Cart
Form a Cook Islands Foundation
$4,150.00
Establishing a Cook Islands foundation
The Cook Islands, situated in the South Pacific, has developed a robust and flexible legal structure for asset protection and wealth planning through the Foundations Act 2012. Foundations formed under this legislation serve as hybrid legal entities, blending aspects of both trusts and corporations. These structures are particularly effective for succession planning, charitable initiatives, and cross-border asset protection. With their own legal personality, Cook Islands foundations can hold assets, enter contracts, and engage in legal action independently of the individuals or entities associated with them. This legal separation ensures that the foundation’s assets are distinct and shielded from claims against founders, council members, protectors, or beneficiaries.
These foundations may be created for the benefit of named individuals, classes of people, or charitable purposes, offering considerable flexibility in their design and use. There is no minimum funding requirement, making them accessible even with a token initial endowment. The founder, who may be an individual or legal entity of any nationality, initiates the foundation and can reserve significant powers, such as amending objectives or appointing and removing key participants. Although the foundation council oversees operations and executes its objectives, the founder may maintain influence over the council or delegate oversight to a protector, if one is appointed.
Protectors, while optional, may be granted powers to supervise or override council decisions, providing an added layer of control. Beneficiaries, if designated, may be individuals or legal entities, but they hold no automatic rights unless explicitly granted by the foundation’s governing rules. These internal rules, along with the founding instrument, govern the foundation’s administration, outlining everything from governance procedures to asset management and beneficiary entitlements. Only the foundational instrument is registered publicly, ensuring that key operational decisions and personal details remain confidential.
The Cook Islands foundation structure offers strong legal separation of assets, optional privacy for beneficiaries and protectors, and flexible governance, making it highly attractive for international estate planning and wealth preservation. Its minimal capital requirement, combined with a legal framework that prioritizes confidentiality and control, supports its use in long-term planning, philanthropic ventures, and passive investment holding, all while maintaining legal certainty and operational efficiency without excessive public disclosure.
Learn more about foundations in the Cook Islands:
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services to incorporate a Cook Islands foundation, and keep it in good standing, as well as government fees and duties, disbursements such as courier fees, and assignments such as the preparation of a certificate of incumbency.
Cook Islands Foundation Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 4,150.00 (All Included)
- paying all applicable fees and duties to the Registrar of Foundations of Cook Islands;
- drafting and filing the Instrument of the Foundation;
- drafting the councillors’ acceptance letter;
- drafting the Founder Resolution for the appointment of the first councillors;
- drafting the First Resolution of the Councillors noting and resolving the formation of the foundation, appointment of councillors, adoption of regulations, appointment of registered office, etc;
- providing the Certificate of Registration and Stamped Instrument;
- drafting the Foundation Rules;
- preparing the Register of Councillors, Register of Protectors and Supervisory Persons and Register of Registered Agents and Attorneys;
- providing Registered Office service, including registered address, for one (1) year;
- providing Registered Agent service for one (1) year;
- safekeeping of registers, books and records for one (1) year;
- providing certified true copies of the corporate documents;
- delivery of corporate documents including courier fees.
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Nominee Founder – USD 1,900.00 per annum
- Nominee Council Member – USD 1,900.00 per annum
*If a Notarized General Power Of Attorney to be designated as attorney-in-fact is required, there is an additional one-time fee of USD 350.00 (Optional)
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Cook Islands.
-
Cook Islands Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Cook Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, HKDYesClients can have a corporate account for operational purposes only if they open an investment account as well.
Note that we can also open overseas bank accounts for Cook Islands companies in the following offshore jurisdictions:
-
Andorra Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Andorra Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, CAD, AUD, SEK, NOK, NZDYesPrivate Bank with focus on wealth management. If they open a corporate account for an active company, they would need that either the account has a substantial amount on the account, or that the UBO himself opens an account for wealth management.Bank 2EUR 300,000NoEURYesMinimum Initial Deposit requirements for countries outside of the European Union is EUR 1,000,000 or equivalent.
-
Antigua Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Antigua Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EURYesIn Euros they processes only via SEPA. In dollars at the moment only with correspondents in the US, through FEDWIRE (not ACH at the moment). Cash Secured Visa Credit Card available.Bank 2USD 5,000YesUSD, EURYesUnionPay Cards work without inconvenience in the USA.
-
Armenia Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Armenia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesEUR, USD, RUB, AMDYesBusiness connection to Armenia is required. The annual outgoing turnover of the client should be at least 10 mln USD per year. The annual number of outgoing transfers should be at least 60 per year. Note that the banks considers smaller companies is well on case-by-case basis, but they could charges additional fees.
-
Bahamas Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Bahamas Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 1,000,000NoUSDYesFamily Offices, Fund Managers and Asset Managers only.Bank 3USD 10,000,000NoMulticurrencyYesPrimary focus with physical presence in Bahamas. Business interest in the Bahamas. The company needs to have been in existence for a minimum of 3 years.Bank 4USD 1,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesRemote account opening is possible, but the bank will visit the client within first year after opening.Bank 5USD 500,000YesUSD, EURYesPrepaid debit card available.
-
Belize Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Belize Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 4,000NoEUR, GBP, USDYesBank 2USD 2,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, CHF, AUD, AED, CNY, SEK, NOKYesPrepaid Visa cards available.Bank 3USD 3,000YesMulticurrencyYes
-
BVI Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
BVI Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, GBP, HKDYesBank of Asia does not onboard corporations who have a connection in US and Russia.Bank 2USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesVP Bank offers services to local BVI residents as well as international clients who have BVI companies, trusts or fund structures. It is primarily focused on financing, investment management, custodial and securities trading accounts. No Commercial Activity, only for asset management business.
-
Cayman Islands Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Cayman Islands Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 250,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, SEK, CHFYesBank 2USD 100,000YesUSD, EUR, CAD, GBP, AUD, MulticurrencyYesNCB Cayman Bank offers trading, private and investment bank accounts
-
Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
-
Cyprus Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Cyprus Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/AYesMulticurrencyYesSupports large Cypriot and international groups, preferably operating from Cyprus and international companies in their expansion and operations in Cyprus.
-
Dominica Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Dominica Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 15,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2N/ANoMulticurrencyYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.Bank 3N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 4N/ANoEUR, USDYesSWIFT transactions are carried out only through a pool account in the name of the bank.
-
Gibraltar Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Gibraltar Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 20,000YesUSD, EUR, GBPYesFor wealth management and brokerage accounts minimum relationships start from USD 250,000. Cards are dependent on jurisdictions.
-
Hong Kong Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
Hong Kong Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1HKD 100,000YesMulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.Bank 2HKD 200,000YesHKD, USD, MulticurrencyNoA business nexus in Hong Kong is strictly required, in the form of clients, suppliers, employees or other counterparties.
-
Isle of Man Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Isle of Man Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoUSD, AUD, EUR, CZK, DKK, HUF, SGD, JPY, NOK, GBP, ZAR, ILS, NZD, PLN, CHF, SEK, CAD, BGNYes
-
Labuan Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Labuan Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000NoUSD, JPY, SGD, EUR, GBPYesFor businesses operating offshore or non-resident companies seeking to establish corporate banking relationships in Labuan, we collaborate with a mid-size financial institution renowned for its expertise in serving international clientele. With decades of industry experience, this bank has positioned itself as a key player in supporting global businesses across a variety of sectors. This bank welcomes companies incorporated in numerous offshore jurisdictions without the stricter requirements, such as business nexus in the South Asia - East Asia regions, unlike larger institutions within Labuan. Catering to a diverse range of industries, the bank is well-versed in supporting investment and asset holding companies, as well as businesses engaged in sectors such as trade, professional services, e-commerce, among others. Whether you operate in consultancy, marketing or international trade, this bank offers tailored services to meet your corporate banking needs. Their corporate accounts are available in various major currencies, such as USD, JPY, SGD, EUR and GBP and the bank supports SWIFT transactions. Transactions will be carried out with the assistance of a dedicated personal relationship manager. In addition to traditional banking services, the bank also offers Islamic banking options, including Shariah-compliant investment products and Islamic trade financing solutions. Minimum relationships start from USD 10,000. The account opening process can be handled entirely remotely, eliminating the need for travel to Labuan. We will guide you through the preparation of the necessary KYC documentation and provide comprehensive support to ensure a seamless and efficient bank account application process. If you are interested in opening a corporate bank account in Labuan, contact us today to assess your eligibility and initiate the account opening process!Bank 2USD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 3USD 25,000NoUSD, EUR, CAD, CHF, GBP, HKD, SGD, JPY, THB, AEDYesThey focus more on Labuan incorporated entities.
-
Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
-
Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
-
Nevis Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Nevis Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 20,000NoUSD, EUR, GBPYesBank 2USD 100,000NoUSD, EUR, GBP, CHF, AUD, CAD, AED, JPY, SGD, HKDYesBank 3USD 25,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 4USD 10,000NoUSDYes
-
Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
-
Puerto Rico Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Puerto Rico Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1N/ANoMulticurrencyYesBank 2N/AYesUSD, HKD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, DKK, EUR, GBP, JPY, NOK, NZD, SEK, SGD, TRL, XAF, ZARYesUnionpay Merchant service for clients.Bank 3USD 25,000NoUSDYesTheir main focus is on commercial type, trade finance.Bank 4USD 150,000NoUSDYes
-
Saint Lucia Bank Account - USD $ 300.00
Saint Lucia Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, GBP, HKD, Multicurrency, CAD, CHF, AED, AUD, NZD, NOK, SEK, THB, JPY, ZARYes
-
Seychelles Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Seychelles Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 25,000NoUSDYesInternet banking is in view mode only, all transactions are carried out via email or by phone.
-
Singapore Bank Account - USD $ 900.00
Singapore Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1SGD 100,000NoUSD, SGD, EUR, GBP, NZD, RMB, AUD, JPY, HKD, CHF, CADYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 2USD 3,000,000NoUSD, SGDYesBank 3SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyNoNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 4USD 30,000NoUSD, SGD, AUD, CAD, HKD, NZD, GBP, EUR, JPY, CHFYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.Bank 5SGD 250,000NoMulticurrencyYesNexus in the form of client/supplier/partner/contractor in Singapore required.
-
Switzerland Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Switzerland Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1CHF 500,000YesEUR, GBP, CHF, CAD, AUD, JPY, SGD, PLN, HKD, NOK, SEK, ILS, MXN, DKK, TRL, NZD, AEDYesAmina Bank does not open accounts with a pure transactional business nexus.Bank 2CHF 500,000YesMulticurrencyYesBank 3CHF 3,000,000YesMulticurrencyYesDeposit must be maintained in crypto assets held through the bank's custody services. Minimum Average Balance for high risk jurisdictions should be 1-2Mio CHF.
-
USA Bank Account - USD $ 1,400.00
USA Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoUSDYesmin deposit USD 100k and more AND/OR with revenues of USD 1MBank 2from 10,000 but preferred 250K-300KYesUSD, MulticurrencyYesThey tend to focus more on technology/startup companies that are focused on growing and scaling through future equity raises and subsequent debt facilities.Bank 3USD 5,000YesUSDYesDebit cards can be delivered to overseas address, however, credit card could ONLY be delivered to a USA physical address (non-PO box).Bank 4Typically USD 25,000 - USD 50,000, for high risk USD 500,000YesUSDYesAt least one US based signatory is required. Purpose to open an account in US is required.Bank 5N/A (USD 250,000 preferred)NoUSDYes
-
EMI Account - USD $ 300.00
EMI AccountsEMIMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteEMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesCyprus EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesHong Kong EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesKazakhstan EMI AccountDepending on category.NoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, CAD, GBP, CHF, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBP, SEK, JPY, HKDYesLithuania EMI AccountN/ANoEURYesLithuania EMI AccountN/AYesEURYesLuxembourg EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesSGD, USDYesSingapore EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesSingapore EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountDepending on category.NoEUR, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoEUR, USD, GBPYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/ANoUSD, EUR, GBP, CADYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYesUnited Kingdom EMI AccountN/AYesMulticurrencyYes
Our bank account opening service is not just a mere introduction to the bank. We assist you in filling out the business plan forms appropriately and help you understand and provide business details, commercial information, and purpose/use of the bank account that a given bank wants to know in order to approve your account application.
Banks want certainty and clarity on how the account will be used. Everything must be watertight. We will work with you to make sure there is minimal ‘back and forth’ and a smooth account opening process.
Cook Islands Foundaation Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 3,450.00 (payable one year after incorporation and annually thereafter)
- providing Registered Office service, including registered address, for one (1) year;
- providing Registered Agent service for one (1) year;
- safekeeping of registers, books and records for one (1) year;
- preparing and filing of Annual Return
- providing basic advice on standard corporate governance matters relating to statutory and regulatory obligations