Cyprus Fact-File Part 7:
Individual Business Owner Welfare and Lifestyle
7.5 Cyprus Individual Business Banking Services
Domestic and international banking services
There are many local and international
banks in Cyprus, offering a range of personal and business
banking services. Most Cypriot banks have ATMs for dispensing
cash and English language web sites. The Central Bank of Cyprus
is the country’s national bank and oversees the entire banking
system and monetary policy.
Anyone can open a bank account in Cyprus, whether they are
resident or not. An account can even be opened at a branch
of a Cypriot bank in another country, although actual signatures
and ID are required to ratify any new account.
Banks in Cyprus are modelled on the British banking system,
testament to British rule until independence in 1960. Opening
hours are usually from 8.15 – 13.00 and sometimes from 15.15
to 16.45, Monday to Friday. International banks tend to open
for longer, as do banks in busy tourist areas of the country.
Most banks will also offer business banking and it is worth
comparing fees and services before committing to any one bank.
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