Step #2: Foreign Investment Certification
Application for Foreign Investor Certification
All overseas persons must obtain a Foreign Investor Certification before conducting business in Tonga. Under the Foreign Investment Act 2020, there are four categories of entities generally considered to be overseas persons:
- Foreign-registered entities: Any business formed in a jurisdiction outside Tonga, such as an overseas company.
- Locally registered companies with foreign ownership: A Tonga-registered company is deemed an overseas person if even one share is owned by a non-citizen or foreign entity.
- Individual foreign investors: Any individual who is not a Tongan citizen.
- Other foreign entities: This includes all foreign entities not formally incorporated.
Process
- Foreign Investment Certification online application via the Business Registries Office, after creating the account (Step #1).
- Pay registration fee via credit card, cash, or cheque (US$210 - TOP500).
Required information
- Local representative (if any)
- Type of business activity
- Proposed business location(s)
- Estimated investment amount
- Expected employment levels
Issuance of Foreign Investor Certificate
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Registrar. If more information is needed, the application will be marked as pending until the required details are provided.If everything is in order, the Foreign Investor Certification will be emailed to the applicant. If there are any questions, the Registrar will get in touch by email.
Person in charge
- Losana Timani
- Telephone: 7400105 ext.145
- Email: losanat@mcctil.gov.to
- Website: www.businessregistries.gov.to
- Address: Ministry of Trade and Economic Development (Latai Estate,P.O Box 110, Cnr Queen Salote and Tupoulahi Rd, Nuku'alofa)
For detailed information, please review Business Registration Office online portal:
https://businessregistries.gov.to/public/howto.aspx?cn=RegisterForeignCertification&ctk=CompanyHowTo