who need to start trading as soon as possible.

Acquisition of a Cyprus shelf company
Acquisition of a shelf company in Cyprus is typically a simple and fast process. Companies that specialise in selling shelf companies offer full service. This means that together with the company itself, they can also provide a full set of corporate documents, company secretary, a registered office, nominee shareholders and directors, a company bank account with internet bank and debit cards, VAT number, and even a support for the first year of operation if necessary.

Generally, the procedure of a shelf company acquisition is fully organized by the service provider and it only takes 24 hours for you to be able to start trading. The process of a shelf company acquisition may differ among different service providers, but it generally takes 4 steps to buy a ready-made company:

Step 1. You choose a company from a list provided in your service providers’ web page;

Step 2. Your service provider sends you an invoice that needs to be paid;

Step 3. You file a signed Know Your Client form, a copy of your passport and a utility bill on your name;

Step 4. The service provider prepares your chosen company and all necessary documentation, which includes: all company incorporation documents, an open date share transfer agreement with your name, a trust deed prepared by the shareholders and nominee directors for you and some other informative documents. All the documents are sent to your address the same day. Since the company is already registered and has a VAT number, you can start trading the same day.

It is important for you to carefully consider which service provider is the most suitable for your needs as their offered service packages differ along with the prices and reliability. It is up to you to do a full due diligence for you to be able to trust your service provider. For example, while some service providers offer shelf companies with an already opened bank account, others offer an opportunity to open it only after the acquisition of the company, which will typically take several days.

Typically, shelf companies have a legal structure of a Private Limited Liability Company, which is also the most popular type of structure among newly incorporated companies. The popularity of this structure can be explained by the limited responsibility shareholders have in regards to the company’s debt and other liabilities. Also, the minimum capital is smaller in comparison to Public Limited Liability Companies – 5,000 EUR.

There are 119358 km² of cultivated land in Ethiopia, and it comprises 11% of the country's total territory. In Ethiopia, permanent crops occupy 7278 km² of the land. This comprises 1% of the country's total territory. There are 112080 km² of arable land in Ethiopia. and it comprises 10% of the country's total territory. 85% of the population are working in agriculture. There are around 3000 tractors in use in the country.

The development of telecommunications and economic globalization have made it possible for interested investors to set up companies all over the world. With proper research, financial investment and legal backing, business ventures can be safely incorporated in almost any country in the world. Building an international business used to be a complicated entrepreneurial venture, but today it is commonplace with the help of experienced legal and business advisors.

The advantages of founding a company abroad are as numerous as they are obvious. Many countries offer specific locational advantages, ranging from natural resources and well-established infrastructure to beneficial laws and regulations that encourage growth in a particular industry. Likewise, it can be difficult to start a business or an acquisition in your own country due to adverse situations: political or regulatory environment, lack of resources and more. In this situation, it makes sense to consider an overseas option that offers greater opportunities for growth, development, and success.

Company registration in Tonga
When starting a business in Tonga, an interested investor must conduct due diligence on legal procedures, international regulations and sufficient investment for success. It is crucial to understand cultural, social and political factors that influence starting and growing one's business. Failure to do so may result in unintended consequences. Poorly researched and toneless international launches often end in disaster as time, money and energy is wasted due to poor planning.

Legal Documents
Every country in the world presents its own intricate challenges when it comes to starting, developing and maintaining a business. Owners, financiers and investors must make these commitments with the support of a knowledgeable and experienced legal team. Only someone with in-depth knowledge of local and international corporate law will be able to set up an overseas business while avoiding the pitfalls that plague many new businesses.

Additionally, smart business people can consider ways to invest in foreign companies without actually starting their own businesses. In these situations, it is still beneficial for the investor to partner with a knowledgeable global economics and litigation advisor. International investments create a truly diverse portfolio that offers growth opportunities that were unthinkable decades ago.

Potential investors, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs should consider the existing infrastructure in Tonga when planning to start a new business. While extensive infrastructure and systems can help make the process of starting a business a smooth one, it could also represent market saturation and reduced growth potential. On the other hand, a lack of infrastructure is often a major obstacle to growth; However, the lack of infrastructure points to a clear market opening for a creative and efficient new business.

Bank account opening in Tonga
In connection with the incorporation of a company, it is necessary to open one or more bank accounts in Tonga. Confidus Solutions offers the ability to open a bank account in over twenty jurisdictions, making it easy for you to avoid challenging language barriers or bureaucratic hassles.

Virtual office in Tonga
Since a registered address is a necessity for international business, Confidus Solutions enables foreign investors to set up a virtual office in Tonga. This address allows international entrepreneurs to accept mail, arrange for shipping and set up a registered bank account in their country of business.

Tax regulations
If you are researching starting a business in Tonga, consult with a lawyer or consultant with extensive experience in the area you are considering. This advisor can help you with everything from laws and tax structures to local helpers. You need to consider every aspect from the local office to your highest organizational structure; Make sure you recruit the best possible mentors as you embark on this exciting but challenging process.