Not all of these licences and permits will be required for your business, however, you will need to do further research into which are applicable to your particular business. Still, here is a list of common regulations, licences, permits and information to assist you further:

• Business Registration.

Businesses are required to register their business as a Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Liability Company. It’s important that you register your business. To register your business and get help on how to register your business, click here:  Business Registration.

• Get an RMD number.

Every business must apply for business tax number and if you are employing staff, you will need to get yourself setup with PAYE (Pay As Your Earn) and other taxes.  If you haven’t started with tax information and need help, click here for Tax Registration.

• Professional/Occupational Licences.

Specific types of businesses or businesses in particular industries may require special professional or occupational licences.  For example, child care businesses must obtain a special licence. Professions such as lawyers and accountants are also often regulated and may require special professional licences.

• Food Permit.

Certain businesses such as those which involve the preparation and handling of food must require a food permit.  The importation, supply and sale of food is legislated through the Food Act 1992-1993. Any person or establishment selling, producing or supplying food is required to obtain a food licence. The Public Health directorate are required to protect the health and wellbeing of consumers and set and monitor food standards. All food handlers selling food to the public are required to apply for an annual food licence from the Public Health office. An application for a food licence will require food handlers to obtain a medical certificate from a clinician at Te Marae Ora and undertake a written test on food safety. Click here to download an annual food licence: Download the annual Food Licencing application form.  It is also important to be familiar with the Food Regulations 2014. It includes the food standards, importation of food, food safety and hygiene, marketing of food and offences against these regulations. Click here for the Food Regulations Guide:  Food-Regulations-2014.

Click here to Ministry of Health’s website: Ministry of Health

• Environmental or Building permits.

If you are building, you will require a building permit for your new business. There are building rules and regulations. The first place to check is the National Environment Service for environmental requirements (if any).  Click here for their website. You may also want to check out Infrastructure Cook Islands Building Regulations as well. You will find building application permits and other useful information to help you get started.  Click here for ICI’s website details and building regulations.

• Work | Employment Permits

If you are interested in employing people from from overseas, they must apply for a work permit with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration. This involves completing a health clearance check/certification and a police clearance check/certification  before travelling to the Cook Islands.  Persons entering the Cook Islands to take up employment must hold relevant skills and qualifications for the vacant position applied for, and must also satisfy health and character requirements.  There is also provision for people who wish to invest in business and live in the Cook Islands.  See Foreign Direct Investor Regulations below.

To facilitate the processing and entry of a foreign worker for work purposes, the sponsor as the employer is responsible for arranging and ensuring that the applicant meets the entry and work requirements in the Cook Islands.

For more information regarding immigration laws and regulations, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) directly by email – [email protected].  Click here to Ministry of Immigration website.

• Employer Requirements

Employing workers / staff for employment with the right information and understanding, is important. Recruitment is a key step to ensure that your business continues to be successful.  Ministry of Internal Affairs has a wealth of information to help you with labour and consumer services including starting employment, during employment, ending employment as well as fair and decent workplace practices.  Here is a good place to start – Labour & Employment Relations.  Furthermore, all Employers should follow and respect the minimum terms and conditions as required by the law.  It’s important that you familiarize yourself with the Employers Relations Act 2012.

• Partnering with a Foreign Investor

If you are Cook Islands resident (indigenous | permanent) interested in partnering with a foreign business partner or an investor including foreign corporations, partnerships and trusts, you must contact Business Trade & Investment Board Foreign Enterprise team. You must register the foreigners’ interest in the Company. This includes shareholding interests, control of shares and your involvement in the management and control of the business.  For Foreign Direct Investment, click here for details, forms and applications.

• Land Transport permits for transport services, rental service or passenger services.

A licence or permit may be required if your business is involved in taxi services, rental or passenger service. The licencing of transport services are administered through the Ministry of Transport.  Click here for Land Transport Website details.

This checklist is a guide only however,  you may need to do further research on the licences and permits relevant to your business.