How to set up a company in Fiji as a foreign investor (2026 guide)

Fiji welcomes foreign investment, but the setup involves several government agencies and the order matters. Here is how the process works in 2026 for an overseas investor setting up a private company.

1. Check your activity is open to foreign investors

Under the Investment Act 2021 and the Investment (Reserved and Restricted Activities) Regulations 2022, some business activities are reserved for Fijian citizens and others are restricted, meaning they carry extra conditions or a higher minimum investment. Check this first, before you spend money on anything else.

2. Plan your minimum investment

For most activities, a foreign investor needs to invest at least FJD 300,000 as paid-up capital, and the funds must be brought into Fiji within three months of incorporation. Restricted activities can require more.

3. Reserve the name and register the company

Since the Investment Act 2021, foreign investors no longer apply for a Foreign Investment Registration Certificate. Instead, the company is registered directly with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) under the Companies Act 2015. You will need:

• a company name (reserved first)
• the company’s constitution (articles)
• details and ID of directors and shareholders
• a registered office address in Fiji
• at least one director who is ordinarily resident in Fiji

4. Reserve Bank of Fiji approval for the shares

Issuing or transferring shares in a Fiji company to non-residents needs approval from the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF). The RBF also confirms that your investment funds have arrived from overseas. That confirmation matters later, because the investor permit and the bank both rely on it.

5. Tax registration

The company registers with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) for a Tax Identification Number (TIN), and for VAT if its turnover will exceed FJD 100,000 in any 12 months. It also registers for PAYE once it has staff.

6. Bank account, permits and licences

• Investor permit. Apply to the Immigration Department for an investor permit to run the business.
• Business bank account. Banks require a valid investor permit before they will open the account, so the permit comes first. They will also ask for your company documents, RBF approval and identity checks on the owners.
• Business licence. No longer required. You no longer need a separate business licence from the city or town council.
• FNPF. Register the company as an employer before you hire staff.
• Sector approvals. Some industries need extra approvals, such as tourism, liquor, land use and environment.

Can it be done remotely?

Yes, mostly. Nearly every step can be handled without you travelling to Fiji. We prepare and lodge the applications from our Nadi office and send you the documents to sign. The main exception is opening the business bank account, which usually needs you to visit the bank in Fiji once your investor permit is approved.

How long does it take?

A straightforward setup usually takes a few weeks from start to a registered, tax-registered company. The RBF approval, bank account and investor permit can add several more weeks, depending on how complete your documents are.

How we help

We handle the whole sequence: name reservation, ROC registration, RBF approvals, tax registration, local director and registered office, and investor permits. You get a written scope and fixed fees before anything starts.

This guide is general information as at October 2026, not legal or tax advice. Rules and thresholds change, so contact us to confirm the requirements for your situation.