The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has emerged as a highly attractive jurisdiction for international business, particularly renowned for its robust and flexible corporate legislation. Establishing a company in the Marshall Islands offers a strategic advantage for global entrepreneurs and corporations seeking a streamlined, tax-efficient, and confidential environment. Its independent registry and commitment to privacy make it an ideal choice for a wide range of offshore activities, including asset protection, international trading, and holding structures. Our services are designed to navigate the RMI's legal landscape, ensuring full compliance while maximizing the distinct benefits available to your international ventures.
The Marshall Islands stands out as a preferred offshore jurisdiction due to its unique blend of corporate flexibility, stringent privacy laws, and a highly favorable tax framework. It offers a stable political and economic environment, backed by a modern and user-friendly corporate registry. Companies incorporated in the RMI benefit from a zero-tax regime on income generated outside the islands, making it exceptionally appealing for international trade and investment.
The jurisdiction maintains a high level of confidentiality, with no public record of beneficial owners or directors, which is a significant draw for those prioritizing discretion. Furthermore, the RMI's legal system is based on common law, providing a familiar and reliable foundation for global business operations. Opting for the Marshall Islands provides a powerful combination of efficiency, privacy, and fiscal advantages for your worldwide business endeavors.
Marshall Islands IBCs are exempt from all local taxes, including corporate tax, income tax, and capital gains tax, on profits generated outside the RMI, offering significant fiscal advantages for international operations.
The RMI maintains strict confidentiality, with no public registry of beneficial owners, shareholders, or directors. This ensures a high degree of discretion for those involved in the company.
An RMI IBC requires only one director and one shareholder, who can be the same person and do not need to be RMI residents. This offers immense flexibility in corporate governance.
There are minimal ongoing reporting requirements for RMI IBCs, reducing administrative burdens and operational costs. No annual financial statements are required to be filed publicly.
The RMI corporate registry is highly efficient, allowing for quick company formation, often within 24-48 hours once all necessary documentation is in order.
Despite its offshore status, the Marshall Islands is a well-regarded jurisdiction, known for its compliance with international standards, enhancing the credibility of its registered entities.
The Marshall Islands offers distinct advantages for international business, making it a strategic choice for your global operations.
Explore the various corporate structures available in the Marshall Islands to find the best fit for your business objectives:
| Entity Type | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| International Business Company (IBC) | Most popular, tax-exempt for foreign income, high privacy, flexible structure. | General trading, holding companies, international investments, asset protection. |
| Limited Liability Company (LLC) | Provides limited liability to members, pass-through taxation, flexible management. | Joint ventures, professional services, real estate holdings, investment vehicles. |
| Partnerships (Limited/General) | Flexible structure for collaborative ventures, can be limited or general. | Specific projects, professional partnerships, joint ventures. |
| Foundations | Hybrid entity combining features of trusts and companies, for asset management. | Estate planning, charitable purposes, wealth management, asset protection. |
| Maritime Entities (Ship & Yacht Registration) | Specialized registration for vessels under the RMI flag, recognized globally. | Shipowners, yacht owners, maritime businesses seeking a reputable flag. |
| Non-Profit Corporations | Designed for charitable, educational, or scientific purposes. | Charitable organizations, foundations, associations. |
The corporate landscape of the Marshall Islands is primarily governed by the Marshall Islands Associations Law, which incorporates the Business Corporations Act (BCA). This legislation is designed to be modern, flexible, and highly accommodating for international business activities. The RMI's legal system is based on common law, drawing heavily from the Delaware General Corporation Law, which provides a familiar and robust framework for global investors.
A key feature of the RMI corporate structure, particularly for International Business Companies (IBCs), is its simplicity and efficiency. An RMI IBC typically requires a minimum of one director and one shareholder, who can be the same individual or corporate entity, and there are no residency requirements for either. This allows for global participation and streamlined management. While there is no public register of directors or shareholders, maintaining a registered agent and a registered office within the Marshall Islands is mandatory. These services are provided by licensed professionals, ensuring adherence to local regulations and serving as the official point of contact for the company. The BCA also provides flexibility in share structures, allowing for various types of shares, including registered shares and shares with or without par value, further enhancing the versatility of RMI entities.
Establishing your Marshall Islands company follows a clear and efficient step-by-step process:
Start by submitting your proposed company name for a quick availability check with the Marshall Islands Registry. Concurrently, provide the necessary due diligence documentation for all beneficial owners, directors, and shareholders. This typically includes certified copies of passports and proof of residential address, in line with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) standards. Our team will review these to ensure compliance.
Once your chosen company name is approved and all due diligence requirements are met, we will draft the Memorandum and Articles of Association. These critical documents define your company's purpose, structure, and operational guidelines. We then proceed with the official submission of these documents to the Marshall Islands Registry of Corporations, formally initiating the incorporation process.
Upon successful review and acceptance of the filed documents by the Marshall Islands Registry, the official Certificate of Incorporation is issued. This certificate serves as legal proof of your company's existence and marks its formal establishment. At this stage, your Marshall Islands company is a legally recognized entity, ready to commence its international business operations.
Following incorporation, we will provide you with a complete set of essential corporate documents, including the original Certificate of Incorporation, stamped Memorandum and Articles of Association, share certificates, and registers of directors and shareholders. We also offer comprehensive post-incorporation support, such as assistance with corporate bank account opening or nominee services, ensuring a seamless launch of your business activities.
To ensure compliance with international Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, specific documentation is required for all individuals and corporate entities involved in the Marshall Islands company formation process. This ensures transparency and legal adherence.
We will provide detailed guidance on the exact requirements and assist with the proper certification and submission of all necessary documentation to ensure a seamless process.
While Marshall Islands companies, particularly IBCs, are known for their minimal ongoing compliance obligations, it is crucial to understand and fulfill the necessary annual requirements to maintain good standing. The primary obligation is the payment of the annual government registration fee, which ensures the company's continued active status with the Marshall Islands Registry. This fee is typically due on the anniversary of the company's incorporation. Non-payment can lead to penalties and, eventually, the striking off of the company from the register.
Every Marshall Islands company must also continuously maintain a registered office and a registered agent within the RMI. These services are vital for receiving official communications and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Our firm provides these essential services, acting as your local liaison. Although there is no requirement for RMI IBCs to file annual financial statements or tax returns with the local authorities for income derived from outside the jurisdiction, it is still advisable for companies to maintain accurate internal accounting records. These records should sufficiently reflect the company's financial position and transactions. Our team is equipped to assist with all ongoing maintenance aspects, ensuring your Marshall Islands company remains fully compliant and operational.
We offer transparent and competitive pricing for Marshall Islands company formation and comprehensive ongoing services. Our packages are tailored to meet diverse international business needs.
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*Prices are indicative and may vary based on specific requirements and additional services. Annual renewal fees apply for ongoing services. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
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An RMI International Business Company (IBC) is a legal entity incorporated under the Marshall Islands Business Corporations Act, specifically designed for international business activities. It benefits from a tax-exempt status on income generated outside the RMI and offers strong privacy protections. IBCs are popular for global trading, holding investments, and various asset protection strategies due to their straightforward incorporation process and minimal ongoing compliance requirements.
The Marshall Islands Registry is known for its efficiency. Once all required due diligence documents are received and approved, the incorporation of an RMI company can typically be completed within 24 to 48 hours. This rapid turnaround time is a significant advantage for businesses looking to establish an international presence swiftly.
No, the Marshall Islands maintains a high level of confidentiality. There is no public register of beneficial owners, shareholders, or directors. This commitment to privacy is a key feature of the RMI's offshore framework, ensuring that the identities of those involved with the company remain confidential.
The annual maintenance requirements for a Marshall Islands company are minimal. The primary obligation is the payment of an annual government registration fee to keep the company in good standing. Additionally, the company must maintain a registered office and a registered agent in the RMI. There is generally no requirement to file annual financial statements or tax returns in the RMI for income derived from outside the country, simplifying ongoing administration.
Generally, a Marshall Islands IBC is prohibited from conducting business with residents of the RMI or owning real estate within the RMI. Its primary purpose is to engage in international business activities. However, it can maintain professional contact with local service providers (e.g., registered agent, lawyers) and hold meetings within the RMI. For local business operations, a domestic company would be required.
