Regulations & Legal Framework

This page provides the legal framework governing the Kiribati International Business and Companies Register, company incorporation rules, annual obligations, and director compliance requirements.

Important Notice

The Kiribati International Business and Companies Register does not accept direct applications from the public. All company incorporations, amendments, and filings must be submitted through an Authorized Agent. To become an Authorized Agent, you must apply through the Authorized Agent Key Partner Program.

Use the documents below to understand the regulatory framework, company obligations, and compliance requirements for International Business Companies (IBCs) registered in Kiribati.

Annual Fee Structure

All registered International Business Companies (IBCs) are subject to an annual fee.

Fee: 6,000 USD

Annual Fee Requirements

Annual fee: 6,000 USD per company
Due date: 30 March of each calendar year
Covers the company's registration and regulatory oversight
No additional taxes or levies for international companies

Non-Payment Consequences

30-day grace period after the due date
If still unpaid: automatic company dissolution
All directors and officers become disqualified
Disqualified persons cannot register a new company for 5 years

Grace Period: Companies that fail to pay the annual fee have 30 days from the due date to settle the outstanding amount. After this period, the company is automatically struck off the register and dissolved.

Governing Laws & Core Rules

Primary legislation governing company registration, operation, and compliance in Kiribati.

International Companies Act

Core legislation for IBC incorporation, management, and dissolution.

PDF

Companies Regulations

Regulatory rules for annual filings, fees, and compliance.

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Beneficial Ownership Act

Rules for beneficial ownership disclosure (confidential).

PDF

Director Disqualification Act

Rules for director disqualification and prohibited persons.

PDF

Anti-Money Laundering Act

AML/CFT obligations for registered companies.

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Data Protection Act

Privacy rules for company and officer information.

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Forms & Company Filings

Download official forms for company incorporation, annual returns, officer changes, and other filings.

Incorporation Form

Initial company incorporation application (submitted by Authorized Agent).

New company IBC Agent submission

Annual Return Form

Annual filing updating company information and confirming fee payment.

Annual filing 5,000 USD fee Due 30 March

Officer Change Form

Notify changes to directors, secretaries, or other officers.

Director change Appointment Resignation

Address Change Form

Update registered office or service address.

Address update Registered office

Company Name Change Form

Request to change the registered company name.

Name change Availability check

Certificate Order Form

Order Certificate of Good Standing or certified copies.

Good standing Certified copy

Note: All forms must be submitted by an Authorized Agent. The Register does not accept direct submissions from companies or individuals.

Authorized Agents & Key Partner Program

The Kiribati International Business and Companies Register does not accept direct applications. All company registrations and filings must be submitted through an Authorized Agent.

To become an Authorized Agent, you must apply through the Authorized Agent Key Partner Program. Authorized Agents are responsible for:

Verifying client identity and due diligence
Preparing and submitting incorporation documents
Collecting and remitting annual fees
Maintaining beneficial ownership records (confidential)
Filing annual returns and officer changes

Authorized Agent Key Partner Program

Ownership Information is Confidential

Beneficial ownership information is not publicly available on the register. Only company management (directors, secretaries, and officers) is displayed in the public record. Ownership details are held confidentially by Authorized Agents and disclosed only to regulatory authorities when required by law.

Public Information

The public register shows: company name, registration number, status, incorporation date, registered address, filing history, and officer names (directors, secretaries). Ownership, shareholder details, and beneficial owners are NOT publicly accessible.

Director Disqualification Rules

Grounds for Disqualification

Non-payment of annual fees (after 30-day grace period)
Failure to file annual returns for 2 consecutive years
Conviction of fraud, money laundering, or similar offenses
Breach of director duties under the International Companies Act
Company struck off for regulatory non-compliance

Consequences of Disqualification

Cannot act as director or officer of any Kiribati company
Cannot incorporate a new company for 5 years
Name published on the Disqualified Directors Register
Existing directorships automatically terminated
May apply for restoration after 5 years (subject to approval)