Marshall Islands
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Marshall Islands.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Marshall Islands welcomes 100% foreign-owned companies
Fully remote formation — you never need to set foot in the country.
- 100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
- Legal system: Mixed (US Common Law and traditional)
- Primary registration authority: Registrar of Corporations (RMI)
- Registry website: https://www.iri.com.mh
- Tax authority: Marshall Islands Office of Tax and Revenue
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 3% - Source: CIT: 3% flat (Marshall Islands). Gross revenue tax: 4%.
- VAT / sales tax: 4%
- Estimated formation timeline: 1-3 days - IRI online registration. Source: IRI Marshall Islands
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Marshall Islands Tax Overview
3%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 3% flat (Marshall Islands). Gross revenue tax: 4%.
4%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 3% flat (Marshall Islands). Gross revenue tax: 4%.
Marshall Islands Office of Tax and Revenue
Tax Authority
https://www.mof.gov.mh
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Mixed (US Common Law and traditional)
Primary registry: Registrar of Corporations (RMI)
Tax rate: 3% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Marshall Islands market
Considerations
Local professional guidance recommended for regulatory compliance
Banking KYC requirements can be extensive - allow time for account opening
Professional services market may be limited compared to major financial centres
Verify sector-specific restrictions before investing
Currency risk: USD fluctuations may affect USD-denominated investments
Incorporation Process
The process is strictly digital. Each stage builds on the previous one.
Name reservation
Prepare incorporation documents
Submit registration application
Tax registration
Open corporate bank account
What you'll pay
Cost Architecture
Government Fees
Annual Ongoing
Professional Services
Government fees change frequently. Always verify current fee schedule at https://www.iri.com.mh before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Marshall Islands setup is different. A 15-minute call with one of our specialists will give you a personalised cost breakdown — completely free.
Fintech & Banking
Can non-residents open accounts without visiting? NO.
Banking options for non-resident founders in Marshall Islands. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank of Marshall Islands (BOMI) | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Bank of Guam Marshall Islands | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Registrar of Corporations (RMI) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Marshall Islands Office of Tax and Revenue. Rate: 3%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 4%. Verify threshold with Marshall Islands Office of Tax and Revenue. |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Mixed (US Common Law and traditional) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Marshall Islands. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Marshall Islands specialist
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