Business License in Cyprus: How Your Premises Can Become an Obstacle

When opening a business in Cyprus, entrepreneurs usually focus on company registration, hiring staff, and purchasing equipment. However, if your activity is subject to licensing in Cyprus, it is important to consider not only the documentation but also the requirements for the premises where the activity will take place.

Why choosing a property is not just about location, but also a legal issue?

For many types of business in Cyprus, a license is mandatory and applies to dozens of industries, such as:

• medical clinics and laboratories;
• pharmacies;
• cosmetology, dentistry;
• children’s educational and development centers;
• restaurants and cafes;
• private schools and kindergartens;
• travel agencies.

This means the premises must strictly comply with the standards and requirements set by law and the relevant authorities. If the property where you intend to carry out your commercial activity in Cyprus does not meet the licensing requirements, you will not be able to legally operate, even if all other documents are in place.

Requirements for Premises to Obtain a License in Cyprus

Before renting or purchasing a property, you must ensure the object meets the following criteria:

• Size of the premises — must meet the minimum set for your business type. For example, medical rooms or gyms have specific space requirements.
• Sanitary zones — availability of toilets, showers, waiting areas, changing rooms.
• Accessibility — ramps and elevators for people with limited mobility are mandatory for certain categories.
• Parking — depending on the business type, a certain number of parking spaces is required.
• Technical documentation — plans, permits, certificates of compliance.
• Fire safety compliance — emergency exits, extinguishers, alarms, fire doors.
• Zoning compliance — your business activity must be allowed in the building or area according to urban planning regulations

Real Case: How a Property Nearly Blocked a Business Launch

A client contacted us after purchasing a commercial unit in a new building in Larnaca to open a gym. At first glance, it looked like a great choice: new building, convenient location, high foot traffic.

However, it was later revealed that the space lacked shower facilities — which are mandatory for sports-related establishments. There was also no separate entrance for customers, which, by law, must be separated from the residential part of the building.

These issues could have led to a complete license rejection. At this point, the client turned to Feod Group, and we:

• requested the building’s technical plans and architectural documentation;
• negotiated with the developer and initiated changes to the layout.

As a result, the client received premises that complied with all regulations and was able to launch the business legally and without penalties. But the loss of time and resources could have been avoided if the property had been properly reviewed before purchase.

Why Is This Critically Important?

Mistakes in selecting a property can cost you not only money but also months of lost time. In some cases, it may result in a full project restart. We help you avoid these risks before signing a lease or purchase agreement.

Feod Group: Full Support in Cyprus

With Feod Group, you get complete support within one company:

• company registration
• property search and due diligence
• compliance check with licensing requirements
• legal support of the purchase or lease transaction
• preparation of documents for obtaining a license
• communication with authorities, developers, architects

You don’t need to search for separate lawyers, accountants or architects — we handle everything for you.

Contact us today and take the first step towards launching your project in Cyprus!