Cook Islands Company Formation

Captain Cook arriving in the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands is in the South Pacific Ocean. It is a self-governing parliamentary democracy with free association with New Zealand. Composed of 15 small islands, the largest is Rarotonga. The capital is Avarua. The official language is English. The Cook Islands became a British protectorate in 1888. In 1901 the New Zealand Government annexed the country but it remained a New Zealand protectorate until 1965, when the New Zealand government gave self-governing status to its colony. The Cook Islands is a parliamentary democracy.

• TYPE OF COMPANY: International Company
• COMPANY LAW: International Companies Act 1981-2
• SUFFIX TO DENOTE LIMITED LIABILITY: Limited or any internationally recognised suffix
• DIRECTORS: One of any nationality or residency – we can provide (Corporate directors are permitted)
• SECRETARY: Local secretary required – we can provide
• SHAREHOLDERS: One of any residency or nationality, corporate shareholders are permitted – we can provide
• CLASSES OF SHARE: Registered or Bearer
• CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS: Minimum one share of US$1
• OWNERSHIP: 100% foreign ownership allowed 
• TIME TO INCORPORATE: 3-5 days
• REGISTERED OFFICE: Required in Cook Islands – we can provide 
• ANNUAL RETURN: No
• ACCOUNTS: No
• DISCLOSURE: No
• TAXATION: Nil
• GOVERNMENT LICENCE FEE: US$500
• DOUBLE TAXATION TREATIES: None
• LANGUAGE OF DOCUMENTATION: English

LLCs (Please contact us for further information)

The Cook Islands Limited Liability Companies Act 2008 follows the model adopted in a number of USA states. It goes further however introducing several unique asset protection features. Some of the features of a Cook Islands LLC are;

• Single Member LLCs allowed
• Can be managed by members or by a manager independent of members
• No requirement for members to be Cook Island Residents
• Accounts are not required to be filed
• Charging Order is the sole remedy against a membership interest
• Re-domicile  of existing LLCs to the Cook Islands

If you would like further information on setting up a company in the Cook Islands, the formation of a Cook Islands company, other Cook Islands corporate entities or require professional advice relating to taxation or the structuring and requirements of a Cook Islands company, please contact us. We can also provide advice on establishing a subsidiary, joint venture or foreign company to carry on business in the Cook Islands.

We can provide a wide range of support and administration services, bank introductions, nominee directors, nominee shareholders, virtual offices, accountancy and legal services. We can also advise on compliance with all the regulatory and statutory requirements.