Foreign Enterprise Registration 

Pre-Application Preparation

Before submitting anything, the investor should:

• Confirm the type of business activity they intend to undertake.

• Check whether the activity requires Foreign Investment Board approval.

• Ensure they understand any restricted or prohibited activities.

• Prepare initial business concept and investment outline.

1. Submit Foreign Enterprise Registration Application

Foreign investors must apply to the Business Trade and Investment Board Foreign Investment Division.

Documents Required:

• Completed Foreign Enterprise Application Form

• Business Plan, including:

  • Business activities

  • Investment amount (cash + assets)

  • Predicted cashflow

  • Operations plan

  • Market plan

  • Staffing plan

• Due Diligence Documents, including:

  • Passport copies of shareholders/directors

  • Police reports

  • CVs for shareholders

  • Health reports
  • x3 references (lawyer, banker, accountant)
    
    

• Company Structure Information:

  • Proposed ownership

  • Details of shareholders and directors

  • Sale and Purchase
  • Shareholders agreement
  • Any lease agreements/rentals
    
    

• Registration Fee

3. Consideration on assessments to your application

The application is assessed against:

• Economic benefit to the Cook Islands

• Compliance with the Investment Code

• Minimum cash investment requirements (where applicable)

• Local employment opportunities

• Environmental considerations

• Business experience and capability

Outcome:

• Approved (with or without conditions)

• Deferred (further information needed)

• Declined

4. Issue of Foreign Enterprise Registration Certificate

Once approved, the investor receives:

• Foreign Enterprise Approval Letter

• Foreign Enterprise Registration Certificate

• Conditions of approval (e.g., compliance, reporting, timelines)

This approval must be maintained and complied by unless you are applying for a variation to vary your approved services/business.