Incorporate · Offshore

Company Formation in Marshall Islands

Non-resident domestic corporations widely used for shipping and holding. Review the legal form, tax position, treaty network and indicative cost, then talk to one team that structures it end to end.

Licensed CSP
50+ yrs combined experience
15+ jurisdictions

Corporate tax: 0% for non-resident domestic entities on foreign-source income
VAT / GST: None
Formation: 1-2 days
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 3,500

At a glance

Common entity: Non-Resident Domestic Corporation
Formation time: 1-2 days
Setup cost: USD 1,500 - 3,500
Annual cost: USD 1,000 - 2,500
Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
Tax treaties: 0+

Holding companyTradingIP and licensingFunds and investment

Best for

Ship-owning and maritime structures
Holding and asset-holding vehicles
US-style corporate law without corporate tax

Less ideal for

Businesses needing treaty relief or easy banking
Founders wanting a strong onshore reputation

Legal and formation

Legal system	Common law (US-influenced corporate law)
Common entity types	Non-Resident Domestic Corporation, LLC, Limited Partnership
Formation timeline	1-2 days
Minimum capital	None
Foreign ownership	100% permitted
Minimum shareholders	1
Minimum directors	1
Local presence	Registered agent required (no physical presence needed)
Public registry	Directors and shareholders not on a public register
Audit	No general statutory audit for non-resident entities

Tax profile

Corporate income tax	0% for non-resident domestic entities on foreign-source income
VAT / GST	None
Withholding, dividends	0%
Withholding, interest	0%
Withholding, royalties	0%
Capital gains	Not taxed
Territorial system	Yes
CFC rules	No
Participation exemption	Not applicable (no corporate income tax on non-resident entities)

Every figure above is indicative. Rates, thresholds, minimum capital, ownership rules and timelines change and vary by activity, licence and structure. They are confirmed with the relevant authority and in a tailored quote before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

How to set up in Marshall Islands

1
Appoint the Marshall Islands registered agent
2
Reserve the company name and select the entity type
3
Prepare the articles of incorporation or formation and complete KYC
4
File the formation documents with the registry
5
Open a bank or EMI account (often through a specialist provider)

Banking reality

Marshall Islands entities are common in shipping but face the same offshore de-risking, so traditional accounts are hard to open directly; EMIs, maritime-focused banks and specialist providers typically handle banking.