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Incorporate in Cook Islands
$2,350.00
Establishing a company in the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands offers two primary corporate structures for international use: Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) and International Companies (ICs). Both structures provide significant flexibility, privacy, and asset protection benefits, making them attractive vehicles for global business, wealth planning, and investment purposes.
Introduced in 2008, the Cook Islands LLC regime draws from U.S. state-level legislation, allowing for contract-based governance primarily through an LLC Agreement. This agreement dictates how the company operates, outlines the rights and responsibilities of members and managers, and can be tailored extensively to suit the specific goals of the members. There are no residency or nationality restrictions for managers, and fiduciary duties can be limited or waived entirely by agreement. LLCs are legal entities separate from their members, who benefit from limited liability up to their capital contributions.
A key feature of Cook Islands LLCs is their strong asset protection framework. Members’ interests cannot be seized by creditors, who are limited to seeking a charging order—entitling them only to distributions if declared. Additionally, the jurisdiction maintains strict confidentiality: member and manager information is not publicly accessible, and there are minimal disclosure or reporting obligations. LLCs are also tax-neutral, with no local taxes imposed on income, gains, or distributions, provided they do not operate within the Cook Islands. If a business does engage with local residents, it must register under the Development Investment Act and may be subject to taxation.
Incorporating an LLC is efficient, typically taking just one to two business days. After the Articles of Organization are filed, a certificate of incorporation is issued, and supporting documents—such as the LLC Agreement and member registers—are finalized at the same time.
International Companies, governed by the International Companies Act 1981–1982, offer another flexible structure. ICs can be formed either as companies limited by shares or by guarantee, with or without share capital. Like LLCs, ICs require only one shareholder and one director, with no restrictions on nationality or residency. Directors manage the company under the terms set in the company’s memorandum and articles of association, which also define the company’s purpose and internal governance.
Share structures within ICs can be customized, offering varied rights around dividends, voting, and liquidation proceeds, allowing the company to cater to different investor needs. While there is no statutory minimum capital, at least one share must be issued.
Tax residency for ICs depends on incorporation and effective management. An IC is considered tax-resident if incorporated in the Cook Islands and has three or more resident directors at any point during the income year, or if its central control is exercised locally. Even non-resident ICs may be liable for tax if they earn Cook Islands-sourced income, such as fees from providing trustee services.
Overall, both LLCs and ICs in the Cook Islands present efficient, customizable, and internationally oriented corporate options. With strong legal protections, minimal disclosure requirements, and flexible governance, they are well-suited for asset protection, investment holding, and international business operations.
Learn more about Cook Islands companies:
In the Cook Islands, the two most common corporate structures are the International Company (IC), incorporated under the International Companies Act 1981-1982, and the Limited Liability Company (LLC), registered under the Limited Liability Companies Act 2008.
Note that our incorporation and annual corporate service fees are “all-included fees”, and cover all the required services to incorporate a Cook Islands Company, 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 Company (LLC) Formation and First-Year Corporate Services – USD 2,350.00 (All Included)
- All Applicable Registration and Government Fees (Registrar of Companies)
- Acting as the Organizer of the Limited Liability Company
- Filing the Company with the Registrar of Companies
- Providing the Certificate of Organization issued by the Registrar
- Providing the Entity Extract
- Preparing the company Operating Agreement (including unlimited reviews)
- Preparing the Register of Members and Register of Managers
- Providing Registered Agent Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including service address, for one year
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Preparing Certified Copies of the Corporate Documents
- Delivering Certified copies of the Corporate Documents via Courier, inclusive of Courier fees
Cook Islands International Company (IC) Formation and First-Year Services – USD 2,750.00 (All Included)
- All Applicable Registration and Government Fees (Registrar of Companies)
- Preparing the Memorandum & Articles of Association, and file them with the Registrar of Companies
- Providing the Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Registrar, and the filed M&AA
- Providing the Entity Extract
- Preparing the First Board Resolution resolving the issuance and allotment of shares, the appointment of directors, registered office, and other corporate matters.
- Preparing the Directors’ Acceptance Letter
- Preparing the Register of Members and Register of Managers
- Providing Registered Agent Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including service address, for one year
- Preparing the Shares Certificates
- Preparing and executing a Certificate of Incumbency
- Obtaining Tax Identification Number
- Preparing Certified Copies of the Corporate Documents
- Delivering Certified copies of the Corporate Documents via Courier, inclusive of Courier fees
Time to form
Incorporating a company in the Cook Islands is a swift process. The process begins with reserving the company name and preparing the necessary constitutional documents—either a memorandum and articles of association for International Companies (ICs) or articles of organization for Limited Liability Companies (LLCs).
Once the documents are filed with the Registrar of Companies, approval is generally granted within 1–2 business days, at which point the company is officially registered. Upon registration, a certified corporate document package is issued and includes the certificate of incorporation or organization, company extract, constitutional documents, operating agreement or bylaws, registers of members and directors, and a certificate of incumbency.
Nominee Services (Optional)
- Nominee Shareholder/Member Services – USD 1,900.00
- Nominee Director/Manager Services – USD 1,900.00
Bank Account Opening Services (Optional)
We assist you in opening a bank account in Cook Islands.
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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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Curaçao Bank Account - USD $ 500.00
Curaçao Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 100,000NoMulticurrencyYesInternet Banking only for viewing the account, not for operatingBank 2N/AYesMulticurrencyYes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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Liechtenstein Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Liechtenstein Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 500,000NoMulticurrencyYesEvery active NFE needs to have a substance.
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Mauritius Bank Account - USD $ 600.00
Mauritius Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000NoMulticurrencyYesBank 2USD 50,000YesMulticurrencyYes
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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
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Panama Bank Account - USD $ 1,200.00
Panama Bank AccountBankMin DepositCardsCurrenciesRemoteCommentsBank 1USD 50,000YesUSD, EUR, CADYesBank 2USD 10,000YesUSD, EUR, CHF, GBP, CADYes
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
Annual Fees
Cook Islands Limited Liability Company (LLC) Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 1,550.00 (payable one year after incorporation and annually thereafter)
- All Applicable Annual Government Fees
- Processing Renewal of Registration, and providing a new Certificate of Organisation for the relevant year
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Providing Registered Agent Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including service address, for one year
Cook Islands International Company (IC) Annual Corporate Services and Government Fees – USD 2,250.00 (payable one year after incorporation and annually thereafter)
- All Applicable Annual Government Fees
- Processing Renewal of Registration, and providing a new Certificate of Organisation for the relevant year
- Maintaining the Minute Book, Registers and Statutory Records
- Providing Registered Agent Services for one year
- Providing Registered Office Services, including service address, for one year
- Preparing Annual Financial Statements (for calculation of taxes purposes, required for International Companies)
- Preparing and Filing Tax Return (required for International Companies)
Other Services (Optional)
- Establishment of Trusts, and provision of Trustee Services
- Secretarial Services
- Accounting Services
Please, contact us for further information.