Frequently asked questions
In Cyprus, the strike-off formally terminates a company under the purview of the Cyprus Registrar of Companies:
1. The company ceases to exist legally
Once the strike-off is finally passed and entered as a record, the company ceases to be a legal entity. It cannot operate, hold property, make any contracts, or carry on any business activity.
2. Business activities must stop.
Prior to this application, the company must:
Cease all trading or operational activities.
Have no assets or liabilities.
Settle all taxes, fees, and social insurance obligations.
3. Voluntary against involuntary strike-off
Voluntary: The directors or shareholders of the company initiate the strike-off because the company is dormant or unnecessary any longer.
Involuntary: For non-submission of annual returns, financial statements, or fees, the company might be struck off by the Registrar.
4. It’s not the same as liquidation
Striking off is a cheaper and less complicated way of closing down dormant companies, but contrary to liquidation, it offers no protection from unresolved liabilities. Creditors, in fact, can apply to have the company restored in order to proceed legally.
5. Restoration possible
A company may be restored in the register within 20 years, usually by a court order, especially for a good cause such as unresolved debts or legal claims.
=> Full Information: Strike Off Company in Cyprus (Everything You Need to Know)
"Strike off" refers to the formal process of removing a company from the official register maintained by Companies House, the registrar of companies in the UK. Once a company is struck off, it ceases to legally exist, and its name becomes available for reuse.
There are two main types of strike-off:
1. Voluntary Strike Off
This occurs when the company directors apply to dissolve the company, typically because it is no longer trading, has fulfilled its purpose, or is no longer needed. To be eligible for voluntary strike-off:
The company must not have traded or sold off any assets in the last three months.
It must not be involved in ongoing legal proceedings.
It must have settled all debts and closed its bank accounts.
An application is made using Form DS01, and if there are no objections, the company will be dissolved approximately 2–3 months later.
2. Compulsory Strike Off
This is initiated by Companies House when a company fails to meet statutory obligations, such as:
Not filing annual accounts or confirmation statements
No longer having a valid registered office address
A notice is published in The Gazette, giving time for the company to comply or object. If unresolved, the company will be forcibly removed from the register.
Implications of Strike-Off
All assets remaining at dissolution become bona vacantia (property of the Crown).
The company can no longer trade or operate legally.
It may be restored only through a formal court process
Learn more: Strike Off a Company in the UK - Guide to Dissolving
In order to deregister a company in Malaysia, the company must comply with Section 549 of the Companies Act 2016 under the regulation of the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). As experienced providers of corporate and offshore services for many years, we assist clients through this process with accuracy and conformity.
The strike-off procedure is for non-trading private companies with no liabilities or assets. The company should have no legal cases against it, tax dues, or outstanding debts before applying. There would need to be a passed board resolution to authorize the intent of striking off the company.
The procedure involves the filing of Form 68 with SSM, along with a statutory declaration confirming that the company is satisfying all the terms laid down under the law. Additional documents like statements of accounts and tax clearance certificates may be asked for in order to establish that the company is fully inactive and solvent.
Once the application is processed, SSM will issue a public notice in the government gazette. Subject to no objections within 30 days, the company will be officially struck off the register. The entire process normally takes three to six months.
Striking off is a good and cost-efficient option for companies looking to exit the Malaysian market. It needs to be done through the right documentation and adherence to the law. Our professionals provide turnkey solutions for a smooth and risk-free company striking off in Malaysia.
Learn more: Strike-Off Company in Malaysia: Complete Guide & Procedure
A voluntary strike-off in Malaysia refers to the process of formally removing a company from the official register maintained by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). It is typically where a company has closed, insufficient activity to comply with its daily obligations or when both shareholders and directors resolves to wind up the company voluntarily. Once struck off, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity
This process is governed by the Companies Act 2016 and administered by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) based on guidelines for company deregistration. Formal liquidation procedures are more expensive and time-consuming than a voluntary strike-off. The main conditions for a voluntary strike are the following:
Company has ceased operations for at least 12 months
No outstanding debts or liabilities (taxes, EPF, SOCSO…)
No pending legal proceedings
Directors and shareholders approve the closure
Not involved in regulated industries (e.g., finance, insurance)
For business owners considering this route, it is crucial to ensure all compliance matters are resolved beforehand to avoid complications with SSM. Professional service providers such as Offshore Company Services can assist with advisory, document preparation, and filing to streamline the voluntary strike-off process in Malaysia, ensuring that the closure is handled smoothly and in full compliance with local regulations.
=> Full Guide: Voluntary Strike-Off of the Company in Malaysia
The company must meet the following conditions before making an application for deregistration/strike off.
All the members of the company agree to the deregistration.
The company has not commenced operation or business, or has not been in operation or carried on business during the 3 months immediately before the application.
The company has no outstanding liabilities.
The company is not a party to any legal proceedings.
The company has obtained a Notice to Authority/Company Registry.
Also read:
How long does it take to strike off a company?
Strike off company
Winding up is the process of settling the accounts and liquidating the assets of a company for the purpose of making distribution of the net assets to members and dissolving the company.
Deregistration is A defunct solvent company, it is a relatively simple, inexpensive and quick procedure for dissolving defunct solvent companies.
As for striking off, the Registrar of Companies may strike the name of a company where the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe that the company is not in operation or carrying on business.The company shall be dissolved when its name is struck off the Companies Register. Striking off is a statutory power conferred on the Registrar, a company cannot apply for striking off.
Read more:
Strike off company