Marshall Islands Company Formation: International Business Company (IBC) Registration & Setup
***Get Started on Your Marshall Islands Company Today and Receive a 10% Discount
Offshore Protection Support
What is a Marshall Island Company
A Marshall Islands International Business Company (IBC), known as a Non-Resident Domestic Corporation (NRDC), is the country’s premier and most popular offshore company formation vehicle. Its high attractiveness is due to a number of unique advantages, giving Marshall Islands offshore companies an unprecedented array of business possibilities.
For example, a Marshall Islands’ company may be taken public, raise capital, carry out third-party trading, act as an investment advisor and conduct business in any activity except banking, trust, insurance or gaming.
Benefits of a Marshall Islands Company
Supportive Business Environment
Tax optimisation and planning for yourself and future generations
Legal Protection
Have a second jurisdiction's business friendly laws shield you from unscrupulous creditors
Taxation
Marshall Islands IBCs benefit from a tax-neutral environment.
Flexibility
The quickest and easiest jurisdiction to setup a company
Simplicity
The process for setting up a company has minimal requirements
Privacy
The identities of company owners and directors are not made public
How to Set up an Marshall Islands Offshore Company
- Assess Your Needs
Consider your specific reasons for setting up an offshore company, including the type of business and your main goals. - Select a Jurisdiction
Find a jurisdiction that works best for you and your situation given your needs. Marshall Islands is one of your favorite due to ease of incorporation, cost and timeframe. - Seek Professional Guidance
Find a corporate service provider who can assist you with guiding you through the process - Choose your structure
There are two main options:
IBC / Non-Resident Domestic Corporation (NDC) shareholder/director framework, most common for holding/trading
Limited Liability Company (LLC) member based, more flexible, popular for asset protection Both offer zero tax on offshore income and no public register of beneficial owners. - Choose a company name
The name must be unique and not similar to existing companies. Run a name check through your registered agent. - Appoint a registered agent
Every Marshall Islands company must have a registered agent with a physical address within the Marshall Islands. You can't file without one. Your formation service provider typically handles this. - Prepare and file incorporation documents
Submit Articles of Incorporation to the Registrar of Corporations, setting out the company name, authorized share capital, and nature of business. - Prepare KYC documents
Required for all directors, shareholders, and UBOs: -a certified true copy of passport
-a CV/résumé or LinkedIn profile, and
-proof of address - Open a corporate bank account
This is usually done through third party introductions as it is difficult to open a bank account without guidance and the proper documetation. - Stay Compliant & Review
Maintain regular records and ensure government fees are paid on time and ensure that you are kept aware of any changes
Business Corporations Act
The Business Corporations Act 1990 forms the cornerstone of corporate legislation in the Marshall Islands. It establishes the legal basis for the creation, operation, and dissolution of corporations.
A Non-Resident Domestic Company is governed by the Business Corporations Act, which is under the Marshall Islands Associations Law of 1990, exempting all non-resident companies from having to pay any type of local taxes. The offshore jurisdiction has a modernized corporate law that combines elements from both the US and the UK, making it a first class offshore financial centre.
What Makes The Marshall Islands Unique?
Global Asset Ownership
Assets can be held anywhere in the world
Confidentiality
The identities of directors & shareholders are not on public recorded with all information kept with the registered agent.
Monetary Stability
No fear that there will be monetary devaluation
Not publicly Registered
Information of owners are not public
Simplicity of Setup
Minimal requirements, quick and efficient setup often taking just 2 days
Flexible corporate structure
A Marshall Island company is one of the most flexible structures in the world
No need to file accounts
Company documents do not need to be filed and are not public
Tax Exemption
There are no taxes of any kind, including corporate tax, sales tax, and VAT
What Are The Most
Common Company Uses
Asset management and protection
Holding securities and bank accounts
Tax optimization
Holding patents and trademarks
International trade
Real Property Holding
Advantages
of
Marshall Islands
Incorporation
Single ownership is possible
Modern corporate legislation
Nominee services can be used
Free re-domiciliation
Stable economic jurisdiction
No exchange controls
Range of Share Types Allowed
Meetings are not required
0% VAT
Marshall Islands Company Package
Incorporation Package Includes
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- Government Registration Fee (First year)
- Registered Office Address (First year)
- Registered Agent Services (First year)
- Company Secretarial Maintenance
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memo & Articles of Association
- Appointment of 1st Directors
- Consent Actions of the BOD
- Share Certificates
- Register of Directors
- Register of Officers
- Register of Shareholders
- FREE Phone and/or email consultations
Offshore Protection Supports Clients
Specialized Consultation and Strategy
An in-depth review of your business model to ensure the Marshall Islands is the optimal jurisdiction for your needs.
Business strategy modeling and banking facilitation, where we have maintained a high success rate over the past 24 months.
Ongoing support via email or two scheduled calls with your legal consultant.
Comprehensive Company Formation Package
Document preparation, filing, and full incorporation management
One year of Registered Agent and local Registered Address services
Apostilled digital corporate and incorporation documents and shareholder and director registers
Bank Account & Financial Accounts Support
Bank introductions and opening your business account
End of year accounting solutions for filing accounts
End to end solutions for all your banking and accounting needs
Yearly Compliance & Renewals Help
Annual renewals and compliance filing ($1,100 plus applicable sales tax).
Economic Substance filings to ensure the company remains in good standing.
A 20% discount on any additional certificates required by banks or brokerages throughout 2026.
Simple, Straight Forward Pricing.
***Get Started on Your Marshall Islands Company Today and Receive a 10% Discount
Special*
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Unlimited Name Checks
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Does Not include Corporate ShareholdersExtra compliance fee is required
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40% of normal pricingAfter $350 Consultation Fee
all-inclusive incorporation rate
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Includes Banking Facilitation
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All first-year government fees2nd year fees are not included
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Apostilled corporate and incorporation documentsdigital copies
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Ongoing Support
Why Choose Us?
30+ jurisdictions
About Offshore Protection
What Our Clients Say
See why 200+ people give our service 5 stars
"Offshore Protection created a perfect offshore strategy that allowed me to transition my business, assets and life offshore"
"As a proud owner of a second passport, a fully tax-free business and several accounts around the world. I can finally say that I have my plan B covered, thanks in large part to the team at Offshore Protection!"
"I felt like my assets were unnecessarily exposed. And due to my work I felt that I needed to keep my family safe. After hearing about Offshore Protection and the Cook Islands it was a no brainer"
How To Start?
Get in Touch
Setup a private consultation (your fee goes toward your purchase) or send us a message on our contact us page
Send Us Documents
Have ready the required documents in order to begin the incorporation process
Business Setup
As soon as we have all the neccessary KYC and business documents we begin the process
OFFSHORE STRATEGY CONSULTATION
Your situation is
unique.
Your strategy should be too.
Marshall Island Company Corporate Details
Anonymity, Confidentiality and Disclosure
A non-resident domestic company does not need to be submitted to the government and is not open to the public. The country does share details in order to comply with CRS and FATCA. All beneficial owners, directors and shareholders can maintain anonymity through the use of nominee services. The names of the beneficial owner and director(s) are required to be filed with the Registered Agent, though those names and contact details are held confidentially. No financial documents, statements, accounts or audits are required to be submitted to the government.
Company Shares
Companies formed in the Marshall Islands may use registered, preference, redeemable shares, with or without par value and with or without voting rights. Bearer Shares are not allowed.
Required Capital
The minimum issued share capital for a non-resident company is one share, with a usual authorized amount of US$50,000, that is usually expressed as 500 shares without par value, which may be in any currency.
Financial Statements Required
There are no requirements to submit any financial statements; however, a company must keep financial statements, accounts and records of the company's business standing, financials, and records. They may be held anywhere in the world.
Permitted Limited Liability Suffixes
A Company must use the appropriate suffix “Corp”, “Ltd”, “S.A.”, or “PLC”
Time Required to Form Offshore Company
2 Business days
Type of Law
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has a mixed legal system, with elements of laws from the United States and the United Kingdom, combined with local statues. Corporate and companies law are primarily modelled after Delaware and NY corporate law.
Shareholders
A Non-Resident Domestic Corporation requires that there be at least one (1) shareholder who may either be an individual or a corporate body, may be of any nationality and resident of any country.
Language of Name
A Marshall Islands IBC may be in any language as long as it uses the Roman alphabet and provides an English translation.
Trading Restrictions
A Marshall Islands IBC is not allowed to trade within the country.
Exchange Controls
There are no exchange controls in Marshall Islands
Shelf Companies Available
Yes, shelf companies are readily available.
Director
A Marshal Islands IBC requires only one Director who may be an individual or a corporate body, may be a resident of any country and any nationality
Company Secretary
A Company Secretary is required for a Marshall Islands IBC. A Secretary can either be an individual or a corporate body and does not need to be local resident.
Company Meetings
Company meetings may be held anywhere in the world and are not required for a Marshall Islands IBC.
Principal Corporate Legislation
Company incorporation and formation of non-resident companies is under the jurisdiction of the Association Law of the Republic of Marshall Islands 1990, which includes:
- Business Corporations Act
- Limited Partnership Act
- Limited Liability Company Act
- Partnership Act (revised)
Name Restrictions
Any company name that is already in use or is deemed offensive or undesirable by the Register may not be used. The following words may also not be used, unless the company receives special permission from the Register; these include: trust, partnership, gaming, foundation, bank, insurance, or establishment.
Access to Double Tax Treaties
The Republic of the Marshall Islands has not signed any Double Tax Treaties
Powers of the Company
The powers of the company have the same powers as a natural person.
Registered Office Required
Yes, Marshall Island company incorporation requirements state that a local, registered office is mandatory for every non-resident company
Local Presence
Registered Agent and office is required
Names of Company Requiring a Special Licence or Permission
The following words may also not be used, unless the company receives special permission from the Register; these include: bank, insurance, trust and gaming.
Annual Reporting
There are no annual reporting requirements for a Marshall Islands IBC
Audit Requirements
There are no audit requirements needed for a Non-Resident domestic corporation
FAQs
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1. What is a Marshall Islands company best used for?
Most commonly: ship and yacht ownership, holding companies, international trading, investment vehicles, and joint ventures. The RMI is the world's second-largest ship registry, so maritime use is its signature strength. It's also popular for crypto and fintech holding structures.
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2. What's the difference between a Marshall Islands IBC and an LLC?
An IBC (Non-Resident Domestic Corporation) uses shares, directors, and shareholders — best for trading, holding, and ship ownership. An LLC uses members and managers, offers pass-through flexibility, and is often preferred by US owners and for joint ventures. Both are tax-exempt on non-RMI income.
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3. How much does it cost to form and maintain a Marshall Islands company?
Formation typically runs a few hundred to low four figures depending on the provider and package (registered agent, apostilled docs, etc.). Annual renewal is generally similar, covering the government fee and registered agent. [Insert your firm's exact pricing.]
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4. How long does registration take, and do I need to travel there?
Usually 1–3 business days once documents are in order. No travel required — the entire process is handled remotely through a licensed registered agent.
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5. What do I need to provide to get started
Proposed company name, a certified passport copy for each director/shareholder/UBO, proof of address (recent utility bill or bank statement), and a short description of intended business activities. A professional reference may be requested for compliance.
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6. Do I need local directors, shareholders, or a registered agent
No local directors or shareholders are required — a single person can hold all roles, and any nationality is accepted. A registered agent in the Marshall Islands is mandatory and handles official filings and correspondence.
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7. Are Marshall Islands companies tax-free, and how does FATCA/CRS affect me?
Non-resident entities pay no RMI tax on foreign-source income, capital gains, or dividends. However, you're still taxable where you're personally resident. The RMI participates in FATCA and CRS, so account information is reported to your home tax authority — a Marshall Islands company is not a way to hide income.
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8. Does economic substance apply to my company?
Possibly. Substance rules apply to entities carrying out "relevant activities" — banking, insurance, fund management, financing, shipping, headquarters, distribution, IP, and holding company business. Pure holding companies face a light-touch test; others must demonstrate real activity, staff, or expenditure in the RMI. Most trading and investment vehicles can comply or fall outside scope with proper structuring.
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9. Is ownership information kept private?
Yes — directors, shareholders, and members are not listed on any public register. Beneficial ownership details are held privately by the registered agent and disclosed only to authorities under legal process or international information-exchange obligations.
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10. Is the Marshall Islands reputable, and will banks open accounts for it?
The RMI is a well-established jurisdiction, a UN member, and not on the FATF blacklist. Banks will open accounts, but expect standard offshore due diligence — clear source of funds, clean documentation, and a credible business purpose. Using an experienced agent makes banking introductions much smoother.
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11. Can I register a ship or yacht under my Marshall Islands company?
Yes, and this is one of the RMI's flagship services. The registry is recognised worldwide, flag-approved for most ports, and commonly used for commercial vessels, superyachts, and offshore rigs. Registration can be done alongside company formation.
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12. What are the ongoing annual compliance requirements
Pay the annual government fee and registered agent fee, keep internal records of directors/members and transactions, and file an economic substance declaration if applicable. There's no requirement to file public accounts or audited financials for standard non-resident entities.
