Why the Cook Islands - Business Trade and Investment Board

Reasons to Invest in the Cook Islands

A Government which welcomes and encourages local and foreign investment

Attractive Life-style in a relaxed and safe environment
Developed infrastructure for business, quality housing for expatriate staff and good health and education services
No Foreign Exchange Controls
Freedom to repatriate capital and profits
No Wealth Tax
No Gift Tax
No Property Tax
No Capital Gains Tax
No Death Duty Tax
Income Tax (company) 20% for residents, 28% for non residents
Value added Tax – 15%
Withholding Tax – Foreign pay-outs – 15%
(On interest, dividend, and royalty)
Sophisticated telecommunication links with the rest of the world and almost daily air services to New Zealand, Australia and the USA

Population 14,974

The Cook Islands is a nation in the South Pacific, with links to New Zealand. Its 15 islands are scattered over a vast area. The largest island, Rarotonga, is home to rugged mountains and Avarua, the national capital. To the north, Aitutaki Island has a vast lagoon encircled by coral reefs and small, sandy islets. Our country is renowned for its many snorkeling and scuba-diving sites and our people are loving and caring and will greet you with a warm Kia Orana.

Tourism Visitor Arrivals

(2018-2020) Visitor arrivals (5,814)

Gross Domestic Product (GDP)

December Quarter 2018 at current prices was $141.7 million.

GDP per capital

March Quarter 2020 $138.9 million

Statutory Minimum Wage

NZD$7.60 per hour

Except for the following:

Tobacco
Alcohol
Petroleum
Seasonal Produce
Seasonal Produce

Trading Banks:

ANZ
Bank of theCook Islands (BCI)
Bank of the South Pacific (BSP)

Airlines: International Daily:

International Flights to NZ: Australia, Honolulu, Los Angeles on code-share services provided by Air New Zealand, Pacific Blue, & Tahiti Airlines.
Domestic: Air Rarotonga flies daily to the Southern Group, and twice weekly to the Northern Group

Shipping:

International: Monthly Break-bulk and containerised Shipping except Auckland, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga.
Domestic: Scheduled Weekly Services to Southern and Northern Group Islands

Languages:

English, Cook Islands Maori
Pristine & Unspoiled Environment, No Dangerous Animals, No Poisonous Insects, No Lethal Viruses.

Information updated: August 2020