• We have included as much information as possible for you, the entrepreneur to help you along the way.

1. How Do I Register a Business in Fiji?

• If you are an overseas investor, then click on this site for information on how to register your business and the approvals process.  http://www.ftib.org.fj/fiji-business.cfm
• If you are a Fiji national looking to start up a new business, then read on. (for limited liability companies only)
• Option 1:
• Purchase a registered business (limited liability, partnership) off the shelf from a law firm or a Chartered Accountant.  All necessary documents would have been registered with the appropriate authorities in Fiji.  The purchase price should range from F$300.00 upward.
• Option 2:
• Firstly, Check the uniqueness of the proposed company name and reserve the name with the Companies Office at Level 2, Suvavou House, Suva.  This will take at least 8 days for an answer and it will cost you F$6.75.  The application will take a week to process, and if it is successful, the company name will be reserved for 30 days (with a one-time extension). Company incorporation documents (Articles and Memorandum of Association etc) must be lodged with the Registrar within this time.
• Secondly, Obtain a "declaration of due compliance" sworn by a lawyer.  This will take at least 3 days to complete and will cost you approximately F$1,000.00.  Lawyer fees may vary from F$1,000.00 to F$2,000.00. The lawyer must declare that they have been involved in the company’s formation.
• Thirdly, Register the company with the Companies Registrar at Level 2, Suvavou House, Suva.  This will take at least 20 days to complete and will cost F$140.00.  Under the Fijian Companies Act 1985, companies must submit the application for registration to the Companies Registrar, along with the following company incorporation documents: -
• Memorandum and articles of association.
• Reservation of company name.
• Form 201, Notice of situation of registered office.
• Form 203, Particulars of directors and secretary.
• Form 208, Declaration of compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act (sworn by a lawyer).
• Form 203, List of directors.

The registration fees vary depending on the authorized company capital. For example, for issued capital of F$10,000 the filing would be about F$130.00 and stamp duty another F$10.00.

• Fourthly, Register for income tax and VAT with Fiji Islands Revenue & Customs Authority (FIRCA) at Waisomo House, Suva.  This will take 1-2 weeks to be finalised and will not cost you anything.  The company completes the registration forms available from the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority. A new, modern registration process provides taxpayers with a one-stop service. Taxpayers can register for all tax types in Suva and the district offices. Registration forms will be processed at one central point for Suva, Lautoka, and Labasa.
• Fifth on the list is to Receive inspection by FIRCA on your company's premises.  This should take 1 day at no charge.  Since December 2004, if VAT registration is required, the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority requires the inspection of the business premises.
• Sixth on the list is to Register with Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (TPAF) for statutory training tax and will take 3 days at no cost.  Statutory training tax is 1% of payroll.
• Seventh on the list is to Apply for a business license from the relevant licensing authority (normally the City Council) and this will take at least 1-2 weeks.  You will need to have your company registration and VAT registration available before you get to this stage.  The company must obtain a business license from the relevant licensing authority for each place it carries out business. This license is renewable annually. Depending on the activity, the fees range from F$100.00 to F$500.00. The list of industries is comprehensive.
• Last on the list is to Register as an employer with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) and this will take 1-2 weeks at no cost.