Cyprus was a British colony until 1960, when the island became an independent republic. Until independence the legal system was based on the English legal system.

As a result of British Rule, the English legal system was introduced in Cyprus and many laws were enacted in an effort to import the doctrines of common law and equity in Cyprus.

After independence in 1960 the English legal system was largely preserved. According to Article 188 of the 1960 Constitution all laws in force on the date of the coming into operation of this Constitution shall, until amended, whether by way of variation, addition or repeal, by any law or communal law, as the case may be, made under this Constitution, continue in force on or after that date, and shall, as from that date be construed and applied with such modification as may be necessary to bring them into conformity with the Constitution.

It is thus clear that the Cyprus legal system is based on its English counterpart. English jurisprudence is closely followed and all statutes regulating business matters and procedure are based essentially on English Laws.
The laws applicable are the following:

• The Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus
• The laws retained in force by virtue of Article 188 of the Constitution
• The principles of Common Law and Equity
• The Laws enacted by the House of Representatives.

Since 1 May 2004, Cyprus has been a full member of the European Union and as a result European Law supersedes Cyprus Law in case of conflict.

Cyprus is also signatory to many international Treaties and Conventions.