International Companies

 

Cook Islands International Companies

The Cook Islands International Companies Act 1981 (“ICA”) governs the formation and administration of international companies. 

International Companies must be incorporated through a licensed trustee company. Cook Islands Trust Corporation Ltd handles all aspects of incorporation, and provides ancillary company services. 

Features

Some of the features of Cook Islands International Companies include:

  • No public record of shareholders or directors
  • Only one shareholder required
  • No minimum share capital requirement
  • Shares can take advantage of special asset protection provisions
  • Shareholders can agree to waive AGMs and appointment of an auditor
  • Only one director required
  • No requirement for Cook Islands resident director
  • Corporate Directors are permitted
  • Subject to the domestic tax regime in the Cook Islands

Tax Status

  • International Companies will not be Cook Islands tax resident for Income tax purposes if they are controlled and managed outside of the Cook Islands. But current rules mean that a 15% withholding tax on dividend, interest and other payments applies. All companies are required to register with the tax authority, obtain a tax ID number, and file tax returns and financial information annually.
  • All new companies will be required to register with the Cook Islands tax authority, obtain a tax ID number, and file tax returns and financial information annually.
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