Company Formation in Palau- An Overview

Aspect Details
Timeline The timeline to obtain a Company Formation in Palau takes around 3 to 6 weeks.
Benefits

The benefits of obtaining a Company Formation in Palau are as discussed below:

  • Tax Benefits
  • Ease of Corporate Governance
  • Political Equilibrium
  • Elasticity of Jurisprudential System
  • Refined Infrastructure
  • Asset Protection
  • Easy Setup
  • Attracts Foreign Prospects
Documents Needed

The documents needed to apply for Company Formation in Palau are provided below:

  • Copy of articles of incorporation
  • Bylaws or other lawful provisions
  • Copy of affidavit
  • Proof of paid-in capital
  • Capital necessary to engage in business
  • Name and mailing address of the company
  • Details of the nature of the business
  • Copy of passport certified by notary or authority of your country
  • Proof of residence for less than 3 months
  • Information regarding Foreign Investment Permit (if applicable)
Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria required for Company Formation in Palau are as provided below:

  • Secure a physical registered office address
  • Appoint a local registered agent or director
  • At least 1 director who is either an individual or corporate must be appointed
  • No strict minimum paid-up share capital is needed
  • Maintain a valid registered office and local agent
  • Apply for foreign investment approval certificate
Types

The types of Business Structure in Palau are as provided below:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Offshore Company
  • Foreign Company
  • Limited Liability Company
  • Partnership
  • Palau Corporation
Top Businesses Seeking Company Formation in Palau

The top businesses seeking Company Formation in Palau are as provided below:

  • Eco-Lodges and Resort Business
  • Travel Agencies and Cultural Tourism
  • Commercial and Sustainable Fishing Business
  • Solar Power Solutions and Wind Energy Projects
  • Software and Application Development Business
  • Organic Farming and Hydroponic Vertical Farming Business
  • Local Food Packaging and Distribution Business
  • Freight Forwarding and Shipping Business
  • Marine Transport and Charter Services
  • Property Management and Sustainable Construction Business
  • International and Technical School Business
Process

The process to obtain a full Company Formation in Palau is as provided below:

  • Determine Business Type and Structure
  • Choose a Business Name
  • Appoint a Registered Agent
  • Draft and Notarize Incorporation Documents
  • Apply for Business License
  • Obtain a Tax Identification Number
  • Register with Palau Social Security Administration
Post-Company Registration Compliance Requirements

The post-company registration compliance requirements are as provided below:

  • Apply for social security tax registration
  • Apply for and receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Apply for business license in Palau (national and state)
  • Apply for Foreign Investment Permit from the Foreign Investment Board (FIB)
  • Secure investor visas through Foreign Investment Approval Certificate (FIAC)
  • Obtain entry and work permits through the Division of Labour, Bureau of Human Resources
  • Obtain environmental quality protection regulations (EQPB)
  • Obtain food import/export license from the Bureau of Marine Resources Declaration Form
  • Open a corporate bank account in Palau’s bank
  • Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Obtain industry-specific business licenses
How Enterslice Can Help You?
  • 10+ years of expertise in international company incorporation
  • Trusted by 200+ entrepreneurs for company formation in Palau
  • In-knowledge of Palau’s legal framework
  • Seamless coordination with local Palauan government offices
  • End-to-end documentation and incorporation support
  • Provide due diligence and feasibility checks solutions
  • Assistance with immigration and HR setup
  • Support from a dedicated compliance and tax advisory team
  • Proactive compliance monitoring for your business
  • Offers transparent pricing, with no hidden costs
  • Provide regular updates to keep you compliant with regulatory changes

Business Setup in Palau is Now Easy and Simple with Us!

Connect Enterslice which offers complete company formation support right from choosing the right business structure to handling legal documentation for business setup in Palau.

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Understanding Company Formation in Palau

Palau, an insular republic located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, offers an attractive extraterritorial business environment ideal for fast and simple company formation in Palau. The country is known for its investor-friendly policies and minimal regulatory hurdles; it is progressively becoming more alluring for investment ventures.

The foreign entrepreneurs seeking company formation in Palau can benefit from 0% corporate tax on foreign-sourced income, full foreign ownership, and minimal reporting obligations. The Palau’s scenic landscape and stable political environment reflect a growing commitment to economic development and international cooperation.

Palau’s International Business Companies (IBC) Act, which governs offshore entities, offers a strong legal foundation while ensuring confidentiality, asset protection, and operational flexibility. Connect Enterslice when you’re looking to start a consulting firm in Palau’s environment for cross-border expansion.

0% tax on foreign income

Full foreign ownership allowed

No minimum capital required for small businesses

Free movement of capital and repatriation of profits

No local director or shareholder requirement

No exchange control regulations

Low annual maintenance and compliance costs

Stable political and legal environment

Strategic location for access to Asia-Pacific markets

Types of Palau Company Incorporation

The different types of Palau company incorporation, which are governed by the Corporations Act, 1994 and the Foreign Investment Act, are as discussed below:

Sole Proprietorship

Sole Proprietorship

A sole proprietorship is one of the simplest forms of business structure where a single individual owes and operates the business.

Offshore Company

Offshore Company

An offshore company setup in Palau is designed for international business operations, often used for asset protection, tax planning, and ease of international transactions. It is one of the significant types of structures for company formation in Palau.

SA

Foreign Company

Foreign company registration in Palau refers to an entity incorporated and operated within the country, allowing international businesses to establish a local presence in Palau.

Limited Liability Company

Limited Liability Company

A limited liability company (i.e., LLC) is a form of business structures which combine the both partnerships and corporations, offering pass-through taxation and limited liability protection.

Partnership

Partnership

A partnership is one of the common business structures which involve two or more individuals agreeing to share in the profits or losses of a business.

Palau Corporation

Palau Corporation

Palau corporation is a type of business structures that offers flexible options inspired by the international models, allowing tax exemptions for international nosiness company in Palau.

How to Register a Company in Palau?

The entrepreneurs seeking to register a company in Palau must comply with the following steps, as discussed below:

Determine Business Type and Structure

Before registering a business in Palau, the entrepreneurs must initially determine the type and structure of business entity, such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, and LLC.

Choose a Business Name

Next, the foreign entrepreneurs seeking company formation in Palau must choose a unique business name, ensuring registration with the Palau Ministry of Finance.

Appoint a Registered Agent

The entrepreneurs must appoint a local registered agent who can provide a valid physical address for the business.

Draft and Notarize Incorporation Documents

Next, the entrepreneurs must draft and notarize incorporation documents such as articles of incorporation, by laws, operating agreement, shareholder affidavit, etc.

Apply for Business License

All businesses operating in Palau must apply for a business license from the Palau’s Ministry of Finance and Corporate Registry.

Obtain a Tax Identification Number

All registered businesses operating in Palau must obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) from the Palau Bureau of Revenue and Taxation.

Register with the Palau Social Security Administration

Lastly, the entrepreneurs must register with the Palau Social Security Administration for employee social security contributions.

Timeline for Palau Business Registration

The estimated timeline for securing a Palau business registration generally takes around 3 to 6 weeks, varying based on government processing speed, foreign investment approvals, and completeness of documentation.

Choose Business Structure and Name: 1 Working Day

It takes around 1 working day to choose a business structure and apply for a unique business name availability with the Registrar of Companies, Palau.

Reservation of Company Name: 1 to 2 Working Days

It takes around 1 to 2 working days to check the availability and apply for company name reservation with the concerned authorities.

Notarize Incorporation Documents: 1 Working Day

It takes around 1 working day for the notarization and preparation of incorporation documents by a country clerk or notary public.

Submit Application to Register: 7 to 14 Working Days

It takes 7 to 14 working days for the review and submission of the application to the Registrar of Companies, Palau.

Apply for TIN: 1 to 2 Working Days

The time taken to apply for TIN registration with the Bureau of Revenue and Taxation for PGST, BPT, or GRT takes around 1 to 2 working days.

Obtain Sector-Specific Licenses: Varies

The time required to obtain sector-specific business licenses and permits depends on the nature of the business and the regulatory requirements of the respective authorities.

Documents Needed for Business Setup in Palau

These are the documents needed for business setup in Palau, as mentioned below:

Copy of articles of incorporation

Bylaws or other lawful provisions

Copy of affidavit

Proof of paid-in capital

Capital necessary to engage in business

Name and mailing address of the company

Details of the nature of the business

Copy of passport certified by a notary or authority of your country

Proof of residence for less than 3 months

Information regarding Foreign Investment Permit (if applicable)

Benefits of Foreign Company Registration in Palau

Foreign company registration in Palau offers valuable benefits to both the local and the foreign investors, as discussed below:

Palau Business Incorporation

Tax Benefits

Company formation in Palau offers tax benefits to business ventures, encompassing a total exemption from the taxation of income earned beyond the jurisdiction.

Ease of Corporate Governance

Company formation in Palau offers uncomplicated procedures for corporate establishment and minimal stipulations for corporate disclosure.

Political Equilibrium

Company formation in Palau offers perpetual political stability, which enables mitigating perils associated with political ambiguity and perseverance for investment.

Elasticity of Jurisprudential System

Palau offers a flexible and business-friendly legal system that operates under a common law framework, ensuring predictability and international compatibility.

Refined Infrastructure

Foreign company registration offers a steadily developing infrastructure that supports the needs of international businesses, creating a reliable environment for offshore operations.

Asset Protection

Foreign company registration in Palau offers reliable asset protection, shielding from creditor claims and legal judgements back home.

Easy Setup

Company formation in Palau can be more straightforward compared to the entrepreneurs’ home country, usually reducing the bureaucratic obstacles and interactions with regulatory bodies.

Attracts Foreign Prospects

Company formation in Palau grants entrée to indigenous investment prospects, encompassing domains such as tourism, fisheries, and sundry services.

Requirements for Company Formation in Palau

The requirements for company formation in Palau are as discussed below:

  • Registered Office Address: Securing a physical registered office address is mandatory for company formation in Palau.
  • Local Agent: Appointment of a local registered agent or director is mandatory for business registration in Palau.
  • Minimum Director: At least 1 director, who is either an individual or a corporate must be appointed for company formation in Palau.
  • Share Capital: No strict minimum paid-up share capital is needed for company formation in Palau.
  • Ongoing Regulatory Obligations: The entrepreneurs must maintain a valid registered office and local agent for company formation in Palau.
  • Foreign Investment Considerations: Any foreign nationals involved in ownership or management must apply for a foreign investment approval certificate from the Palau Foreign Investment Board (FIB).

Top Industries Permitted for Company Formation in Palau

Have a look at the list of top 10 industries and business sectors permitted and actively encouraged for Company Formation in Palau:

Industries Permitted for Company Formation in Palau

  • Tourism and Hospitality Industry
  • Fisheries and Marine Resources Industry
  • Renewable Energy Industry
  • Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Industry
  • Financial and Professional Services Industry
  • Agriculture and Food Processing Industry
  • Logistics and Maritime Industry
  • Construction and Real Estate Industry
  • Education and Training Industry
  • Healthcare and Wellness Industry

Businesses Permitted for Company Formation in Palau

  • Eco-Lodges and Resort Business
  • Travel Agencies and Cultural Tourism
  • Commercial and Sustainable Fishing Business
  • Solar Power Solutions and Wind Energy Projects
  • Software and Application Development Business
  • Organic Farming and Hydroponic Vertical Farming Business
  • Local Food Packaging and Distribution Business
  • Freight Forwarding and Shipping Business
  • Marine Transport and Charter Services
  • Property Management and Sustainable Construction Business
  • International and Technical School Business
  • Language and Skill-Based Training Centres
  • Clinics and Diagnostic Centres

Post-Palau Company Incorporation Services

Once your company is successfully registered, the entrepreneurs must adhere to post-Palau company incorporation services, as discussed below:

  • Apply for social security tax registration
  • Apply for and receive an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
  • Apply for a business license in Palau (national and state)
  • Apply for Foreign Investment Permit from the Foreign Investment Board (FIB)
  • Secure investor visas through Foreign Investment Approval Certificate (FIAC)
  • Obtain entry and work permits through the Division of Labour, Bureau of Human Resources
  • Obtain environmental quality protection regulations (EQPB)
  • Obtain food import/export license from the Bureau of Marine Resources Declaration Form
  • Open a corporate bank account in Palau’s bank
  • Register for Tax Identification Number (TIN)
  • Obtain industry-specific business licenses and permits
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Why Trust Enterslice for Business Setup in Palau?

Business setup in Palau involves working within a developing yet business-friendly regulatory framework, which is the key to successful local market entry. Connect Enterslice, which stands out to offer reliable, end-to-end support for making the entire process smooth and hassle-free.

  • 10+ years of expertise in international company incorporation across emerging jurisdictions
  • Trusted by 200+ entrepreneurs for company formation in Palau
  • In-knowledge of Palau’s legal framework
  • Seamless coordination with local Palauan government offices
  • End-to-end documentation and incorporation support
  • Provide due diligence and feasibility checks for solutions
  • Provides personalized solutions according to the business needs
  • Assistance with immigration and HR setup
  • Support from a dedicated compliance and tax advisory team
  • Ensures practical time management, subject to the responsiveness of the authorities
  • Proactive compliance monitoring for your business
  • Offers transparent pricing, with no hidden costs
  • Provide regular updates to keep you compliant with regulatory changes

FAQs on Company Formation in Palau

Have a look at the following answers to the most asked questions:

To start a business in Palau, the entrepreneurs must comply with the following steps, as discussed below:

  • Step 1: Determine Business Type and Structure
  • Step 2: Choose a Business Name
  • Step 3: Appoint a Registered Agent
  • Step 4: Draft and Notarize Incorporation Documents
  • Step 5: Apply for Business License
  • Step 6: Obtain a Tax Identification Number
  • Step 7: Register with the Palau Social Security Administration

Palau does not impose a traditional corporate tax rate on net profits. Instead, a 4% gross revenue tax (GRT) is applied directly to gross sales, regardless of whether the business is profitable or not. However, for companies registered under the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST) system, the GRT us replaced by a 12% business profits tax (BPT), which is levied on net profits.

Palau offers several business opportunities, primarily including expanded tourism, marine aquaculture, film, television, commercial productions, light manufacturing, and related activities.

No, Palau is not entirely tax-free. However, effective from January 1, 2023, Palau introduced the Palau Goods and Services Tax (PGST), which applies a standard rate of 10% on most goods and services sold or consumed within the country. The PGST replaces several older taxes and is part of the government’s broader tax reform to streamline revenue collection and support economic development.

GRT, which stands for Gross Revenue Tax, is calculated at 4% of the person’s gross revenue (turnover). However, it is calculated based on the overall income generated by a person or entity, regardless of profitability, meaning it applies even if the business does not make a profit.

Yes, Palau, which offers ample benefits such as a relaxed lifestyle, various amenities, and a welcoming culture, is considered a good place to live in.

Palau’s top three exports typically include scrap vessels, live fish, and computers. Furthermore, the other exports include refined petroleum, scrap iron, and office machine parts.

The foreigners cannot directly own or buy land in Palau. However, they can lease land and own buildings constructed on that leased land.

No, no minimum share capital is required to form a company in Palau. However, companies are required to pay a registration fee and annual franchise tax.

The time required to form a company in Palau, which takes around 3 to 6 weeks, varies depending upon the type of company and the complexity of the registration process.

Yes, according to the legal requirements in Palau, having a physical office address is mandatorily required to form a company in Palau.

Yes, a foreigner is eligible to form a company after Palau business registration, subject to certain restrictions and requirements, such as obtaining a work permit and a local business license.

The ongoing compliance requirements for companies in Palau include filing annual financial statements and paying taxes, subject to other requirements based on their specific business activities.

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