Foreign Investors wishing to carry on business in the Cook Islands must submit an application for Foreign Enterprise Registration to the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB).

Under the Development Investment Act 1995-96; a foreign enterprise is defined as a business where the shareholding is comprised of more than one-third non-Cook Islands and less than two-third Cook Islands.  It is possible for an application to receive approval for a 100% foreign enterprise however it is more favorable for local Cook Islanders to have shareholding and active involvement. There are areas of investment that have been reserved for Cook Islanders and these are listed in the Investment Code.

Entry Permit

Persons coming to the Cook Islands to invest in business may travel to the Cook Islands on a bona-fide visitor permit to explore investment opportunities in the Cook Islands. It is expected that they must complete their business within 21 days.

To gain a permit to remain in the Cook Islands, a business investor must first obtain approval for the proposed investment from BTIB. If their proposal is approved by BTIB, BTIB will advise the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Immigration direct. The onus is however on the business investor to apply for an entry permit and permission to work in the Cook Islands and pay the relevant fee [link to fee]. 

Work Permit

Work permits are normally issued for one year, and are renewable annually. If the applicant is overseas, and the investment application with BTIB is successful, an authority to travel may be issued to allow travel to the Cook Islands. The investor must apply for an entry permit with work rights soon after arrival. It is a condition of the entry permit that the holder remains in the employment of the sponsoring employer, or, for investors, that the Business Trade Investment Board continues its approval of the investment and business arrangements.

Health & Character Requirements

Investors and family members joining them must meet the health and character requirements