The Republic of Palau has a tightly clustered archipelago of about 300 islands. It is an independent country that has signed the Compact of Free Association with the United States. This fact makes the idea of buying a company in Palau more attractive. In addition, the United States provides the Republic with economic aid and access to federal services and programs, permits citizens to reside in U.S. states and territories, and assumes responsibility for defense and security. A favorable tax regime is the main reason foreign investors are interested in establishing a business in Ngerulmud or any other city in Palau.
Advantages of registering a company
- intensive growth of the economy;
- absence of foreign exchange controls;
- access to the large U.S. market.
Main forms of legal presence and doing business
- limited liability company (LLC);
- private company.
Registration procedure
- Obtain permission for foreign investments;
- Deposit the authorized capital into a bank account;
- Check the uniqueness of the chosen company name in the Commercial Register;
- Register the company with the Corporate Registrar in Palau;
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN);
- Register with the social security system;
- Open a corporate bank account;
- Obtain licenses and permits for conducting business.
Legislation and regulatory environment
The Foreign Investment Law is the primary legal act regulating non-resident entrepreneurs' activity in the country. According to this law, investors can open a firm in Palau only after obtaining the appropriate Certificate. The conditions for its issuance are:
- Making capital investments of at least $500,000;
- Employment of at least 20% of the total number of citizens of the Republic.
If these requirements are met, foreign investments will be evaluated according to economic necessity, usefulness, and impact on the social and cultural sphere.
Tax system
- corporate tax - 12% (for income over $50,000);
- PIT - 6% to 12% (depending on income level);
- VAT - 10%;
- dividend tax - 0%;
- no capital gains tax.
Open a business in Palau: how the lawyers of Prifinance can assist
Prifinance lawyers will advise on the possibility of doing business in the Republic, select the appropriate legal form of activity, and support with bureaucratic procedures and administrative issues. With our assistance, you can buy a ready-made company in Palau. The specialists of Prifinance also deal with bookkeeping and the company's annual maintenance.