Offshore Pro Group experts support every stage of registration, from choosing the company’s legal form and preparing documents to liaising with the registered agent. If required, our specialists also help select a bank and prepare documents for opening a corporate account.
The process usually takes 4–10 working days after the documents have been approved.
Subject to compliance with local legislation, these structures’ foreign-source income is exempt from taxes in the Republic.
Remote registration is available.
Excellent – 4.6 out of 5
Processing time: from 4 days
For entrepreneurs planning to register an IBC or LLC and manage the company themselves.
The package includes:
Document preparation and company registration.
Payment of the government fee.
Registered agent services for 12 months.
Provision of a registered address for 12 months.
A set of original corporate documents.
Apostille certification of documents.
Courier delivery of the document package.
Processing time: from 6 days.
For entrepreneurs who need a professional IBC director or LLC manager to manage the company and liaise with counterparties.
The package includes:
Document preparation and company registration.
Payment of the government fee.
Registered agent services for 12 months.
Provision of a registered address for 12 months.
A set of original corporate documents.
Apostille certification of documents.
Courier delivery of the document package.
Appointment of a professional IBC director or LLC manager for 12 months.
Processing time: from 10 days.
For entrepreneurs who need company registration and assistance opening a corporate bank account.
The package includes:
Document preparation and company registration.
Payment of the government fee.
Registered agent services for 12 months.
Provision of a registered address for 12 months.
A set of original corporate documents.
Apostille certification of documents.
Courier delivery of the document package.
Bank selection and assistance opening a corporate account.
In an International Business Corporation (IBC), ownership rights are represented by shares, and management is carried out by a director. In a limited liability company (LLC), members may manage the business themselves or appoint managers. The Operating Agreement sets out decision-making procedures and profit distribution, allowing the interests of different owners to be accommodated.
Under Section 12 of the Business Corporations Act, non-resident domestic entities (NRDEs) are exempt from corporate tax, income tax, and several other local taxes. However, an offshore company and its owners may have tax obligations in other countries, including where business is conducted or where they are tax residents.
Marshall Islands corporate law is largely based on the legislation of the US state of Delaware. The formation and operation of IBCs, LLCs, and partnerships are governed by the Associations Law. This legislation also provides for redomiciliation: transferring an existing company to the Marshall Islands or another jurisdiction without creating a new legal entity. This procedure is possible subject to compliance with the laws of both countries.
The Marshall Islands is not on the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. However, foreign banks conduct their own risk assessments when reviewing corporate account applications. Their specialists consider the country of incorporation, the company’s activities, its ownership structure, and its planned transactions.
An IBC requires only one shareholder, while an LLC requires only one member. In either case, the owner may be an individual or a legal entity, regardless of their country of residence. No local partners are required.
Details of directors, shareholders, and officers are not subject to mandatory disclosure in the public register. Ultimate beneficial ownership information is also unavailable to third parties, although authorised government bodies are entitled to access it.
There is no need to visit the Marshall Islands in person to register an IBC or LLC. The application can be submitted online, while document preparation and communication with the registered agent can be handled remotely.
There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement for an IBC. The standard structure provides for the issue of up to 500 no-par-value shares or shares with a total par value of up to USD 50,000. Exceeding these thresholds incurs a one-off capitalization tax. In an LLC, members determine their contributions and allocate ownership interests in the Operating Agreement.
Before opening a corporate account, the bank assesses the ownership structure, nature of business, and source of funds. These procedures follow the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). If necessary, the financial institution requests additional documents and may refuse to provide services after reviewing the application.
To maintain the company’s active status, its registration must be renewed on time and corporate information kept up to date. In addition, all non-resident legal entities must file an Economic Substance Report annually, even if they did not conduct business or earn income during the reporting period.
IBCs and LLCs are the most common choices for international business. The Marshall Islands also allows partnerships, foreign company branches, and the registration of foreign entities to own vessels flying the Republic’s flag.
International Business Corporation
An IBC is a separate legal entity managed by a director and owned by shareholders. Liability is generally limited to the investment, making this form suitable for international trade, holding structures, and asset ownership.
Limited Liability Company
Members may manage the business themselves or appoint managers. They are generally not personally liable for the company’s obligations, and profit distribution is set out in the Operating Agreement. This form suits joint investment projects in which partners want to agree on their participation terms in advance.
| FORM | FEATURES |
|---|---|
|
General Partnership |
Partners run the business jointly and have unlimited liability for its obligations. If partnership assets are insufficient to repay debts, creditors may claim against the partners’ personal assets. |
|
Limited Partnership |
General partners manage the business and have unlimited liability for its obligations. Other partners may act as investors without participating in day-to-day management, generally risking only the funds they invest. This form suits joint investment projects with responsibilities divided between partners. |
|
Foreign Maritime Entity (FME) |
A foreign company may obtain FME status if it intends to register a vessel it owns in the Marshall Islands ship registry. It retains its registration in its country of formation, so there is no need to create a new legal entity. |
|
Branch of a foreign company |
A foreign company may open a branch to operate in the Marshall Islands after obtaining the necessary permits. As the branch is not a separate legal entity, the parent company is liable for its obligations. |
General Partnership
Partners run the business jointly and have unlimited liability for its obligations. If partnership assets are insufficient to repay debts, creditors may claim against the partners’ personal assets.
Limited Partnership
General partners manage the business and have unlimited liability for its obligations. Other partners may act as investors without participating in day-to-day management, generally risking only the funds they invest. This form suits joint investment projects with responsibilities divided between partners.
Foreign Maritime Entity (FME)
A foreign company may obtain FME status if it intends to register a vessel it owns in the Marshall Islands ship registry. It retains its registration in its country of formation, so there is no need to create a new legal entity.
Branch of a foreign company
A foreign company may open a branch to operate in the Marshall Islands after obtaining the necessary permits. As the branch is not a separate legal entity, the parent company is liable for its obligations.
The name must be unique and use letters of the Latin alphabet. Under Section 26 of the Business Corporations Act, an IBC generally uses a legal form designation, such as “Limited,” “Ltd.,” or “Corporation.” In certain cases, the Registrar may approve another name. The chosen name can be reserved free of charge for up to six months. Use of words such as “bank,” “trust,” and other regulated designations is restricted.
Ownership and management requirements vary by legal form.
An IBC requires only one shareholder, while an LLC requires only one member. Owners may be individuals or legal entities, regardless of their country of residence. Local partners are not mandatory.
An IBC must have at least one director responsible for managing the corporation. In an LLC, these functions may be performed by members themselves or by managers they appoint. There are no local residency requirements for those managing the company.
An IBC must appoint a secretary, whereas an LLC may operate without one. The secretary organises corporate document management, records resolutions, and keeps minutes.
Under Section 3 of the Beneficial Ownership Regulations, 2023, an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) is an individual who directly or indirectly owns more than 25% of ownership interests or voting rights, or otherwise controls a legal entity. These owners must be identified regardless of their nationality.
Companies must keep current information about their ultimate owners and update it when the ownership structure changes. This information is not published in an open register but may be provided to authorised authorities upon request.
The intended business activity is stated during registration. An offshore company may conduct several permitted activities, but certain financial and other regulated services are subject to restrictions and licensing requirements.
A company seal is not a mandatory registration requirement. An IBC may use one to execute documents if necessary.
IBCs and LLCs must have a registered address in the Marshall Islands. The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands (TCMI) acts as the mandatory registered agent for non-resident entities.
A separate office is not required to register an IBC or LLC. However, if an offshore company earns income from certain activities, such as financing or leasing, it may be subject to economic substance requirements. In that case, management and core activities must take place in the Marshall Islands, supported by an adequate number of employees and suitable premises.
When forming an IBC, the number and characteristics of authorised shares must be determined. There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement. In an LLC, members agree on their contributions, ownership interests and contribution procedures in the operating agreement.
Offshore Pro Group experts clarify the business objectives, ownership composition, and planned activities. Based on this information, our specialists help determine which form, IBC or LLC, best suits the project.
We then check that the proposed name meets legal requirements and is not already used by another company. If there are no restrictions, the name can be reserved in the Marshall Islands corporate registry.
Offshore Pro Group specialists collect the necessary information about members, managers, and beneficial owners. The registered agent then conducts Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) checks. Additional documents may be requested if necessary.
After successful due diligence, the documents are submitted for registration through an authorised intermediary. Government fees are also paid at this stage.
Once registration is complete, a Certificate of Incorporation is issued for an IBC or a Certificate of Formation for an LLC. Offshore Pro Group experts then assemble the corporate document package and arrange apostilles for the required copies.
After registration, Offshore Pro Group staff help arrange the company’s ongoing maintenance. This includes annual registration renewal, updating ownership and management information where necessary, and filing an Economic Substance Report (ESR).
As part of our banking support, Offshore Pro Group experts help select a financial institution, prepare the application, and provide the necessary due diligence documents. The account opening timeframe depends on the internal procedures of the chosen bank or payment institution.
The document list depends on the founders and the requirements of the registered agent, which must conduct due diligence on applicants before registration.
A copy of a valid passport.
Proof of residential address, such as a bank statement or utility bill.
Information about the planned activities and sources of funds.
A power of attorney if registration is handled through a representative.
Constitutional and registration documents.
A resolution to establish a company in the Marshall Islands.
Details of directors, members, and ultimate beneficial owners.
The representative’s documents and a power of attorney in their name.
Depending on the country of issue, the agent may require notarized copies, translations, or an apostille. An apostille authenticates official documents for use abroad.
Opening an account usually requires more detailed business information. The bank may request proof of the source of funds, contracts with counterparties, and a description of planned transactions and expected turnover.
The cost depends on the chosen service package and the nature of the business. The following rates apply to IBCs and LLCs:
| SERVICE | COST |
|---|---|
|
Company registration |
USD 3,285 |
|
Professional service |
USD 1,715 |
|
Opening a corporate account |
USD 4,000 |
|
Annual legal maintenance Renewal of registration, agent services, and registered address |
USD 1,750 per year |
|
Courier delivery |
USD 350 per shipment |
Renewal of registration, agent services, and registered address
Ownership structure. If the founders include several legal entities, checking their documents and ultimate beneficial owners may incur additional costs.
Registration arrangements. Notarisation, translation, and apostilles for documents outside the chosen package are charged separately.
Banking support. The cost depends on the business activities, payment geography, and complexity of source-of-funds checks.
Additional services. Fees for appointing professional managers, corporate changes, and accounting services are calculated according to the specific tasks.
Offshore Pro Group experts will prepare a tailored quotation based on the chosen legal form and required services.
IBCs and LLCs are suitable for providing consulting services to overseas clients. Entrepreneurs can use these structures to contract with foreign counterparties and receive payment for completed work.
Both IBCs and LLCs suit software development, licensing digital products, and providing Software as a Service (SaaS). When digital subscriptions are sold directly to individuals in the EU, VAT is charged at the rate applicable in the customer’s country. When selling through a platform, tax obligations depend on its role in the transaction.
An IBC can enter into foreign trade contracts to buy and sell goods. Customs obligations depend on the product category and the countries the goods pass through.
An offshore company can be used to operate an online shop and sell through international marketplaces. Before starting, check that the chosen payment services support companies registered in the Marshall Islands.
An IBC can own interests in other companies, vessels, real estate, and intellectual property rights, such as trademarks and patents. This allows different assets to be held by a single legal entity and managed centrally.
An LLC allows partners to determine their contributions, management procedures, and profit distribution. When attracting outside investors, licensing requirements must be checked separately.
Offshore Pro Group experts will help you choose between an IBC and an LLC, assess account opening options, and calculate registration costs.
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The tax regime depends on the entity’s status and where it operates. Non-resident IBCs and LLCs qualify for exemptions under Section 12 of the Business Corporations Act.
0%
Income tax for non-resident companies
12%
Tax on sales of goods and services in the Marshall Islands
0%
Tax on payments by non-resident companies to foreign recipients
0%
Tax on dividends paid to foreign company owners
IBCs and LLCs with non-resident status are exempt from income tax under Section 12 of the Business Corporations Act. Doing business within the Republic or in other countries may give rise to additional tax obligations.
Since 1 October 2026, the Marshall Islands has applied a 12% consumption tax to taxable sales of goods, services, and imports. Registering an IBC or LLC does not itself create an obligation to pay this tax; the obligation arises when taxable transactions are carried out.
Non-resident IBCs and LLCs do not withhold local tax on interest, rent, or payments for the use of intellectual property made to foreign recipients.
IBC dividends and profit distributions to LLC members are exempt from local taxes if the recipients are not residents of the Republic. However, this income may be taxable under the laws of the owner’s country of tax residence.
Where employees or a director work within the Republic, employment income is taxed at rates of 8–12%, with an exemption for low incomes. The employer also pays pension and health insurance contributions.
The Marshall Islands has entered into tax information exchange agreements with several countries. These allow tax authorities to exchange information but do not themselves provide tax relief on international payments.
IBCs and LLCs must record transactions and retain supporting documents.
Non-resident companies do not file annual financial statements with the registry.
Non-resident IBCs and LLCs are exempt from filing local income tax returns.
There is no mandatory annual audit, but a bank or investor may require one.
The company must file an economic substance report annually through the Registrar’s online portal, even if it has no income.
The company pays annual registration fees and renews the services of the agent that provides its registered address and receives official correspondence.
The company records transactions, retains supporting documents, and complies with the law where tax obligations arise.
Even if there is no income, an economic substance report must be submitted annually through the Registrar’s portal.
When the director, members, or address changes, the necessary documents are prepared and the registered agent’s records are updated.
Information is updated whenever the ultimate owners change.
Up-to-date business information and documents substantiating transactions are provided at the financial institution’s request.
Offshore Pro Group experts assist with account opening, but the selected financial institution makes the final decision.
A preliminary assessment of the company’s activities and planned transactions.
Selecting a bank or payment institution based on the currencies and countries involved in payments.
Helping collect documents for due diligence on the owners and the business.
Helping complete application forms and prepare responses to additional bank requests.
Preparing company representatives for an interview, if required.
The identity of owners and managers.
The source of funds.
The nature of the business and its main counterparties.
The countries from which payments are received and to which they are sent.
Expected account turnover.
A shelf IBC that is already registered but has never traded can be purchased in the Marshall Islands. Offshore Pro Group experts help select a suitable option from available companies and complete the purchase.
The buyer receives an already registered IBC with a set of corporate documents. When ownership changes, the company retains its original incorporation date because no new legal entity is created.
Before the transaction, the company’s registration status, history, and absence of debts or unfulfilled obligations are checked.
Following the purchase, the shares are transferred to the new owner, the change of director is documented, and ultimate beneficial ownership information is updated.
If the company already has an account, a change of ownership may require renewed due diligence. Continued banking services depend on the financial institution’s decision.
Registering an IBC or LLC does not automatically authorise regulated activities. Restrictions depend on the nature of the business and the country in which services are provided.
Non-resident companies are prohibited from conducting banking and trust business. Other financial services may require a licence in the country where the offshore company intends to operate.
Non-resident IBCs and LLCs are prohibited from carrying out insurance business, including entering into insurance and reinsurance contracts.
Opening a clinic requires a licence, while manufacturing and selling medicines requires the appropriate permits and registration of the products in the countries of sale.
Providing payment services requires a licence in the country of operation. Non-resident IBCs and LLCs are also prohibited from providing virtual asset services.
Commercial shipping under the Marshall Islands flag requires vessel registration, mandatory safety inspections, and the relevant certificates.
Construction and energy projects in the Marshall Islands must comply with local permit requirements. Telecommunications services require a special permit, and commercial gambling is prohibited.
Restrictions on non-resident companies are set out in the Marshall Islands Associations Law.
Redomiciliation allows a company to move to the Marshall Islands or another country without liquidation or creating a new legal entity. The procedure is permitted subject to compliance with the laws of both countries. The company retains its original formation date and obligations, while the terms of existing licences and banking services must be checked separately.
Voluntary liquidation of IBCs and LLCs follows a statutory procedure and differs from bankruptcy or compulsory striking-off.
Closing an IBC requires the consent of shareholders holding at least two-thirds of the voting shares, unless the articles provide otherwise. For an LLC, the terms of the members’ agreement apply.
Following the shareholders’ resolution, the IBC’s voluntary dissolution documents are filed with the registrar. Once dissolution takes effect, the company ceases its ordinary commercial activities.
After dissolution, a non-resident IBC may formally notify creditors of the deadline for submitting claims. This procedure is optional for these offshore companies.
The IBC’s directors settle debts using company assets and distribute the remaining assets among shareholders. For an LLC, liquidation procedures are determined by legislation and the members’ agreement.
01
An entrepreneur buys goods in Asia and sells them to European distributors. A foreign company is needed to enter into contracts.
02
Registering an IBC with one shareholder and preparing documents to open a corporate account.
03
The entrepreneur registered an IBC, passed bank due diligence, and opened a corporate account to pay overseas counterparties.
01
Two partners plan to acquire assets jointly and want to agree on management and profit distribution terms in advance.
02
Form an LLC, record the arrangements in its Operating Agreement, and disclose the sources of invested funds.
03
The partners registered an LLC and set out company management, investment decision-making, and profit distribution procedures in the Operating Agreement.
For a preliminary assessment, tell us the business activity, ownership composition, payment countries and currencies, and whether you need a corporate account. Offshore Pro Group experts will select a suitable service package and calculate the registration cost.
Yes. Foreigners may own 100% of the shares in an IBC or the membership interests in an LLC. No local partner is needed.
Yes. The documents are handled through the registered agent without a personal visit to the Republic.
Usually from four working days. If additional information about founders or beneficial owners is required, the overall registration timeframe may increase.
There is no mandatory minimum paid-up capital for an IBC. In an LLC, members determine their contribution amounts.
No. An IBC director or LLC manager may be a foreign national.
A local registered address is sufficient for registration. However, certain activities require an actual presence in the Marshall Islands.
Yes. It can apply to a foreign bank or payment institution. The decision to open an account depends on the results of due diligence on the company’s activities and owners.
Non-resident IBCs and LLCs do not file annual financial statements with the registry, but must submit an economic substance report each year, even if they have not traded.
