Foreign Direct Investment

Foreign Investment in the Cook Islands

In the Cook Islands, foreign investment refers to when individuals or companies from other countries invest capital in businesses or projects within the Cook Islands. This can involve starting a new business, buying an existing company, or owning shares in a local enterprise.

Foreign investors in the Cook Islands must follow specific regulations to ensure that their investment benefit the local economy while protecting local interest. The Business Trade and Investment Board oversee this process. Any foreign investor who wants to start or acquire a business, hold shares in a local company or carry out business in the Cook Islands NEED to register with BTIB and receive approval before they can operate.

Current Foreign Investors

If you are a current business owner in the Cook Islands and would like to sell your business to a non-Cook Islander, you will need to do the following:

Place an advertisement in 2 local newspapers for 3 months (1 placement per week, in two separate prints). Advertisement must include a description of business for sale, sale price and contact details.
Online advertising will be considered.
Keep a record of all local and foreign expressions of interest.
Retain proof of advertisement (newspaper cutting, invoices or receipts).

Note: Advertising in local newsprints (Cook Islands News and Cook Islands Herald) is compulsory

Registration of Foreign Investment

To register a foreign enterprise with BTIB, there is a simple 5-step application process:

Step 1: Submit all required documents listed in the Foreign Enterprise Checklist.

Step 2: Lodge your completed application, along with the NZD $750 fee, at our office in Avarua, Rarotonga, by the 7th of each month. This ensures your application is reviewed in time for the BTIB Board meeting at the end of the month.

Step 3: Once your application is received, BTIB will contact you or your designated point of contact.

Step 4: The BTIB Board, made up of 5 directors, will review and make a decision on your application.

Step 5: After a decision is made, BTIB will inform you of the outcome. If approved, BTIB will notify other relevant government agencies to help you move forward with your business. These agencies include Immigration (for entry and work permits), the Registrar of Companies (for company registration), the Revenue Management Division (for tax registration), and the relevant Ministry overseeing your business sector.

If your application is declined, you have 21 days to appeal the decision to the Minister responsible for BTIB.

BTIB offers an express service for NZD$850, providing a decision within 5 working days. Visit our Forms & Application Section to download forms. For inquiries, email [email protected] or call +682 24296