Marshall Islands Economic Substance Declaration — Filed Accurately, On Time
From preparation to submission, we take care of your Marshall Islands economic substance declaration so nothing falls through the cracks. Our team compiles the required disclosures, verifies every detail, and submits your annual ESD to the RMI Registrar — keeping your entity fully compliant and in good standing.
Understanding the Marshall Islands Economic Substance Declaration
Under the Economic Substance Regulations, 2018, the Republic of the Marshall Islands requires qualifying entities to file an annual Economic Substance Declaration (ESD). This obligation applies to Non-Resident Domestic Entities (NRDEs) and Foreign Maritime Entities (FMEs) engaged in designated activities within the jurisdiction.
Each covered entity must demonstrate genuine economic presence by disclosing key operational data — including income, expenditures, staffing, and premises — through the Registrar of Corporations' online portal. The declaration confirms that core income-generating activities are being conducted in or directed from the Marshall Islands.
These regulations took effect on 1 January 2019, reflecting the RMI's commitment to global tax transparency benchmarks established by the OECD and the EU.
Information Required
Relevant Activity Classification
Revenue and Expense Data
Workforce and Premises Details
Core Activity Evidence
Pure equity holding entities face simplified disclosure obligations — they must confirm adequate staffing and premises but are not required to satisfy the full directed-and-managed or CIGA tests.
Reduced and Special Requirements
Pure Equity Holding Companies
Entities Without Relevant Activities
Banking and Insurance
Shipping Entities
Even where reduced requirements apply, entities must still submit their Economic Substance Declaration by the annual deadline to avoid penalties.
Penalty Structure
Initial non-compliance
Fine of up to US $50,000 for failing to meet economic substance obligations or missing the filing deadlineContinued non-compliance
Escalated penalties of up to US $100,000 for entities that remain non-compliant after the first determinationRevocation and dissolution
The Registrar may revoke the entity's registration and initiate dissolution proceedings for persistent failuresGood standing impact
Non-compliant entities cannot obtain certificates of good standing, affecting business operations and banking relationshipsThe Registrar actively enforces these requirements. Timely filing is critical to maintaining your entity's active status and avoiding escalating consequences.
Economic Substance Declaration Deadline
The ESD must be submitted within 12 months of the entity's anniversary date — the date the NRDE or FME was originally registered or formed.
| Anniversary Date (Example) | Filing Window | Deadline | Subsequent Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th March 2024 | 15th March 2024 to 14th March 2025 | 14th March 2025 | 14th March |
| 1st September 2024 | 1st September 2024 to 31st August 2025 | 31st August 2025 | 31st August |
Your Economic Substance Declaration, Managed End to End
Our team handles your Marshall Islands ESD from initial assessment through portal submission — so you can focus on running your business.
Included at No Extra Cost
Your ESD filing is bundled into the annual compliance package — no add-on fees or unexpected charges.
Marshall Islands Regulatory Knowledge
We stay current on RMI economic substance rules, ensuring your declaration meets every requirement set by the Registrar.
Single Point of Contact
A dedicated relationship manager coordinates your filing, answers your questions, and keeps you informed at every stage.
Proactive Deadline Alerts
Automated reminders well ahead of your anniversary date ensure you never risk a late submission or penalty.
Efficient Processing
We prepare and submit your declaration promptly, keeping your entity's good standing intact without unnecessary delays.
Marshall Islands ES Compliance, Taken Care Of
From gathering your activity data to submitting the final declaration, we manage each step of the process for you.
Economic Substance Declaration — No Separate Fee
Your Marshall Islands ESD filing is bundled into the compliance package at no additional cost. Regulatory essentials should never come with a surprise invoice.
For Existing Customers
For Company Transfers
What's Included
Thorough relevant-activity assessment
Full ESD preparation and review
Portal submission to the RMI Registrar
Assigned relationship manager throughout
Anniversary-date deadline tracking
How Your ES Declaration Gets Filed
A straightforward four-step workflow for your Marshall Islands economic substance declaration.
Kick Off Your Declaration
Reach out to begin your Marshall Islands ESD process. We'll confirm your entity's anniversary date, verify your designated activities, and outline what information is needed.
Substance Questionnaire & Documentation
We provide you with the economic substance questionnaire and supporting documents tailored to your activity type. Complete the details — covering income, expenses, employees, and premises — sign, and return them to us.
Portal Submission to the Registrar
With your signed documents in hand, we compile the declaration and submit it through the RMI Registrar's secure online portal, ensuring every disclosure requirement is satisfied.
Declaration Confirmation
Once the Registrar accepts your submission, we send you a confirmation record verifying that your entity has fulfilled its annual economic substance obligation.
Get Your Marshall Islands ESD Off Your Plate
Accurate preparation, timely portal submission, and full confirmation — all handled for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common queries about Marshall Islands economic substance declarations and our filing service.
Non-Resident Domestic Entities (NRDEs) and Foreign Maritime Entities (FMEs) that carry out designated activities — such as holding, shipping, financing, IP, or fund management — must submit an annual Economic Substance Declaration under the Economic Substance Regulations, 2018.
The declaration must be submitted within 12 months of your entity's anniversary date — the date it was originally registered or formed. For example, an entity formed on 15 March has until 14 March of the following year to file.
A first-time failure can result in fines of up to US $50,000 or revocation and dissolution of the entity. Continued non-compliance may attract escalated penalties of up to US $100,000. Non-compliant entities also lose the ability to obtain a certificate of good standing.
You'll need to disclose your entity's relevant activity classification, gross income, operating expenses, asset details, number of employees in the jurisdiction, physical premises, and evidence that core income-generating activities take place within the Marshall Islands.
If your NRDE or FME does not engage in any of the designated activities, the substance test obligations generally do not apply. However, a filing confirmation may still be required to formally establish that status with the Registrar.
Yes. Pure equity holding entities benefit from reduced obligations — they must demonstrate adequate employees and premises but are not subject to the full directed-and-managed test or the core income-generating activities (CIGA) requirements.
The ESD filing service is offered to Expanship-managed Marshall Islands entities. If your entity is currently administered by another provider, you can transfer management to Expanship and we'll address any outstanding declarations as part of the onboarding.
We track your entity's anniversary date and send reminders well in advance, giving you plenty of time to gather the required information. Your assigned relationship manager coordinates the entire process so nothing is overlooked.
Yes. After the Registrar accepts your submission through the online portal, we provide you with a confirmation record as proof that your entity has satisfied its annual economic substance obligation.
Questions About Your ES Declaration?
Whether you need clarity on Marshall Islands substance requirements or want to get started with your filing, our team is ready to assist.
