Ownership of vessels to be registered

Registration of a vessel upon the Cook Islands Ships Registry is governed by the Ship Registration Act 2007; vessel ownership requirements state that a ship is or will be owned (in the majority of shares) by - or on a demise charter to - a "qualified person."

This is defined as a person who is resident in the Cook Islands; or an entity which:

1. is incorporated in the Cook Islands; or

2. an existing international company registered in the Cook Islands;

(Both such corporate entities are exempt from taxation in Cook Islands)  

Ships are most commonly owned by an International Company or Cook Islands-registered Foreign Entity. The shareholders of which can be individuals or corporations.

Please see additional pages for further information on the Cook Islands' offshore jurisdiction and the requirements for incorporation/registration.

Please contact Maritime Cook Islands for information on a suitable trustee company to undertake the required services.

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