Papua New Guinea
Key entity, tax, banking, visa, and compliance guidance for foreign founders incorporating in Papua New Guinea.
Foreign Ownership Eligibility
Papua New Guinea 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: Common Law (English tradition)
- Primary registration authority: Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
- Registry website: https://www.ipa.gov.pg
- Tax authority: Internal Revenue Commission (IRC)
- Corporate income tax (CIT): 30% - Source: CIT: 30% (IRC PNG). VAT: 10%.
- VAT / sales tax: 10%
- Estimated formation timeline: 7-14 days - Via IPA. Source: IPA Papua New Guinea
- Annual compliance and renewal obligations apply
Ownership
100% Foreign OK
Formation
100% Remote
Tax at a glance
Papua New Guinea Tax Overview
30%
Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
CIT: 30% (IRC PNG). VAT: 10%.
10%
VAT / Sales Tax
CIT: 30% (IRC PNG). VAT: 10%.
Internal Revenue Commission (IRC)
Tax Authority
https://www.irc.gov.pg
Pros & cons
Advantages & Considerations
Key Advantages
100% foreign ownership permitted in most sectors
Legal framework: Common Law (English tradition)
Primary registry: Investment Promotion Authority (IPA)
Tax rate: 30% CIT
Incorporated company has access to Papua New Guinea 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: PGK 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.ipa.gov.pg before committing.
Still unsure about costs?
These are estimates — your actual cost depends on your structure
Every Papua New Guinea 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 Papua New Guinea. Remote account opening availability varies by institution.
| Institution | Type | Ease for Non-Residents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSP Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Kina Bank | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| Westpac PNG | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) | |
| ANZ PNG | Traditional bank | Low (Visit Required) |
Regulatory requirements
Annual Compliance Matrix
| Requirement | Deadline | Details |
|---|---|---|
Annual company filing | Ongoing | File annual returns with Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) to maintain good standing. |
Corporate income tax return | Ongoing | Submit annual CIT return to Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). Rate: 30%. |
VAT filing | Ongoing | VAT-registered businesses file periodically. Rate: 10%. Verify threshold with Internal Revenue Commission (IRC). |
Accounting records | Ongoing | Maintain statutory books per Common Law (English tradition) requirements. |
Beneficial ownership disclosure | Ongoing | Verify current UBO requirements in Papua New Guinea. |
Frequently Asked
Speak with a Papua New Guinea specialist
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