Marshall Islands Made Simple,
Registration to Renewals,
Fully Managed
Marshall Islands corporations are recognized globally for maritime and holding company use. We provide streamlined registration, nominee services, and annual maintenance to keep your entity compliant.
International Recognition & Compliance
The Marshall Islands was removed from the EU watchlist in October 2023, maintaining strong international standing as the world's third-largest ship registry.
OECD Standards & Best Practices
The Marshall Islands maintains 'Largely Compliant' status with OECD Global Forum standards, having commenced AEOI exchanges in 2018.
Why Choose a Marshall Islands Company
The Marshall Islands has grown to become the world's third-largest ship registry, offering efficient corporate structures popular with maritime, aviation, and holding companies.
Zero Taxation on Foreign Income
Marshall Islands non-resident domestic corporations pay no tax on income earned outside the country. No capital gains, inheritance, or gift taxes.
Popular Maritime Registry
Third largest ship registry globally. Specialized legislation and infrastructure for vessel registration and maritime business operations.
Rapid Company Formation
Incorporate within 24-48 hours. The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands provides efficient same-day processing for urgent formations.
Privacy Provisions
Director and shareholder information is not part of the public record. Bearer shares are permitted for additional confidentiality.
US Association Benefits
Under the Compact of Free Association with the US, the Marshall Islands maintains stable political and economic relations.
Minimal Compliance
No audit requirements, no minimum capital, and no annual general meeting requirements. Simple annual renewal keeps companies in good standing.
Privacy Score
Strong privacy protections maintained
The Marshall Islands maintains strong privacy protections for company information. Beneficial ownership, director, and shareholder details are maintained by the registered agent and not filed on any public register. Access is available only to competent authorities through proper legal channels. Bearer shares are still permitted for certain entities. This provides stronger privacy than many jurisdictions.
Director Anonymity
Not publicly registered
Director information is maintained by the registered agent but is not filed on any public register. The Marshall Islands does not have a searchable public companies database. Nominee director services are available. This provides genuine director anonymity from public searches while meeting regulatory requirements through registered agent records.
Beneficial Ownership
Agent maintained, not public
Beneficial ownership information is maintained by the registered agent pursuant to AML/CFT requirements and is available to competent authorities. The information is not publicly accessible or searchable. The Marshall Islands meets international standards for BO transparency to authorities while preserving privacy from general public access.
Information Exchange
FATCA participant, developing CRS
The Marshall Islands has a FATCA agreement with the United States (important given the Compact of Free Association relationship). CRS implementation has been developing. As a US-associated territory, information exchange with the US is comprehensive. Exchange with other jurisdictions is less extensive than major financial centers.
Banking Acceptance
Good acceptance, maritime specialty
Marshall Islands entities enjoy good acceptance at international banks, particularly for maritime and shipping structures where the jurisdiction is a global leader. As the world's second-largest maritime registry, banks are very familiar with Marshall Islands ship-owning companies. For non-maritime corporate structures, acceptance is adequate but less universal than BVI or Cayman.
Financial Reputation
#2 global maritime registry, clean standing
The Marshall Islands is best known as the world's second-largest maritime registry (after Panama), with over 4,000 vessels registered. This provides strong institutional credibility in shipping and maritime finance. The jurisdiction is not on FATF or EU monitoring lists. For non-maritime purposes, the reputation is adequate but less prominent.
Currency Freedom
USD as legal tender, no exchange controls
The Marshall Islands uses the US Dollar as legal tender under the Compact of Free Association with the United States. There are no exchange controls, capital restrictions, or currency regulations. This provides maximum currency freedom and stability, eliminating any exchange risk for dollar-denominated business.
Banking Partnerships
Limited local banking, international access
The Marshall Islands has minimal domestic banking infrastructure. Marshall Islands entities typically bank through international institutions in jurisdictions like Singapore, Hong Kong, or the United States. The US relationship facilitates banking access. For maritime structures, specialist ship finance banks are well-established service providers.
Regulatory Framework
US-influenced framework, specialized legislation
The Marshall Islands legal system is influenced by US law under the Compact of Free Association. The Trust Company Act, Business Corporations Act, and Maritime Act provide modern corporate and shipping legislation. The Maritime Administrator oversees ship registration. The framework is specialized but functional for the jurisdiction's focus areas.
OECD Compliance
Working toward standards, not fully assessed
The Marshall Islands has been working with international bodies on tax transparency but has not undergone the same level of OECD Global Forum peer review as major financial centers. The jurisdiction is committed to meeting international standards and participates in relevant initiatives. Progress is ongoing.
EU Recognition
Not on EU blacklist or greylist
The Marshall Islands is not listed on either EU Annex I (blacklist) or Annex II (greylist). This clean status means no enhanced due diligence requirements triggered by EU listing. For a jurisdiction with strong privacy protections, this clean EU standing is notable and provides operational flexibility.
FATCA/CRS Compliance
FATCA compliant, developing CRS
The Marshall Islands has a FATCA IGA with the United States, reflecting the close US relationship. CRS implementation has been in development. The jurisdiction meets AML/CFT standards as assessed by relevant bodies. Compliance infrastructure is functional though less sophisticated than major financial centers.
Incorporation Speed
1-2 business days, efficient processing
Marshall Islands company incorporation typically completes in 1-2 business days through the Registrar of Corporations. The Trust Company of the Marshall Islands (TCMI) administers the registry efficiently. Ship registration can also be completed quickly. The streamlined process is competitive with leading IFCs.
Tax Efficiency
0% corporate tax, no capital gains tax
Marshall Islands non-resident corporations are exempt from all local taxation including income tax, capital gains tax, and withholding taxes. There is no VAT or estate tax. Only annual registration fees apply. For qualifying structures, this represents complete tax neutrality. The US Compact relationship does not create US tax obligations for non-US activities.
Political Stability
Stable under US Compact, small nation
The Marshall Islands has a Compact of Free Association with the United States providing defense, economic support, and institutional stability. The country is a stable democracy. The small population (approximately 60,000) and remote Pacific location mean limited resources but also minimal political volatility. The US relationship is a stabilizing factor.
Legal System
US-influenced common law system
The Marshall Islands legal system is based on US-influenced common law. The High Court has jurisdiction over corporate and commercial matters. The Trust Company Act provides modern corporate law. Legal resources are limited locally, but the US legal heritage provides familiarity. For maritime matters, specialized international law applies.
Global Reputation
Premier maritime jurisdiction
The Marshall Islands is globally recognized as the #2 ship registry with outstanding reputation in maritime and shipping circles. Major shipping companies and cruise lines use Marshall Islands flags. For non-maritime corporate purposes, the jurisdiction has a lower profile but is known among offshore practitioners. Niche excellence rather than general recognition.
Treaty Network
Very limited treaty network
The Marshall Islands has minimal Double Taxation Agreements. The TIEA network is limited. For businesses requiring treaty access to reduce source taxation, the Marshall Islands is not suitable. The jurisdiction is optimized for maritime and holding structures rather than treaty-based tax planning.
Trade Relations
US Compact benefits, limited other access
The Compact of Free Association with the United States provides certain economic benefits and access. Marshall Islands citizens can work in the US. For trade purposes beyond the US relationship, access is limited. The jurisdiction is not a member of major economic blocs. Suitable for holding rather than active trading operations.
Diplomatic Status
Independent nation with US Compact
The Marshall Islands is an independent nation (since 1986) with UN membership and full diplomatic capacity. The Compact of Free Association with the US provides defense and economic support. The country maintains diplomatic relationships globally and is a member of various international organizations including the Pacific Islands Forum.
Marshall Islands Corporate Services
Complete Marshall Islands corporate services from entity formation to ongoing administration. We manage every aspect of your Marshall Islands company or LLC.
Company Formation
Establish your Marshall Islands entity through the Trust Company of the Marshall Islands (TCMI). Choose from corporations, LLCs, or partnerships based on your business needs.
Complete Marshall Islands corporation or LLC formation through TCMI. We prepare all documentation, handle filings, and provide your organizational documents ready for operations.
Mandatory Marshall Islands registered agent with professional Majuro address. All government correspondence and statutory communications managed on your behalf.
Access international banking partners for your Marshall Islands entity. We prepare applications, compile KYC documentation, and facilitate the account opening process.
Compliance & Filing
Maintain full compliance with Marshall Islands corporate requirements. We manage annual filings, government fees, and statutory obligations to keep your entity in good standing.
Comprehensive annual compliance management including deadline tracking, government fee payments, and good standing maintenance with TCMI.
Preparation and submission of annual reports to TCMI. We handle fee payments and ensure timely filing to maintain your entity's active status.
Management of beneficial ownership information as required by Marshall Islands regulations. Proper maintenance through licensed registered agents.
Professional bookkeeping services including transaction recording, bank reconciliation, and financial record maintenance meeting international standards.
Document Retrieval
Obtain official corporate documents from Marshall Islands authorities. Fast processing with authentication services available.
Official document confirming current directors/managers, shareholders/members, and registered agent. Essential for banking and commercial verification.
Confirms your Marshall Islands entity is active with no outstanding fees. Essential for banking relationships and international transactions.
Certified copy of your original formation documents from TCMI. Available for corporations (Certificate of Incorporation) and LLCs (Certificate of Formation).
Certified copies of your entity's governing documents. Articles of Incorporation for corporations or Operating Agreement for LLCs.
Corporate Administration
Professional Marshall Islands entity administration and nominee services. Maintain proper governance with qualified professionals managing your requirements.
Professional nominee director services for Marshall Islands corporations. Includes appropriate documentation and indemnity arrangements.
Nominee shareholder or member services with declaration of trust arrangements. Handles responsibilities while protecting beneficial owner information.
Complete corporate secretarial support including board minutes, resolutions, statutory register maintenance, and document management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential information about the Marshall Islands as a jurisdiction for international business
The Marshall Islands has a unique legal framework based on US law, reflecting the Compact of Free Association with the United States. The Business Corporations Act is modeled on Delaware corporate law, providing familiar principles for US businesses. The Marshall Islands also recognizes trusts and LLCs under modern legislation. The High Court handles commercial matters.
Marshall Islands non-resident domestic corporations and LLCs are exempt from all local taxation on foreign-source income. There is no corporate income tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax, or stamp duty for qualifying entities. Only annual registration fees apply. The US Dollar is legal tender, eliminating currency exchange considerations.
The Marshall Islands is not on the FATF grey list or EU blacklist/greylist. The jurisdiction maintains clean compliance status and has implemented transparency measures meeting international standards. This favorable standing, combined with the US association, provides good acceptance for banking and international transactions.
The Marshall Islands offers Corporations (similar to Delaware corporations), Limited Liability Companies (LLCs), Limited Partnerships, and Trusts. The corporate framework allows for flexible share structures, no minimum capital, and no local director requirements. LLCs are particularly popular for their pass-through taxation potential and liability protection.
The Marshall Islands maintains beneficial ownership information with registered agents, accessible to authorities through proper legal channels but not publicly disclosed. Director and shareholder information is not filed on any public register, though this information must be maintained by the registered agent. Bearer shares have been abolished.
The Marshall Islands operates the world's second-largest ship registry, with vessels totaling over 180 million gross tons. This maritime expertise demonstrates the jurisdiction's administrative capacity and international recognition. The same infrastructure supports corporate services with efficient processing and experienced administrators.
The Marshall Islands has a Compact of Free Association with the United States, providing unique benefits including use of US Dollar as legal tender, US postal services, and certain US banking access. Marshallese citizens can live and work in the US. This relationship provides stability and facilitates connections with US business networks.
Explore Marshall Islands Solutions
From non-resident LLCs to maritime structures, understand how this US-associated Pacific jurisdiction fits your business model.
