Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency

The Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA), also known as Invest Cyprus is the national investment promotion agency of Cyprus with the mandate to enhance the nation's investment appeal abroad. Invest Cyprus acts as the government's lead agency for attracting, facilitating and after-careing foreign direct investment (FDI) into Cyprus. The agency operates as a not-for-profit company funded by the government and provides a range of services for prospective and established investors, including promotion, facilitation, sector intelligence, and aftercare. ^[1]

Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA)

Invest Cyprus logo in 2025
Investment agency overview
Jurisdiction	Government of Cyprus
Headquarters	Nicosia, Cyprus
Investment agency executive	Marios Tannousis (2025, Chief Executive
Parent department	Ministry of Finance (Republic of Cyprus)
Website	www.investcyprus.org.cy

History

Invest Cyprus was established by government decision in 2007 and began operating in January 2008 as a registered not-for-profit company limited by guarantee funded by the Government of Cyprus. ^[2][3] Since its founding the agency has positioned itself as the country’s single point of contact for inward investors and has expanded activities to include targeted sector promotion, roadshows, investor facilitation and aftercare. ^[4]

Scope

In 2017, the real estate, shipping and tourism industries are the priority sectors in CIPA's action plan for investment promotion, but there is increasing focus on developing a nascent energy sector. ^{[5][non-primary source needed]}

Mandate and functions

Invest Cyprus’ mandate is to promote Cyprus as an investment destination, to generate and develop investor leads, to facilitate project delivery and to provide aftercare for existing foreign investors. The agency’s published strategy groups its activities into awareness & promotion, business development, facilitation services, aftercare and advocacy. Invest Cyprus also hosts sector teams focused on priorities such as international business & regulated services, technology & innovation, tourism and real estate. ^[6][7]

Organization and governance

Invest Cyprus is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the Minister of Finance; the Board is responsible for strategy, oversight and the appointment of senior management. The agency describes itself as a public-funded, non-profit company limited by guarantee. As of 2024–2025 the agency's chief executive is Marios Tannousis. ^[8][9]

Programs and services

Invest Cyprus operates an investor facilitation “first point of contact” service to help firms evaluate Cyprus as a location, including guidance on regulatory requirements, incentives, and administrative procedures. The agency runs targeted promotion campaigns, international roadshows, sector events and funds-focused services (including a one-stop shop for investment funds, private equity and family offices). Invest Cyprus also organises investor recognition events such as the Invest Cyprus International Investment Awards. ^[10][11][12]

Activity, impact and recent results

Invest Cyprus publishes periodic annual reports and sector guides summarising activity and outcomes. The agency reported prominent 2023 activity including roadshows, hosting international conferences (for example the International Investment Funds Association meeting), and supporting headline FDI inflows cited in government publications and its annual report. Cyprus’ broader investment climate and credit-rating improvements in recent years have been noted by international agencies and press, context that Invest Cyprus highlights in its promotional work. ^[13][14][15]

International cooperation and memberships

Invest Cyprus represents Cyprus in international investment promotion networks and partnerships. The agency is a member of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA) and participates in regional networks such as the ANIMA Investment Network; it also organises and participates in international roadshows and investor forums across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. ^[16]

Reception and commentary

Government and industry materials present Invest Cyprus as central to the country’s strategy to attract FDI, promote the funds and financial services sector and grow tech and innovation ecosystems. Independent country investment profiles and U.S. government Investment Climate reports reference the agency as the government's focal point for investor facilitation. ^[17][18]