Opening an offshore bank account in Cyprus can offer a multitude of benefits to International companies, the main advantage being that you can use the internet to carry out most transactions. Well established banks in Cyprus can provide multi-currency trading accounts and investment accounts that can be accessed via the internet, so practically every transaction can be done online or by fax or telephone if you prefer. There is no need to go into the bank in person to proceed with business, everything is convenient and instant. Some banks in Cyprus also offer debit cards.
To set up this kind of account there are various forms of identification that you will be require to supply. Proof of your permanent address is always essential to open an offshore bank account, this can be a utility bill for electric or the telephone and has to be provided from all signatories, shareholders and directors of your company.
The bank will provide you with forms to be filled in and signed, if you are unsure of certain details or how to proceed there are agencies that can assist you with preparing all the relevant forms and paperwork and ensure you have everything in order before applying for the bank account. These bank account opening forms need to be completed and signed.
You will also need to get hold of a certified copy of the Certificate of Incorporation and a certified copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, again a good agency will be able to provide you with these relevant forms and help you to fill them in correctly.
You cannot open an offshore bank account without the necessary identification documents. Banks will invariably require a form of ID with a photo attached to it, these will be a passport or an international driving license or some other document with photo to identify you. Again you will have to make copies and these all need to be certified. All the signatories of the account to be opened, the directors and the shareholders need to supply ID. The ideal form of identification required by the bank is your passport, a copy made and it has to be notarized.
To be continued soon!